Yearning for Sunshine
- jan jones
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago

After the ice storm that crossed America recently, is it any wonder we are yearning for sunshine? To many of us, bringing yellow into our homes is a way to bring the sunshine in along with feelings of warmth, cheerfulness, and joy. Psychologically, yellow is known to stimulate mental activity and generate feelings of optimism. It is used by many major corporations for its power. It can enhance mood and promote a sense of well-being. In nature, the presence of yellow flowers, fruits, and other elements often brings a sense of vibrancy and life. Fields of sunflowers not only capture the beauty of nature but also a sense of happiness.
Yearning for Sunshine Now
You don't have to wait for the sun to shine brilliantly. You can surround yourself with sunshine every day by bringing yellow into your home, whether it is a bedroom to wake up in, ready to take on the world, a sunny kitchen for your morning coffee, or an elegant living room to share with guests.
Here are a few examples ...
Slideshow, click the little arrows in the corner to expand.
Yearning for Sunshine A Little at a Time
Not ready to do an entire room, try bringing in the sunshine in
small elements to give your room a pop of color.
Yearning for Sunshine Traditional vs Modern
Most of the examples I found were somewhat traditional, not so unexpected since yellow has long been associated with the upper class throughout time. But what if you want to go bold?
Choosing the Right Shade of Yellow
An artist friend once told me to be careful choosing the right shade of yellow ... "If you are not careful, yellow can come back around and bite you in the butt!" Be sure to get color chips and even go so far as to get the small samples and try them on your wall. Consider your style of decor. The light in your room can also affect the shade of yellow. The key is to consider the mood and atmosphere you wish to create, allowing the bright and joyful nature of yellow to shine through in your color choices. Pick the right one and you will be surrounded with joy for years to come.
This chart is from Behr.

What Colors Pair With Yellow
One of the most striking combinations is yellow with purple. These colors are complementary on the color wheel, meaning they enhance each other’s vibrancy. For a more subtle and cohesive look, yellow can be paired with its analogous colors, which are found next to it on the color wheel. These include shades of orange and green. Yellow also works well with neutral colors, such as gray, white, and beige. A soft gray can tone down the brightness of yellow, creating a sophisticated and modern look. For those looking to make a bold statement, yellow can be paired with darker, more intense colors such as navy blue or black. Finally, pastel colors can also pair beautifully with yellow, creating a soft and whimsical palette. Light pink, baby blue, and mint green can all complement yellow in a gentle way, making it ideal for spring-themed events, children’s rooms, or playful designs.
Never Forget Your Homes Outside
I could spend a lot of time idling the hours in these homes and gardens!
Yellow is the color of sunshine and happiness of mind.
It is a canary bird and a daffodil in a garden divine.
It gives us hope and joy and in everyday of our lives,
A feeling of peace and cheerfulness sublime.
Bring a little sunshine into your home or office and feel the magic.
Enjoy!
jan
For additional inspiration and design instruction,
don't miss my Pinterest Board: Yearning For Sunshine.
It's challenging to feature all the amazing ideas in a single article.
You can also locate the photo credits for all the images above.
Discover a wide range of treasures at Lakewood 400 Antiques Market, the perfect place to find everything you need to decorate your home, from furniture to fresh produce, handmade jewelry, fashion items, art and collectibles. With such a diverse selection, you'll always be surprised by the amazing finds just waiting for you!
Please Note: The Lakewood 400 Antiques Market is open on the 1st weekend of every month, and no longer on the 3rd. From the website and you can add the upcoming dates to your Google calendar. For a reminder every month, sign up for their newsletter. For additional details, Click Here!
Jan Jones is a Designer, Artist, and Author of
"Finding Me: A Motivational Journey of Discovery for Young People."
For more information Click Here

























































































Comments