We’ve all seen a colour wheel, but when you have a favourite shade, there’s nothing better than a cheat sheet. We’ve rounded up some of the best colours that go with yellow so you can decorate with colour in confidence.

Playing with colour combinations is one of the most fun and creative aspects of design. That said, it can seem scary to make bold decisions.

Make things easier for yourself by first focusing on your primary colour. No, we don’t mean only red, blue or yellow – simply the shade you want to take precedence in the space. Then work with that to find your secondary colour, which you want to complement the first. From there you’ll discover that everything starts to fall into place.

Consider this your go-to guide for helping you work out which secondary colours you can pair with yellow. While all of these go with the yellow in a broader sense, we’ve also broken down which specific tones work best. We’ve also provided tips and ideas for how to use these colour combos in various rooms of your house, so you can shout your favourite shades from the rafters!

Colours that go with yellow

If you know how to use the colour wheel, then you’ll have at least a vague understanding of how to pair colours. Take things to the next level of expertise by discovering more specific colour combinations that show off the most beautiful shades of yellow.

1. Aquamarine

This fresh blue-green shade looks amazing paired with bold, sunny yellows for a joyful mix.

Begin with a mid-tone aqua. Not as dark as a teal, but still sitting on the fence between blue and green, aquamarine has an undertone of black yet can still be considered warm. Calming and restorative, it’s great for social spaces, as well as more private bedrooms or snugs.

Next you’ll want o inject a splash of sunshine  Citrus yellow conjures up the sights, smells and tastes of the Mediterranean and it’s this warmth and freshness that gives it energy. Verging on the side of lime, its green undertones pair beautifully with the green tones of aqua, making this a perfect match.

A heavily patterned wallpaper featuring a combination of these shades will break up solid blocks of wall colour, and act as a detailed backdrop. Creamy whites on furniture or on the ceiling will balance the vibrancy of these hues and bring some serenity.

Look to add in some greenery. Whether faux or fresh, using houseplants or stems of leafy eucalyptus as decor will capture that energy and sense of life in your space. Encouraging wellbeing, plants will pop against the citrus yellow, and pick out the greener tones of the aqua.

Use it in a kitchen

Image credit: Future PLC

Papering the inside of a dresser or built-in shelving allows your tableware and glassware to become more of a display.

Choose a design with a fairly small-scale pattern so that the solidness of your ceramics take centre stage.

Use it in a dining room

Image credit: Future PLC

Table linen and crockery make for the perfect way to pair these bold colours in a social setting.

While a cloth covering the entire table could be a bit overpowering for the space, runners allow the grain of a natural wood table to be seen and offer some texture to the room.

2. Charcoal

Of all the colours that go with yellow, grey is certainly having a moment. Mix contemporary charcoal with warm and cheerful mustard for an uplifting and fresh colour combo.

Start by finding the perfect yellow. While yellows look lovely in all forms, to make this scheme both modern and warm, you’ll want to stick to mustards, deep golds and ochres. Paler tones have a tendency to feel wishy-washy and lack impact next to dark grey.

Next, add in your charcoal tones. The deepest greys create a bold contrast to mellow yellows. Treat mustard as your dominant colour. Charcoal is most effective here when used in moderation – think sleek trimmings, accents and accessories.

To really up the ante, work in slices of bright white. Either add to sections of the walls and floor, or include in decorative accessories to give breathing space between the mustard and charcoal tones.

The classic combination of greys and yellows was really popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Back then, it was typically with buttercup and smoke tones. For a contemporary upgrade, use bold, retro graphics in the deeper, more daring variations of these colours.

Use it in a home office

Image credit: Future PLC

In an office you need both colour to add joy to the working day, as well as calming whites to keep you focused.

Including furniture with sleek charcoal lines will add that contemporary smart, sophisticated touch. These tips also work for yellow and grey living room ideas.

Use it in a a kitchen

Image credit: Little Greene

The enlivening power of yellow makes it a perfect choice for kitchens – helping to boost energy levels even on the dullest of mornings.

