Bill Murray's tranquil New York home hit the market recently, and we haven't been able to stop thinking about its bright yellow facade since.
The 5-bed, 4-bath property is whimsical yet sophisticated from the inside, which we recently covered with a house tour, but the yellow exterior paint is what really gives viewers a first impression of the home.
Naturally, this is a bold and unique color choice, particularly for a house's exterior. However, it made us wonder whether decorating with yellow paint can boost curb appeal; Murray's home is worth $3.6 million, so it's a question worth investigating.
According to experts, yellow is a tough but worthwhile color to incorporate into (or outside of) the home, yielding positive energy and warmth.
'Yellow is a color that sparks strong reactions in exterior and interior design, and with good reason,' says Rossella Marzochella, interior designer at Decor & Decor. 'In my experience, it’s one of the most challenging colors to get right on a home’s facade.
'At Decor & Decor, we’ve seen that while yellow has the potential to add warmth and vibrancy, it can also feel overwhelming if it’s not thoughtfully chosen and balanced with other elements. Yellow exteriors can sometimes clash with the architecture or even the neighborhood, making it a more controversial choice.'
She continues, 'For homeowners who are drawn to yellow, my advice is to lean into softer, muted shades rather than bold, saturated tones. A buttery or pale yellow, for instance, can add a gentle warmth that complements natural surroundings without overwhelming the eye. This approach creates a balanced, welcoming look that doesn’t overpower the home’s structure.'
When it comes to colors that go with yellow, Marzochella recommends neutrals to ensure that yellow takes center stage (as well as to avoid clashing).
'When working with yellow, I always suggest pairing it with grounding colors -deep charcoal, muted navy, or crisp white on trims and shutters can provide a sophisticated contrast, allowing yellow to be the highlight rather than dominating the design,' she says. 'Additionally, for clients who may not want to commit to a full yellow façade, adding yellow in smaller touches - such as on the front door or window shutters - can create a lovely focal point that feels tasteful and controlled.'
As such, pay as much attention to hardware as to the paint color itself.
'To complete the look, we recommend using exterior hardware in complementary finishes like matte black or brushed bronze, which grounds the brightness of yellow and adds a polished finish,' Marzochella says. 'Yellow may be a bold choice, but with a thoughtful approach, it can bring a unique charm and curb appeal to the home without overwhelming the overall design.'
Below, we found a perfectly palatable yellow paint color, along with some subtle home accessories.
Softly sun-kissed, this soothing light yellow offers a subtle and unexpected pop of color. It would look beautiful in any room, but we can see it working wonders in a bathroom or kitchen.
This soft, buttery throw is a great accessory for any neutral sofa, adding just the right amount of color.
This vessel for florals is sleek and bright, making it just as much a piece of decor as bouquets themselves.
If painting a house yellow, we recommend keeping the rest of the porch colors and accessories neutral, as this will ensure the paint stays as timeless as the structure itself.f
Bill Murray's home is currently listed by Marjorie Galen of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty.
