Choosing the correct paint colour for a small room is a difficult choice, as you often want the room to appear bigger than it actually is.
It’s common knowledge that dark colours can make a room feel smaller due to the pigments absorbing light, so what shade should you pick to make a space feel larger?
According to one expert, there’s one colour that can make a room spacious, bright and reflect light to achieve the desired effect.
Darren Watts, Showroom Design Director at Wren Kitchens, says incorporating bright yellow into spaces such as your kitchen and bedroom can be beneficial.
It comes after a bright yellow was named by Dulux as its 2025 colour of the year, with the paint brand announcing the shade ‘Top Joy’ as its choice.
Darren said: “Yellow stands out as the most visible colour in daylight, making it an ideal paint choice for adding vibrancy to any room.
“Its light-reflecting properties are particularly advantageous in small or dimly lit spaces, where it can enhance brightness and create a sense of spaciousness.
“Historically, yellow has been used to uplift spirits, a practice dating back to London in 1917. Additionally, yellow is known to stimulate appetite, making it a perfect selection for kitchens where a lively, engaging environment is desired.”
The interior expert also offered colour pairings for bright yellow and how you can style it in your home.
Grey
This hue adds a bold yet inviting touch, and it brings a sense of class and elegance. For example, yellow cabinetry combined with grey granite countertops in the kitchen can create a striking and sophisticated look.
Naturals
Incorporating elements like timber, jute, and linen can beautifully complement yellow. Consider pairing yellow cabinetry with timber worktops and adding jute placemats and linen napkins as softer furnishings.
These natural materials help to temper the vibrancy of yellow and create a balanced, uplifting kitchen environment.
White
For a contemporary feel, white is an excellent choice to neutralize the intensity of yellow while preserving its brightness.
A white tiled backsplash can provide a crisp contrast to yellow features, or yellow and white bedding can lend a positive yet almost regal ambiance to a space.
