Go for nuanced yellows to create balance.

Yellows such as pale citron or mellow ocher are usually easier to incorporate than high-voltage tones, which can quickly become overbearing. “Certain shades are hard to use, such as taxicab yellow, and pure yellow without any shading is tough to use in a big way,” Jayne says. But, he adds, “that’s not to say that you couldn’t have a beautiful white lacquered room with blazing yellow furniture. And a pure yellow ceiling can be attractive in the right situation.” 

In this space: A deep mustard hue gives this breakfast area a dignified presence. Black-and-ivory curtains and golden yellow chair fabrics, plus a toned-down gray on the ceiling, combine for a color-drenched effect that goes easy on the eye.

RESOURCES: Interiors by Mary Anne Smiley Interiors, 214/522-0705, www.maryannesmiley.com. Curtain fabric, Petit Gonesse, by Pierre Frey through Walter Lee Culp Associates (to the trade), 214/651-0510, www.wlculp.com.

NextAlmost any color will work with yellow.