Pale, soft yellows in muted shades are ideal when you want to add a dash of sunshine to any room.

Sunshine indoors with yellow colour.

Does your living room need a little extra sunshine, even on a glorious Sri Lankan day? Well, fear not! A bit of yellow decor can be just the thing to chase away the shadows and bring warmth and cheer to any room.

Think about those endless stretches of golden beaches in Mirissa, or the lush green hills carpeted with tea plantations. Yellow decor can capture that sunny nature and bring it indoors, creating a room that feels light, airy, and perfect for gathering with loved ones.

Finding Your Perfect Shade of Sunshine

Yellow contains every ray of sunshine! There are soft and muted tones like buttercup or vanilla, perfect for creating a calming and inviting atmosphere. Or, if you're feeling bold, there are bright and cheerful hues like lemon or sunflower to add a burst of energy.

The key is to choose the right shade for your room. For rooms with limited natural light, lighter yellows like pale yellow or banana cream can work wonders. They mimic the soft glow of morning sunshine, making the space feel brighter and more open. On the other hand, if you have a large living room with high ceilings, a warmer yellow like saffron or mustard can create a cosy and intimate feel, similar to gathering around a bonfire on a cool Sri Lankan evening.

Think about the beautiful natural yellows found in Sri Lanka. Soft yellows like mangoes or frangipani blooms: pure sunshine. These can be your guide when choosing a shade that feels both vibrant and harmonious with your surroundings.

Picking Your Perfect Yellow, A Sri Lankan Trick

Unlike a steaming cup of Sri Lankan coffee, you can't quite "taste" a yellow paint colour online. Here's a local trick to ensure you get the perfect shade for your space!

Grab some leftover paper from those colourful Avurudu greetings (we all have some!) and paint a few samples of your favourite yellows on them. Once dry, stick them on different walls in your living room throughout the day. Play with light! Observe how the colours of this object change under natural and artificial light, revealing hidden shades throughout the day. You want to pick a yellow that looks good throughout the day and complements your existing furniture and decor.

Yellow doesn't have to be limited to paint! Here are some ways to use yellow accents and create a sunny atmosphere in your home:

Furniture: Add a pop of sunshine with a yellow armchair that reminds you of the vibrant tuk-tuks that zip around the streets. Or, choose a bright yellow rug that brings to mind the soft yellow of a Polonnaruwa moonstone. Scatter cushions in various shades of yellow for a playful touch.

Artful Touches: Show artwork featuring pops of yellow, or hang traditional Sri Lankan weavings with yellow threads. You could even showcase a collection of beautiful yellow sapphires, a precious gem found right here in Sri Lanka!

Textile: Consider using traditional Sri Lankan fabrics like batik with yellow patterns, or add some modern curtains with a subtle yellow stripe.

Keeping Your Sunshine Space Bright

Yellow decor can add a cheerful touch, but it's important to keep it clean! Use gentle cleaning products suitable for the specific materials (fabric, paint, etc.). Harsh chemicals can fade your vibrant yellows, so avoid them!

Sri Lanka is blessed with an abundance of natural light. Take advantage of this by keeping curtains open during the day. Natural sunlight not only brightens your space but also helps to naturally lighten and enhance the yellow hues in your decor, making your room feel even brighter and more inviting.

So, whether you choose a soft and calming shade or a bright and energetic one, yellow can help you create a room that makes you feel happy and energised, like the warmth of Sri Lankan coffee on a crisp morning, awakening your senses with a burst of sunshine.