Want to see more?

When it comes to bringing a spirit-brightening splash to your interiors, can another colour compete with yellow? We think not, which is why we’re introducing this roundup with a particular spring in our step. From a vicarage in Kent with impressive decorative provenance to a London pied-à-terre that deftly puts the fun into a feature wall, each of the five homes here showcase the wonders that can happen when life gives you lemons – and you give ’em straight back.

One of the most appealing rooms in Stoppers Lane, a Grade II-listed Georgian house near Wells, is painted wall to wall a warm yellow hue. The result is almost aura-like, exuding happiness. Notice how that classic canary colour complements the elegant furniture and historic features too, such as the early Georgian fireplace, cleverly creating a harmonious space that manages to feel both cosy and uplifting.

Positioned strategically to face the garden and countryside beyond, this comfortable drawing room has large French doors that generously welcome the natural light in too, making the space positively sing on a blue-skied day. Overlooking the surrounding Somerset countryside, it’s as though nature is part of the décor here – and while the seasons may change and the weather may falter, it seems as though the sun always shines in here.

This delightful apartment on Weymouth Mews is right in the middle of Marylebone. It’s brightest boon? The main reception room, which features a single wall painted in Paint and Paper Library’s zingy ‘Gamboge’. Playful though it may be, this happy hue also has a job to do, artfully contrasting with the space’s three other walls, painted deep blue. Adding a touch of texture, mustard curtains pick up the theme, covering the large sash windows.

Could you find a more perfect balance of whimsy and refinement? We think not. This place is a real gem – not least given its location in the bustling West End. Just a short stroll away from the apartment, you can choose to either immerse yourself in the urban delights of zone one, or simply soak up the villagey vibes of charming Marylebone – sophisticated, buzzing, fun and beautiful. Just like this apartment, then.

What do sunrise and sunset have in common? Entrances or exits, they’re both cast in a gorgeous golden glow. The same could be said of the hallway in this sublime four-bedroom house in Wingfield, Wiltshire. The double-height space has been painted a marvellous muted shade of flax that rings of an age long passed and sets the tone for what’s to come: a home of ravishing refinement and respect for historical features.

Elsewhere, subtle touches of yellow combine to create for something of a leitmotif, from the honey-hued limestone of the façade to the master suite’s walls, painted the colour of clotted cream. We also love how, in the stairwell, the rich timber of the dado is lifted by the custard walls and vast skylight overhead. All this suggests that, contrary to popular opinion, too much of a good thing doesn’t exist.

Stand in the spacious living room of this apartment on Muswell Hill Road and you’ll feel your eyes drawn to the handsome French doors, which have been painted a bright-yellow shade by Little Greene. It’s a clever design choice – that saturated lemony zap not only acts as a cheerful high note, becoming a visual anchor in an otherwise muted space, but amplifies the lush greenery of the garden beyond, drawing your attention out towards and further breaking down the barriers between inside and out. Top marks for creativity, taste and the neatness with which this simple detail brings a touch of sunshine into this quiet garden retreat.

The principal sitting room, located at the back of the Old Vicarage in the Kentish market town of West Malling, is a true treasure. But while we love its high ceilings and original joinery, what sets this room apart is the exquisite wallpaper.

A bespoke design, it was hand-painted by an artist associated with Colefax & Fowler and it brings an irrepressible sense of joy to this elegant space. Installed by the house’s previous owner, the celebrated antique dealer Jonathan Vickers, the paper – an extraordinary example of careful craftsmanship – was so cherished it remains today, serving as testament to the creative legacy of this historic home and, of course, the enduring power of yellow.

Zaara Yeasmin

Homes

A home is surely at its best when there’s a bit of colour splashed against the monochrome. And what could be better than a bit of mood-lifting yellow – mellow or less so? With that in mind, we round up five homes with awesome amber accents

Yellow is the New Black: five homes making a sunny statement

A home is surely at its best when there’s a bit of colour splashed against the monochrome. And what could be better than a bit of mood-lifting yellow – mellow or less so? With that in mind, we round up five homes with awesome amber accents