Our May Color of the Month Is a Buttery, Mellow Yellow

The editors at Real Simple are happy to report that butter-yellow decor is back in a big way. Soft and pretty, the color looks right at home with the florals and ornate trim “grandmillennial” influencers have had a field day with lately. The mellow yellow also jells with modern designs, acting as a near neutral when paired with wood tones, white, or black. We’ve even seen it whipped into palettes with cobalt blue, lavender, and poppy red to dazzling effect. Butter really does make everything better!

Below, check out some easy ways to bring the happy hue into your home.

Navida Mahalia Pillow

When you want to add some color to a sofa without going overboard, the Navida Mahalia pillow ($75, burke decor.com) will do the job. It's a safe choice if you're color-shy—the pale hue will complement any neutral couch, and the subtle pattern and tassels keep things interesting when mixed together with other solid pillows.

M Mantel Clock

It's time to jazz up your bookcase with this sunny little number. The M Mantel Clock ($49; burkedecor.com) has a cool, retro vibe with its analog face, and at about 6 inches tall, it'll fit nearly any shelf that's craving a little more character.

Yield Ceramic French Press

But first, coffee! The Yield Ceramic French Press ($85; anthropologie.com) is a simple way to make your morning ritual a little bit brighter—this ceramic coffee pot will be a cheery wake-up call for you and your kitchen.

Mitzi Nightstand

If your bedroom is looking a little drab, brighten it up with a colorful nightstand. The Mitzi ($179; westelm.com) is the answer for anyone who doesn't want to make a huge investment, but it's also great for those who don't want bulky, brightly-colored furniture to overwhelm the space.

Solis Wallpaper

Show your walls a little bit of love with a graphic wallpaper like the Solis Wallpaper ($149; arhaus.com). Because it almost looks like a stripe, you can pair it with curvier, more floral patterns for balance. If doing a whole room feels intimidating, go to town with lining your closets in the paper to create small moments of joy in your home.

Middle Kingdom Double Gourd Vase

Sad office desks don't have to be a thing! Layering in a few colorful ceramics, like the Middle Kingdom Double Gourd Vase ($25; urbanoutfitters.com), is an ultra-easy way to add some liveliness to a work surface. Because this one is so mini (just 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide!), it's not going to eat up a ton of space, and if you want to dress it up, you can quickly throw in a few fresh buds. (Dried are best though, if you want to go the low-maintenance route.)