It makes sense. Fashion and interiors have long influenced each other’s color palettes: oxblood, for example, is also having a home decor moment, whereas Art Deco architecture impacted both clothing and jewelry in the 1920s. Yet butter yellow’s newfound popularity can’t only be traced back to clothes.

Corrigan points to an emotional reason as well. Our brain inherently associates yellow with happiness: it’s the color of sunshine, warmth, and spring flowers. And, as the world feels uncertain for many, being surrounded by such a shade brings a sense of comfort.

A Seattle carriage house designed by Heidi Callier, with a butter yellow accent chair. “I love it in a floral print for a sofa or accent chair,” she says.

“Yellow is a cheerful color that evokes joy and optimism, feelings we can never have enough of, especially during these turbulent times,” he says. Erman agrees: “Yellow is more than just a color,” she says. “It’s a state of mind. We naturally respond to sunlight with increased energy and vitality, and incorporating yellow into our living spaces can create a similar effect. Butter yellow adds a grounded, comforting warmth, balancing energy with a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere.”

It’s also fairly easy to incorporate into any interior space. While bolder hues may clash with the decor one already has in their home, yellow can be woven in more effortlessly. Callier, in particular, notes the shade’s ability to complement nearly every color scheme. “It looks amazing paired with shades of blue, green, red, neutrals; it feels daring yet it is actually very versatile,” she says. Where other shades in the yellow color wheel—like lemon, citrine, or gold—can really pop, butter yellow is a pastel that is easy on the eyes and blends into the background, making it the perfect shade for those curious about color drenching.