What springs to mind when you think of a yellow kitchen? Your mental image is probably different from the person sitting next to you, because there are so many variations of this versatile colour.
For years, yellow has been hailed as the colour to watch in kitchen design. It’s been through many iterations that have come and gone like the rise and fall of the sun, which is fitting because sunshine yellow has had its day.
Today’s favoured shade of yellow is a toned-down colour, quite different from the earthy hues paired with browns and oranges in bohemian patterns popular in the 1960s and 70s (around the same time as the avocado bathroom). And unique compared to the mustards and ochres that dominated in the 1980s and 90s.
Far from being outdated, yellow is still on trend, but you’re more likely to find a subtle shade of this cheerful colour in your interior designer’s swatch book. Warm golden yellows and soft buttery shades are the colours to watch in 2026.
Yellow is an obvious colour choice for the beating heart of the home. Its warm, inviting feel is like a hug on a cold winter’s morning. A cheerful colour, it radiates creativity and positivity, perfect for a space where people gather to share meals and make memories. It’s also believed to stimulate appetite and conversation, a fitting choice for a kitchen.
Above all, yellow is a versatile colour, perfectly at home with traditional and modern kitchen designs. Consider the mood you want to create when selecting the perfect shade of yellow. Pair with harmonious colours to create a calm colour scheme, or with zestier shades to add energy.
Below are some of the best shades for your kitchen:
A subtle, creamy shade that is warm without being overpowering. It pairs well with natural timber worktops and accents for a traditional farmhouse-style kitchen design.
Deep and warm, this saturated shade of yellow resembles the gold colour of wheat fields. It pairs well with darker woods and metallic accents, making it ideal for classically styled kitchens.
Saffron is a rich, earthy colour that adds warmth. Its sophisticated, rustic feel is suitable for Mediterranean kitchen designs. Saffron is the perfect blend of vibrant and cosy.
Yellow is so diverse that it can create different moods depending on the shade you pick and the colours that accompany it. From blues and greens to pastel pinks and neutrals like soft grey and white, there are plenty of colour combinations for you to consider.
If you like yellow but don’t want to commit to it permanently, consider adding yellow accents to your kitchen that can be easily replaced if you get tired of it.
The Portofino range from Smeg includes a dual-fuel range cooker and chimney cooker hood in a retro shade of yellow. If you want to inject excitement into your kitchen, this is certainly the way to do it.
For a playful nod to this vintage style, consider adding a pop of colour to your kitchen with a yellow kettle, toaster, or coffee maker. Just about every small kitchen appliance is available in a shade of yellow to brighten your day, whether you’re blending fruit for a smoothie or prepping dinner in the slow cooker.
Incorporate yellow accents through decorative display items, such as artwork, vases, and jugs, arranged on open shelves. And don’t forget to factor textiles into your kitchen design too. A rug or runner with yellow highlights can add warmth, while colourful dish towels and table linen add personality.
Finally, consider adding a creative twist to your kitchen with a yellow splashback. This is a part of your kitchen that can accommodate any style of decor, whether you want a Mediterranean tile pattern with a touch of yellow or an industrial feel with gloss yellow Metro tiles.
Natural, rustic materials pair well with yellow kitchens to create a warm, inviting feel. Timber flooring and countertops combined with yellow cabinets are perfect for farmhouse-style, traditional kitchens. If real wood is out of scope, consider a wood-effect laminate that balances affordability with style.
Finish with warm metallic accents in brass or gold that naturally complement yellow, creating a relaxed, cosy, and inviting feel.
For a modern or industrial look, add glass, concrete, or stainless steel to your yellow kitchen. Using white acrylic or marble-effect countertops can elevate your space for a sophisticated, contemporary look. To avoid your kitchen feeling cold, layer it with textures that soften the hard edges.
Yellow is a versatile colour; the challenge is how to make it your own. Too much yellow or the wrong shade can be overpowering, but this pitfall is easily avoided with careful thought at the design and planning stage.
Start by picking a shade that sets the mood you want to create, then choose the colours that will accompany yellow in your palette. Stick with soft, buttery shades, or add neutrals to tone down the yellow if you’re worried.
Finally, consider how much space you want to dedicate to this exciting colour – will you stick to accents, or dare to be different with yellow kitchen cabinets?
