Referred to as the ‘new neutral’ for 2025, viral butter yellow has many appealing qualities. It brings a sense of softness and warmth to interior designs while subtly paying homage to past trends. This shade manages to be both elegant and fun at once.
That said, the wrong
color combinations
can swiftly shed this fashionable look, as specific vibrant and deep hues overpower its gentleness, and cold neutral shades seem out of place compared to the natural warmth within
decorating with yellow
.
Here, we delve into the shades best avoided when combining them with butter yellow, according to insights from interior decorators. Instead of opting for these contrasting tones, consider selecting more complementary colors.
The colors that pair well with butter yellow
, you can design a perfectly balanced butter yellow color palette.
1. Cool-toned whites
Combining butter yellow with neutral colors like white can create a serene and minimalistic environment; however, selecting the appropriate hue of butter yellow is crucial.
white paint
Cool-colored whites might appear mismatched when combined with warm butter yellow, leading to an off-balance look.
warm white paints
blend well with warm yellow tones.
‘Butter yellow brings a warm, playful energy to a space, but it’s important to be thoughtful when selecting complementary colors. One shade to be cautious with is a cool or blue-toned white – think bright, pure whites often used on trim or modern furnishings,’ explains designer Lucas Goldbach, Design Director at Chicago-based
En Masse Architecture & Design
.
‘When paired with butter yellow, these cooler whites can make the yellow appear dull or even dingy by contrast. Instead, opt for a warm white, such as
Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee
, which enhances butter yellow’s softness and creates a more cohesive, inviting palette,’ recommends Lucas.
2. Bold and saturated tones
While cool whites can feel imbalanced with butter yellow, you may also want to steer away from saturated and bold tones. Since butter yellow is a soft hue, pairing it with overly loud and intense colors can detract from its delicate appeal, suggests NYC-based interior designer
Marina Hanisch
.
‘Butter yellow is such a soft, creamy pastel – it has this beautiful way of catching light and bringing a gentle warmth into a space without overwhelming it. I usually steer clear of pairing it with anything too bold or saturated, because that can overpower its softness,’ she explains.
“If you’re drawn to its neutral aspects, I’d suggest avoiding bold or neon colors when combining butter yellow, as these could overshadow its delicate elegance,” says interior designer Christina Garcia Lysaught.
Layered Dimensions Interior Design
.
Choose instead to go with more subdued colors.
earthy color tones
similar to Farrow & Ball’s distinctive
Faded Terracotta
, or a subtle, understated hue of blue similar to
Benjamin Moore’s Iceberg
, for a colorful yet harmonious look.
3. Pastels
Designers also caution against using very light and soft color palettes when decorating with butter yellow.
pastel room ideas
Butter yellow can complement specific interior design styles effectively; however, it might seem bland for others. Interior designer MK Smith recommends avoiding combinations with pastel colors when using butter yellow, as these pairings may come across as too immature.
Smith Interiors
.
‘I avoid pairing butter yellow with pinks and other pastels that can make it feel too sweet,’ agrees designer Heather Hilliard of San Francisco-based
Heather Hilliard Design
, who designed this
bedroom
Featuring a butter-yellow headboard, the space eschews pastel tones for a lighter grey hue on the walls, which pairs beautifully with the yellow to create a gentle aesthetic that feels richer and more enduring than typical pastels.
4. Black
Consider giving extra thought before combining butter yellow with black, as it might result in excessive contrast. Designer Alexis Warren advises, ‘I would certainly steer clear of teaming up butter yellow with black.’
Alexis Warren Designs
‘The high contrast with the gentle nature of butter yellow might not work well. It’s better to choose colors within the same saturation range to maintain harmony throughout the design.’
New York-based interior designer
Kathy Kuo
Additionally, recommends avoiding stark contrasts when using butter yellow, noting: “I suggest treating butter yellow more like a neutral and refrain from making extremely bold, contrasting combinations. Use it subtly and combine it with other soft and breezy hues.”
If you wish to pair butter yellow with deeper shades, think about
decorating with brown
, capable of conveying a dramatic effect but with greater warmth and reduced intensity compared to black.
Farrow & Ball’s Cola
Is a delightful gentle, luxurious, cozy dark tan hue that pairs exceptionally well with butter yellow, particularly when utilized as subtle highlights.
While designers generally steer clear of these butter yellow color pairings, you should keep in mind that color is subjective, and you can get creative with your schemes to best suit your own home. If you’re feeling inspired to decorate with this happy shade, our favorite
butter yellow decor buys
are sure to enhance your home ambiance this summer.
Enjoying this piece? To read more articles like this one, follow us on MSN by tapping the +Follow button at the top of this page.