Cover walls and cabinetry in warm yellow, like Giallo by Little Greene, and use deep greys on hardware and accessories to create a smart and tailored finish

3. Terracotta

Escape to warmer climes by pairing the sun-baked hues of terracotta and ochre.

You’ll want to have holiday vibes in mind here. Deep terracotta conjures images of Mediterranean roof tiles and aged ceramic pots lined up on a sun-drenched terrace. The word terracotta literally translates as ‘baked earth’, making it the perfect colour choice for adding warmth to a room scheme.

When considering colours that go with yellow, for terracotta you’ll want to look on the deeper side. Ochre is a grown-up choice with a mellow quality when compared to its perkier, more youthful counterparts such as lemon, buttercup or canary. This on-trend hue is a harmonious accent across a variety of schemes from retro to ultra-modern.

Terracotta and ochre are a colour combination made in heaven as they are both derived from natural clay pigments. The grounded nature of reddy-brown terracotta underpins the vibrancy of golden ochre, creating balance within a scheme.

Elevate this earthy pairing with luxurious shapes and textures. Pick a curvaceous sofa in plush ochre velvet featuring classic turned-wood feet. Wall panelling has a traditional look that’s brought up to date when painted in this earthy colourway.

Use it in a study

Image credit: Future PLC

Create a laid-back drawing room vibe in a home office or study area.

Pair a rich leather Chesterfield sofa or armchair with soft textiles in warm and uplifting ochres. Touches of metallic details will bring the two colours together, highlighting this perfect pairing.

Use it in a living room

Image credit: Earthborn

If using a dark colour on walls, like Nutkin by Earthborn, then choose a lighter surface on floors to avoid the room feeling too enclosed.

A pale wood laminate or vinyl is a good contemporary choice, teamed with a natural jute rug for added texture. The jute will also pick out the golden tones of your ochre touches.

4. Blossom pink

Embrace floral tones by pairing buttercup yellows with blossom pinks.

It’s important to work with your light when selecting the right yellow for your walls. Yellow automatically invites light into your space. Even darker rooms become warm and welcoming with a touch of yellow. That said, make sure you use your natural light to select the right colour for the mood you want to create.

In north-facing rooms, you want to bounce light around, so stick to ‘true’ yellows, steering clear of any with a green or blue undertone. In south-facing rooms light becomes warmer, meaning deep yellows will be intensified, so it depends how warm or bright you want to make your space.

Of all the colours that go with yellow, touches of pretty pinks have the ability to tone down the scheme without losing any of its fresh and cheerful nature. Stick to beige or brown-based pinks for a grown-up springtime vibe. You don’t need much to add impact; even a few key items picked out in pinks will do the trick.

Keep things on the modern side by offering breathing room for the pastels with cool contemporary touches. Think blond woods, fresh green houseplants and graphic prints. Slices of strong black will set the scheme off to perfection

Use it in a kitchen

Image credit: Future PLC

Paler yellows are perfect in a kitchen as you won’t get tired of them – always important to bear in mind with rooms you spend lots of time in.

Black details create a bold look, although you could opt for softer white or grey. Bring in pinks on linens rather than paint for a more subtle scheme.

Use it in a bedroom

Image credit: Future PLC

Make energising yellow bedroom ideas more restful come evening by painting the upper two-thirds of walls in a calming white.

Pink linens and the pink tones in natural woven rattan blend perfectly with this colour combination.

Additional words by Holly Walsh

The post Colours that go with yellow and how to use them in every room appeared first on Ideal Home.

I hadn’t tested a robot vacuum cleaner before giving the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum a run for its money, and this wasn’t a problem – it was so easy to set, use and maintain. If you, like me, hadn’t owned (or used) a robot vacuum before then this could be a good one for you so our review is well worth a read.

