Warm Yellow Kitchen Ideas

Yellow kitchens are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their sunshine hue, which brings instant joy to any home. This cheerful shade can transform a tired kitchen into a vibrant space that will uplift you every time you cook or host guests. Whether you're planning a complete kitchen renovation or refreshing the walls with a lick of paint, yellow is a versatile and characterful colour that adds instant personality.  

If you’re wondering what colour goes with yellow kitchen walls or which shades to use in your space, read on to find out how to use yellow in your kitchen.  

When selecting yellow kitchen paint, consider how much natural light your space gets, as well as the atmosphere you want to create. Yellow ranges from pale butter hues to deep ochre tones, with each shade bringing a unique energy. Some of our favourite yellow kitchen colours include: 

• Butter yellow. This on-trend shade is the ideal alternative to cream, bringing even more warmth to your space while keeping the palette bright. It’s perfect for small kitchens with limited natural light, making them feel more spacious. Wild Primrose is a popular butter yellow paint colour – for good reason! 
  
  
• Pastel yellow. Slightly darker than butter yellow, mid-toned pastel hues like Vanilla Sundae are ideal for kitchens. Paint a pastel yellow feature wall for a pop of colour, or go bold with a colour-drenched design on all the walls. Pastel yellows are versatile and complement a range of interior styles, from modern to traditional country kitchens. 
  
  
• Golden yellow. Rich, golden colours such as California Days and Honey Mustard add sophisticated warmth and depth to your kitchen. These shades work well in larger kitchens or spaces with lots of natural light, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.  
   

For more inspiration on how to use these colours in your kitchen, explore our ideas below.  

In contemporary kitchens, yellow is the perfect accent colour for neutrals. So, if you want to move away from the minimalist, monochrome look, golden and mustard yellows will bring plenty of personality to your design. Paint cabinetry in matte grey or white, paired with modern yellow kitchen walls. 

Yellow is a much-loved shade in country-inspired kitchens, making these spaces feel even warmer and more welcoming. To update your kitchen with this sunny shade, we’d recommend using butter or pastel yellows. Refresh your kitchen cabinets or walls with butter yellow paint for authentic cottage charm – the ideal alternative to white or cream. 

Yellow's versatility makes it easy to pair with several colours in kitchens, including: 

• White. As the classic companion to yellow, white keeps the space feeling fresh and allows yellow to shine.  
  
  
• Blue. From navy to duck egg, blues create a balanced look with yellow that references nature – sky and sun. This pairing works particularly well in coastal or traditional kitchens. 
  
  
• Grey. In contemporary kitchens, grey is a grounding neutral shade that lets yellow stand out. The cool undertones of grey balance yellow's warmth. 
  
  
• Green. Create a garden-inspired kitchen by pairing yellow with sage, mint or forest green. This combination feels organic and fresh, perfect for kitchens that overlook gardens. 

If your yellow kitchen feels overwhelming or too bright, here are several ways to make the space feel more balanced: 

• Add neutrals. Incorporate plenty of white, cream, grey or natural wood elements to dilute yellow's intensity. Consider white countertops or open shelving to break up yellow walls or cabinetry. 
  
  
• Use yellow sparingly. Rather than painting all the walls yellow, consider using it for a feature wall or backsplash. This creates impact without overwhelming the space. 
  
  
• Choose muted yellows. Opt for earthy-toned yellows, which can look more sophisticated and less intense than bright yellows. 
  
  
• Include texture. Introduce natural textures like rattan, linen or terracotta, which complement yellow while toning it down. 
  
  
• Incorporate pattern. Use patterned tiles or textiles that incorporate yellow along with other colours. This helps integrate yellow more subtly into the overall design. 
  
  
• Consider lighting. Yellow appears most intense in bright, natural light. If your kitchen receives a lot of sunlight, consider a more muted shade. Or if you've chosen a pale yellow that looks too subdued, adding under-cabinet lighting can enhance its warmth. Remember to always test paint samples at different times of day before committing to a particular shade. 
   

Looking for more kitchen colour inspiration? Visit our kitchens hub to find your perfect shade.