Mustard

Mustard yellow is warming, vibrant and optimistic. Here’s the psychology behind this sunshine shade

- By Amelia Smith

Mustard yellow is a powerful colour. In many ways, it’s a colour of contradictions; it’s both bold and muted, warm yet cocooning, energising but still cosy. But one thing’s for certain when it comes to mustard yellow, and that’s the positive vibes it brings.

Colours found in nature are said to make us feel good, and with the obvious link to sunlight, mustard yellow is no exception. Just as many of us feel happier when the sun is shining, a whole wall painted in mustard yellow can trick the brain into feeling uplifted and positive. ‘Yellow is an energy colour, meaning it’s cheerful and optimistic,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

A splash of mustard yellow is a great way to combat a room feeling cold and clinical. ‘Mustard yellow gives a glowing feeling, like the warmth in the late afternoon on an autumnal day,’ says colour expert Karen Haller (karenhaller.com). ‘It could be used in a room where you eat breakfast to bask in the morning glow, or a great way to warm a cold hallway.’