We’ve recently had our kitchen and dining area made open plan which made this the perfect playground for a robot vacuum to roam freely. The door to our front room was left open, too, so it could come and go as it pleased. Being completely level means that it is well suited for robot vacuum cleaners, with no split level to lift up-and over – this is upstairs in our house. Upstairs there are three bedrooms and the family bathroom, which is on another level and is somewhere the vacs don’t go. With so much house to run, a young daughter to entertain and working during the week, having the opportunity to review a robot vacuum was a welcomed relief.

I was keen to find out just how automated the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum, since it has a big claim that ‘you don’t have to worry about a thing’ which sounds good, doesn’t it? We have a mixed bag of flooring throughout the home, too – porcelain tiles, solid wood flooring, coir matting and wool carpets and rugs – so I was looking forward to seeing how the robot took this on. Keep reading to find out how we got on then, take a look at our best robot vacuums buying guide to draw some comparisons.

Ideal Homes rating 4.5 out of 5 stars

Although this robot vacuum is mid-range, it’s ease of use and impressive suction power is to be commended. Once it has mapped out your floor plan and you’ve blocked off areas where you don’t want it to go into, the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum will work its way around the home (whether you’re there or not) until it has either run out of juice or the job is complete.

Reasons to buy

• Really easy to set up
• Really easy to use
• Looks good

Reasons to not buy

• Gets a confused when returning to base
• Mapping isn’t always clear

AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum

Image credit: AEG

Product specs:

Cleaning time: 40 minutes
Charging time: 2.5 hours
Noise level: 75 dB(A)
Dustbox size: 0.7 litres
No. of settings: 3

Who will the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum suit?

Busy family homes which need daily cleaning. Whilst the children are at school and you’re at work, the AEG RX9-2-4STN can be scheduled to vacuum around its designated area so it’s one less chore for you to worry about. If you have pets then it would be worth upgrading to the AEG RX9.2.4ANIM which has an ultra-filtration system and quicker charging time.

A household it may not be well suited to, however, is a more cluttered home. There is nothing wrong with having a cluttered home but as with all robot vacuums their route will need to be clear. It could get quite annoying having to constantly move things out of the way of the vac so unless you’re happy to do this each time you run a scheduled clean or want a impromptu clean then the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum may not be for you.

How easy is the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum to set up?

Image credit: Future Plc / Jennifer Oksien

Setting up the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum was initially something which I was dreading. I’m really not very techy and don’t have much patience so I thought this was going to be a challenge and a half, but I was relieved to discover that it is dead easy and all I needed to basically do was to download an app.

I was a little confused as to which app I needed to download. On the Google PlayStore the AEG RX app was the most logical to opt for so I was surprised to see the message; ‘This app is no longer available. The AEG Wellbeing app has replaced the AEG RX app.Download and sign in with your existing Electrolux username to get started.’ At least it was signposted. With the AEG Wellbeing app installed you’ll just need to follow the step-by-step on-screen instructions which is very easy. You’ll also need to pop the side brush on and set up the base station in a corner of the room which the vac can easily access.

There is some juice in the battery but as I found it didn’t last very long so best to return it to base and give it a full charge for a couple of hours. You can use this time to get more familiar with the app. It is quite basic, the app, and it’s not overly complicated to get your head around. You’ll see that you can schedule tasks, view and edit maps (when the vac has completed its maiden voyage), set one-of-three modes and view various elements to your profile. I also tried to connect the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum to Google Home, partly for the purpose of the view and also if I’m feeling super duper lazy or don’t have my phone on me so I can just say ‘Ok Google’ for a clean to begin. The key word here is ‘tried’. I failed to write down my password when setting up the vacuum and it seems that the only way I could reset it was to delete the device from the app and start the set up all over. This is something which I’ll come back to this review for with an update on whether or not I managed to get it to work with Google Home.

What is the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum like to use?

