First Look: Yellow
A symbol of optimism, yellow is unusual for being associated with warmth and happiness across almost every global culture, crossing societal divides as a universal symbol of positivity. Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour’s First Look online initiative sees hundreds of new products for spring/summer expertly curated by colour, and there are plenty of highlights when it comes to sunshine-soaked shades of yellow, part of the ‘Burnt Orange to Yellow’ palette.
Yellow is a stimulating colour, waking us up and giving us energy, rather than a soothing one: perhaps that’s why it works so well in combination with bold, graphic prints. Schumacher’s ‘Giraldi’ embroidered fabric (above left) features a sinuous stripe that has a pop-art playfulness about it, while C & C Milano’s ‘Pienza Zebra’ linen (above right) takes animal print in a bright direction.
As a primary colour, bright yellow has a playfulness to it, making it a great match for design that’s more on the whimsical side. Look to Pierre Frey for new wallcoverings that are full of revelry and some delicious details: artist Harrison Howard’s unexpected juxtaposition of chinoiserie scenes and branching coral in ‘Les Folies’ (above left) and the caged birds and kimono-clad monkeys of ‘Les Singes Savants’ (above right).
Yellow has its refined side, too, with deeper, more complex shades: ochre’s mineral sophistication, turmeric’s dramatic, saturated colour – a recent catwalk favourite – and gold’s association with antiquity and opulence. Bella Figura’s ‘Bijou’ table lamp in amber and brushed gold with an ochre shade glows like a jewel, while Jennifer Manners Design’s ‘Malibu’ rug has sustainability credentials to match its good looks, being made from recycled plastic fibres.
First Look acts as a preview to London Design Week 2021, where everything will be able to be seen in person.
Bella Figura, Ground Floor, Centre Dome
C & C Milano, First Floor, Design Centre East
Jennifer Manners Design, First Floor, Centre Dome
Pierre Frey, First Floor, Design Centre East
Schumacher. Ground Floor, South Dome
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