Butter Yellow

The second something becomes broadly popular I have a tendency to stop liking it. Maybe it's a fear of being basic. Definitely a personal issue with perception. But all the way back to high school, the currency within my friend group has been being in on what's new or next. So when something I love starts getting too much attention I usually decide it's time to move on... 

But I'm stuck on butter yellow. As it pops up on nearly every clothing and home site, is referenced in multiple subject lines in my inbox each week, and all over instagram, I've rejected the urge to reject it. I can't quit the color. 

Inarguably butter yellow is having a moment. Forbes explains the phenom here, Harper's Bazaar here, and Vogue on how-to-style here. One line of reasoning that resonates describes that "butter yellow embodies warmth, comfort, and nostalgia—qualities people are craving right now. It brings a sense of optimism without being overwhelming, offering a unique balance of brightness and warmth. As people crave environments that feel uplifting yet comforting, butter yellow stands out as a perfect choice to help achieve that.”

ART

Butter yellow has quite literally inspired my art as of late, in the form of a still life painting depicting a block of butter with a slice cut out on a wooden cutting board. While the style and palette of the piece are more traditional, the concept is light. There's something inherently silly and fun about a closeup of a block of butter. While grabbing coffee with a friend, he said "I love the new butter piece, it's hilarious," which I took as high praise. 

Jo Johnson purchased the original and shared a video styling the piece in her kitchen. If you too need a block of butter in your home, prints are available in a variety of sizes. 

Butter yellow also found its way into my recent series of mini abstract tulip paintings. The Butter Tulips original sold, but prints are available here. 

INTERIORS

I've been incredibly drawn to soft yellow hues used in interiors, particularly with textiles. Augusta Hoffman stunned with floor to ceiling butter yellow drapery in the new Danielle Frankel bridal store. Can you imagine trying on wedding gowns in this monochromatic dream of a space??

Hoffman also employed butter drapes to make a dramatic statement on a canopy bed.

The color continues its reign in the new Jacquemus Los Angeles. The exterior is washed in a lovely butter yellow with white scalloped awnings, but my favorite feature are the banana colored couches that run the length of the store. 

I follow Richard Christiansen of Flamingo Estate religiously and this bedroom shot with his puppies stopped me in my tracks. Not only is the paint color supreme, but the ceiling and wall molding manage to be playful and sophisticated at the same time. 

I can't wait to copy this unique frame layout from Rose Uniacke's study. The horizontal frames almost seem to nod to sticks of butter, the repetition adding impact.

There are simple ways to incorporate butter yellow into your space without committing to paint or custom curtains. Start small with art or decor. I love this linen pillow (and its price point) or this metal table lamp. I added a touch of yellow in my kitchen with this Josef Albers print. 

If you love the color but it doesn't work with your existing interiors, opt for butter yellow entertaining pieces instead. Make Wishbone Kitchen's truffle pasta, plate using these yellow swirl serving spoons, and surprise your guests with a candle that looks like butter. 

These linens are begging to host an outdoor dinner party. You can snag the tablecloth, napkins and placemats all for under $100. 

STYLE

Butter yellow clothes and accessories might be the most saturated aspect of the trend, but there's a way to do it well. Kristin Ellen Hockman is a great follow for elevated everyday looks. Her interior design background  comes through in the way she constructs outfits.

If there were one butter piece I'd splurge on it would be this dress by Ciao Lucia. The silky silhouette would be stunning on a summer bride who's looking for something besides white. Wear to your rehearsal dinner and then pack for the honeymoon. 

All of the butter shoe options melt me. Jacquemus makes a fab suede tennis sneaker, and Nike has a similar, sportier option. I recently purchased these butter leather kitten heels and have been wearing them with everything. And I keep coming back to these embroidered mesh flats from Farm Rio. 

If you suffer from the same desire to be original that I do, these are two bags by Jacquemus and Lizzie Fortunato that no one else you know will have.