Yellow is a happy and cheerful colour! It reminds us of warm sunshine, spring and summer. The shade of yellow for this year are those which are bright, but not garish. Sickly yellow is not advised as this symbolises cowardice. Colour researchers advise the use of yellow to increase self-esteem, strengthen well-being and provide relaxation. However, yellow can also be difficult to look at when used in vast quantities.

One great advantage to using yellow is its ability to coordinate with a huge range of complimentary colours; it's not often used as the only colour in a room but combined with blues or greys it can successfully ignite colour within the room. Mediterranean themes look effective with bright yellow and blues, combined with accent colours of orange or red. Whilst contemporary design of yellow and dashes of black offer a high-tech look. Rooms which have very little natural sunlight sources can benefit by using yellow to compensate for the lack of sunshine as an effective way to perk up a room.

If you are unsure about using yellow on walls and paintwork why not opt for furniture painted yellow to use as a focal point. Alternatively select display objects which highlight yellow and coordinate them with a variety of patterned cushions and throws. This is a ideal way to bring your interior colour right up to date without having to spend a fortune completely redecorating.

Yellow is a great colour to use in rooms with stripped floor boards or wood effect laminate flooring. Combine yellow with natural pine or antique pine wood to bring out the natural soft yellow hues.

When used in a bathroom yellow is a refreshing pick-you-up colour to start the day with! A bright yellow roller blind is the ideal way to use colour in a bathroom. When coordinated with white a crisp, clean look can easily be achieved. Incorporating yellow towels or picking out yellow to paint a mirror frame, a sense of cohesion and balance can be obtained.

Use yellow in bedrooms to provide instant up-lift and a relaxing atmosphere. A country cottage look can be achieved using yellow fabrics with a mix of stripes, checks and floral prints. A plain yellow blind fitted into the recess of the window, coordinated with patterned curtains offers a light and refreshing look. Patterned blinds are also available which make an excellent contrast when teamed with plain curtains offering a summery warmth to a room.

Be inspired by nature to find the right shade of colour to coordinate with yellow; spring daffodils and tulips with their dark green stems and leaves make great colour combinations.

Pantone yellow is the ‘in' trend colour for 2009. Add it anyway you can afford to in your home and let the colour of the sun radiate into your home and life!