Control lies with the app although at a very basic level there is the pause / play button which you can hit for stopping / starting a clean. There isn’t a user manual per-se just a simple two-pager with graphics to show the need-to-know stuff such as emptying and cleaning the vac, so it’s a good job it’s easy to get going and use. Before any cleaning can happen the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum will need to map your house. It was a shot in the dark for figuring out how to do this since this was the first robot vacuum I’ve tested (owing to house renos) and the lack of written down guidance. Luckily, ‘Flossy’ knew what to do.

I first let Flossy the robot vacuum roam around our new wool carpet upstairs. This took a good hour-or-so and once a draft of the floorplan had been made, Flossy made her descent back to base but appeared to get a little lost along the way. I watched as she backtracked and went round-and-round in circles trying to figure out the route back. It did make me giggle somewhat, so that’s something. She made it back eventually but this was a first impression and I wasn’t all that impressed I have to say. The more times I sent the little robot out to clean though, the more confident Flossy was. Or so it appeared. The map of our floorplan looked pretty inaccurate after a few goes so I kept sending Flossy out to clean for the map to better represent the space. This is what the app suggested I do anyway.

Image credit: Future Plc / Jennifer Oksien

After five attempts I deleted the map and sent Flossy out again. The results were very similar, if not the same. Perhaps it’s me not seeing the floorplan as I should but it’s not very defined, that’s for sure. It’s really rather odd why the mapping upstairs turned out so hazy because downstairs it was pretty spot on. By the third roam downstairs I added zones to the (now) saved map so I could tell the robot vacuum cleaner where to clean or avoid. I wanted all areas cleaned, but it was good to have the option. After setting zones you’ll then have the option to select ‘Adaptive’ mode which is only for zone cleaning.

Image credit: Future Plc / Jennifer Oksien

How good is the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum at cleaning?

Transitioning across the pine wooden floorboards, limestone tiles and rugs was a seamless journey for the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum although it did seem a bit scared to take on the rug in the front room at first. I had it set on the ‘Smart’ mode for all cleaning tasks which meant that it cleans quietly on hard surfaces, uses full power on carpets. I could hear the change in tempo which was both reassuring and satisfying. There was also a tempo change once cleaning had finished and Flossy was making the descent back to base, and as I swiped through the other different modes; Power and Quiet.

For the purpose of this review I scattered flour on our kitchen tiles. It was interesting to watch how the robot vacuum took this on, and it’s journey was visibly obvious even if I wasn’t watching it. Not only did it get somehow itself covered in flour but it also skirted around the mess, almost like it was trying to avoid it. The brush kicked up a load of the flour and as it was venturing across the floury territory it seemed to not suck it all up at once. Instead it went back over the flour which isn’t the most time saving nor the most logistical way of cleaning, but it got there eventually although some flour remained between the tiles so you may need to call upon your best vacuum cleaner to get the last of the mess up.

Image credit: Future Plc / Jennifer Oksien

Vacuuming the carpets really took it out of the robot vacuum, despite it being on ‘Quiet’ mode to conserve battery. We have approximately 375 sq.ft to the upstairs of our house and it took the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum at least one hour to clean it, and then a further 10 minutes to return to base. There were even occasions where the battery level was Medium, but it returned to base. Cleaning did resume when this happened but if you’re needing a quick clean then this is a little frustrating. You’ll equally need to allow time to tidy the way for the robot vac. It’ll either suck up everything in its path (as it did with our near-floor-length curtains) or skirt around it. What it excelled on the carpets was the edge-to-edge cleaning, impressive suction and the ability to not fall down the split level landing.

Image credit: Future Plc / Jennifer Oksien

Most of the bin was full of fluff from the carpets which is always a good sign. If you have notifications switched on in the app then you’ll receive said notification that the bin is full (and it really is full). I was a little concerned that the first few cleans happened and I hadn’t emptied the bin so I just did it but if you wait long enough, you do get told.

How the design of the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum helps to clean

The shape of the robot vacuum is triangular which (in theory) means that it can reach into the tight spots and get into tricky corners. That is can but it did take some manoeuvring. Being low level and a relatively small profile it was perfect for getting under furniture which would otherwise be awkward with a corded or cordless vacuum.

