Discover why warm-but-earthy yellows, like our new Polenta shade, are surprisingly versatile for your home. 

Conjuring images of ancient tapestries aged with hues of burnished gold, sun-bleached fields of pale grains, or the earthy sweetness of that most regal of spices, warm yellows – from rich Saffron to our new pale and creamy Polenta – do more than just catch the eye; they capture the senses. These hues stand apart from their brighter counterparts on the colour chart. Deeper, earthier, and more pigmented, they offer a sophisticated richness that distinguishes them from sharper, acid yellows or pallid paler shades.

Our iteration of Saffron, while introduced to the paint collection only a few years ago, is by no means a new discovery. It’s a timeless shade that has been inspiring creatives for centuries, even dating back to Renaissance interiors when it symbolised enlightenment. This season, we welcome its softer sibling, Polenta – a creamy, pale yellow, lightly touched with a hint of black for refined depth. Richer than cream, yet gentler than vibrant yellow, it beautifully balances our yellow paint palette.  

‘A warm yellow, like Neptune’s Saffron works so well on a large scale and can really bring a space to life,’ says Taline Findlater and Victoria Gray of Olivine Design studio. To maximise its warm, uplifting benefits consider making Saffron your scheme’s foundation – enveloping the walls, covering your kitchen cabinetry, or even, as Victoria suggests, ‘painting your ceiling to draw your eye upwards with an unexpected twist’. For a striking contrast that has the same intensity and earthiness, try pairing Saffron with the dark blue of Ink, or for a softer palette, balance it with creamy off-white Salt or try a soothing tonal scheme layering it with our new Polenta.

If you're drawn to the idea of yellow but prefer to keep it more understated, consider experimenting in spaces you use less frequently that are ripe for creativity, like a guest bedroom or a downstairs loo. Interior designer Lucinda Sanford suggests ‘using just one shade throughout can actually soften its impact, making it feel less intense and more cohesive’. 

As a mid-shade, Polenta strikes the perfect balance between a colour and a neutral tone, making it both versatile and welcoming. With a hint of lightness that’s easy to live with, it’s a natural partner for fellow neutral paint shades in our collection like Salt, the pale grey of Silver Birch or fresh, creamy Orkney White, which all feature warm undertones.  

These warm yellows bring with them an inviting brightness that can transform spaces, especially in cooler, north-facing rooms. Their adaptability to changing light throughout the day gives them a unique vibrancy, making each room feel dynamic and alive from morning to evening. Whether used as an accent or across entire walls, shades like Saffron and Polenta remind us that warm yellows are no passing trend but a classic, heritage hue that has elevated homes from Renaissance times to today.

Discover our range of over 45 water-based paint shades, low in VOCs and made in the UK by trusted experts since 1740.