Yellow's Split Personality

Written by Zara Stender

Years ago, okay, decades ago, I bought a yellow and black Liz Claiborne dress that was very elegant. I felt sexy and dangerous when I wore it.I had translated the energy or "aggression" I felt when I first put it on to be flirtatiousness however I ended up rarely wearing the dress because the shoulder pads irritated me. Or so I thought at the time. I didn't realize I was robed like one of nature's venomous creatures. I, like most people, thought of yellow as the color of sunlight and a color with cheerful, energizing, uplifting qualities.The Other YellowAlong with all of its positive qualities you should also be aware of these facts about the color yellow:
Yellow stimulates receptors in the brain, which can trigger aggression and this aggression [energy] is expressed many different ways.

Yellow is used in nature two ways: either transitorily [flowers bloom then fade] or as a warning displayed by most poisonous creatures [...and those pretending to be poisonous]. There is a biological reflex built into us that causes even babies to recoil from this signal.
Yellow seems to have an energizing effect as it comes into the eye and is diverted to the hormonal system.

Yellow is the color the eye sees most quickly in daylight. The eye is immediately drawn to it.
It is a difficult color for the elderly to perceive, although recent research indicates that this problem stems from a condition brought on by inadequate diet.
On a biological level yellow has been shown to alter chemical and hormonal actions in the body to the degree that larger doses of medicine or drugs may be needed. The color yellow can also impair motor function. This is especially noticeable in the elderly, where a marked loss of muscle control can be observed in the presence of yellow. This is true for all shades and tints of yellow according to Michael Parks who spoke at NeoCon in 2005. Yellow was said to be Einstein's favorite color as well as the favorite color of Hitler and Jeffrey Dahmer. Examples like this have led some to the conclusion that yellow is the favorite color of those who display mental extremes.


Using Yellow Effectively
Knowing both sides of this color's personality allows you to use it more effectively. In home interiors yellow is best used in transitional areas; entry way, powder room, and hallways are all good choices. I once consulted with a client who seemed to be in a constant state of nervous exhaustion. She was frazzled and depressed. When I visited her home, it was clear to see why. It was decorated in bright ochre yellow top to bottom. This entirely yellow palette was putting her nervous system into overdrive. Recently, I had a personal reminder of the effect yellow when someone kept me waiting far too long in a bright yellow waiting room.

Although I'm usually patient I became restless and irritable within the first fifteen minutes and by the time my appointment began I was certainly not my most pleasant self. In commercial spaces, use yellow as an accent wall in an area that is encountered only briefly not where a client may be for an extended time. Yellow can stimulate clear thinking. In combination with red, yellow will stir the creative juices and inspire brilliant thinking. Yellow combined with its complement, violet is said to be the most healing of color combinations making it an especially good combination for someone that is recovering from illness. I worked with a client whose family wanted to honor him by having his family room transformed into a beautiful private space for him to spend time in as he battled cancer. We chose a soft buttery, yellow, gentle lilacs, and taupe for the color scheme although I didn't tell them about the healing qualities of this palette because this was the first time I had recommended it and frankly was a bit skeptical myself. Six months after the project was completed, I was astounded to see this gentleman in remission and I have since seen similar results many times.

To bring out yellow's positive side, you can use it in measured doses and in combination with other colors. As part of your decorating palette yellow can give a lovely boost of energy, uplift spirits on gloomy days and send you out ready to conquer the world.

Zara Stender, CID, IDS, Allied ASID is an author and lecturer and California Certified Interior Designer. This article is an excerpt from: The Business of Color by Zara Stender.