At GLTC, every detail in our collections starts with a story and often, it begins with the people behind the scenes. Meet Emily, our Accessories Buyer, whose eye for colour, texture and playful detail helps bring each season to life.
With a passion for creating joyful, family-friendly spaces, Emily is always on the lookout for trends that feel both uplifting and practical. This spring, she’s embracing one of the happiest hues around – yellow. From soft, soothing pastels to brighter sunshine shades, yellow is having a real moment in interiors, loved for the warmth, optimism and creativity it brings into children’s spaces .
In this post, Emily shares how to introduce this cheerful trend into your home in a way that feels fresh, balanced and perfectly suited to family life.
As the days grow lighter and homes begin to feel the shift into spring, it’s the perfect moment to refresh children’s spaces with colour. This season, we’re embracing yellow, a shade that captures sunshine, optimism and the gentle warmth we’ve all been craving after winter.
Used thoughtfully, yellow can transform a child’s room into a space that feels playful, positive and full of possibility, without ever feeling overwhelming.
Why Yellow Works So Beautifully in Children’s Rooms
Yellow is naturally uplifting. It reflects light beautifully, helping rooms feel brighter and more open, especially useful in children’s bedrooms and playrooms where creativity and calm need to sit side by side.
Unlike more intense bright colours, the right yellow brings warmth without overstimulation. It has an inherent softness that feels welcoming and cheerful. It’s a natural fit for spring, a season that’s all about fresh starts.
In children’s spaces, yellow encourages positivity and imagination. It creates an environment that feels happy and energising in a gentle way, supporting both playtime and quieter moments like reading or winding down before bed.
Introducing Buttercup Yellow - Our New Season Colour
This spring, we’re launching a beautifully muted, chalky yellow designed specifically with children’s interiors in mind. It’s timeless rather than trend-led, soft, calm and effortlessly fresh.
It’s a creamy, sun-warmed yellow that pairs seamlessly with classic whites, soft oatmeals and natural wood finishes. It also works wonderfully alongside muted blues, sage greens and blush pinks, allowing you to build a layered look that feels considered rather than colourful for the sake of it.
The result? A space that feels bright yet restful. Cheerful yet composed. A colour that will grow comfortably with your child.
How to Introduce Yellow Without Overdoing It
When it comes to decorating with yellow, restraint is key. A little truly goes a long way.
Start small with accessories:
A shelf or gallery wall
Our much-loved This Way That Way Shelf has been updated with yellow brackets for a playful yet refined twist on a classic. The beauty of this piece lies in the balance. The shelf itself remains timeless and neutral, while the multi-directional yellow brackets introduce a subtle accent that feels fresh and modern. It’s a small design detail that makes a big impact, particularly when styled against a soft white or muted wall.
A rope basket for toys or laundry
Our classic rope basket has had a spring refresh in our new soft yellow and ivory and it’s the easiest way to trial colour without committing to anything permanent. Practical, portable and perfectly sized for toys, laundry or soft furnishings, this basket keeps clutter contained while adding warmth to the room. The textured rope finish softens the colour beautifully, ensuring it feels calm and natural rather than bold or overpowering.
A wall mounted bookcase
Our Narrow Greenaway Book Shelf has also been reimagined for spring, now featuring a soft yellow frame paired with natural wooden poles. The warmth of the natural wood grounds the look, while the muted yellow adds a gentle lift, creating a perfect balance between playful and timeless. Our yellow bookshelf makes a cosy reading corner or to add a pop of colour to a nursery that lifts the space without overwhelming it.
A statement bean bag
If you’d prefer more impact, opt for a statement piece with a pop of colour. Our new, cosy yellow Bean Bag is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a slightly bolder piece which brings comfort and character in equal measure. Ideal for reading nooks, play corners or bedrooms, it creates an inviting spot for quiet time while doubling as a gentle colour feature.
Keeping walls and larger furniture neutral allows yellow accents to shine without feeling overpowering.
Layering colour through textiles and accessories also gives you flexibility. As tastes change, pieces can easily be swapped or refreshed.
Choosing the Right Yellow for Your Child’s Room
Colour plays an important role in how children feel and interact with their surroundings. The key is choosing a shade that supports the mood you want to create.
For younger children, softer, creamier yellows work beautifully. These gentler tones feel soothing and comforting rather than energising, making them ideal for nurseries and early years bedrooms.
For older children, slightly warmer or deeper yellows can add personality while still remaining timeless. These tones feel more grounded and can transition easily as interests evolve.
What to avoid? Bright, sharp or acidic yellows. Highly saturated tones can feel overstimulating, particularly in spaces designed for sleep and focus. Instead, look for muted, chalky shades that offer warmth without glare.
Styling Tips for a Fresh Spring Reset
Before introducing any new colour, start with a declutter. Clearing surfaces and reorganising toys creates a calmer foundation, allowing new additions to feel intentional rather than busy.
Simple swaps can make all the difference:
- Refresh storage with neatly organised baskets
- Rotate toys to reduce visual clutter
- Restyle shelving to leave breathing space around favourite pieces
Layer rather than replace. A new basket here, a soft rug there, these thoughtful additions can completely shift the feel of a room without requiring a full redesign.
Yellow works especially well when balanced with natural textures. Think wooden furniture, woven baskets and soft cotton bedding. The contrast keeps the overall look grounded and ensures the space feels warm and inviting rather than overly styled.
A Colour That Grows With Them
The beauty of a well-chosen yellow lies in its versatility. It can feel playful in the early years, creative during school age, and still relevant as children grow.
Spring is the perfect time to open windows, let the light flood in and introduce a shade that reflects the season’s optimism. With the right tone and a considered approach, yellow can bring warmth, freshness and a quiet sense of joy to your child’s space, creating a room that feels as bright and hopeful as the months ahead.