Photo credit: Future Plc / Jennifer Oksien

The bin is cleverly tucked under the hood of the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum which is really easy to release. It can hold a surprisingly large amount for such a little thing. To the front of the robot vac is what I’ll refer to as the ‘eye’. This is a lazer and camera which will scan the room for objects and furniture when mapping, and also for anything which jumps out infront of it such as my kid which had great fun following it around.

Is it easy to empty, maintain and store the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum?

Yes to all. The bin can be emptied by gentling pushing down the lid to release it; the filter can be removed for cleaning; brushbar can be released for rinsing and ridding of any debris and it lives on the base to charge.

One thing to keep on eye on is the power brush. These looks to be in a bit of a tangle and it is something which AEG advises to replace frequently to ensure top performance. A set of four can be bought direct from the brand for £29.99.

Image credit: Future Plc / Jennifer Oksien

Should you buy the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum robot vacuum?

Aside from the slight mapping glitch and length of time is takes for the AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum to return to base, there is nothing really negative I can say about this robot vacuum cleaner. It does everything it is supposed to, and everything that I was expecting after reading the specification.

It is one of the more expensive robot vacuum cleaners but isn’t the most expensive. Overall, I would recommend parting with the £650 it costs if you need a reliable helping hand to vacuum your floors on a daily basis. You don’t even need to be home for the chore to get done, that is enough of a reason for me.

About this reviewer – and our reviewer

The post AEG RX9-2-4STN Bagless Robot Vacuum review appeared first on Ideal Home.

With time of the essence, a passion for upcycling and a limited budget, Abi Hugo, based in Essex, decided to give her boring bathroom a refresh. And in just 24 hours, it had been transformed into a timeless sanctuary!

Abi used leftover paint and materials from other DIY and decorating projects to not only keep costs next to nothing, but to create a cohesive look throughout her home. Most impressive of all is that Abi’s budget bathroom idea cost less than £30!

Bathroom before

Image credit: Abi Hugo

The whole transformation only took an impressive 24 hours! Eat your heart out, Changing Rooms!

‘When I get hooked on an idea and I see it in my head I just have to get it done,’ Abi exclusively told Leader Doors. ‘It just started with me painting the radiator, and seeing how it goes, and then one thing led to another and I kinda didn’t go to bed till 2am in the morning.’

Bathroom after

Image credit: Abi Hugo

Thanks to Abi’s savvy know-how, this speedy reno was basically free! She used leftover stuff from other rooms and items she had upcycled in the house, including leftover wood and paint.

The only thing that Abi bought was a set of peel and stick bathroom flooring tiles from Dunelm, which were £14 a pack.  Two packs later, and the entire revamp costs just under £30. Now that’s what we call a bargain!

Design details: £30 budget bathroom makeover

Image credit: Abi Hugo

Abi stuck to a palette of soft neutrals throughout. She chose to use wood as an accent to make a feature bathroom mirror idea. Leftover wooden battens fixed vertically behind the existing round mirror was a very quick trick that elevates the area.

‘I don’t want to waste anything, so for me, it’s always like what have I got to hand,’ explains Abi.

Layering textures is something that makes a fantastic impact to a space, so she brought pampas grass from outside to implement character into the room. This is echoed by natural seagrass storage and changing the knobs on the vanity unit.

Image credit: Abi Hugo

‘I really appreciate organic styles and fibres by adding natural elements within your space to create texture within your home,’ Abi says. ‘I love to add a modern twist on classic style with my love of neutrals but adding contrast with black accents really elevates the space.’

Her top tips to create your own unique budget bathroom idea is to use Pinterest to create a mood board to help you solidify what look you are going for. It will also help you plan before you dive in.

Research is key, so look into your interior style. If you come across a product you love, like a lamp or something, Abi suggests using Google Reverse Image Search, where Google will reveal all the places the product is found. You might be able to find the product cheaper somewhere else. Genius!

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