Pantone Announces 2021 Colors of the Year - Get Ready Yellow and Gray!
Just when we all thought that gray was on it’s way out, surprise! An unexpected color combination chosen by Pantone’s Color Institute was announced just a few days ago. Not just one color chosen this year, but two, PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray' and 'PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating. Two colors that will promote optimisim for 2021.
Illuminating is a bright, happy and vibrant warm yellow. Whereas Ultimate Gray is symbolic of an everlasting solid firm foundation. Natural elements that will stand the test of time as Pantone describes the marriage of the two.
Here is what Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institue has to say about their 2021 Color of the Year:
Yellow and gray have always been a favorite color combination of mine since a small child. I remember my mother had a linen tablecloth with this color combination that I just loved. It was soft yellow and light gray on a white background. A combination that has been around for a very long time. I feel as though Pantone is bringing it to the forfront for the world to get back to a simpler time but with reassurance of strong and happier days to come.
Ways to Use Yellow and Gray in Your Home
One of the wallpapers I chose for a bathroom remodel project this year was a yellow and gray. It was not chosen by the clients as they preferred paint color over the wallpaper, but it’s still one of my favorites that I hope to use this coming year in a project. Another favorite combination that I loved was seeing the Schumacher showroom window this year at the Boston Design Center. Their backdrop of their window vignette was in a large yellow and white trellis patterened wallpaper with a a gray and white botanical upholsered accent chair in the grouping. Just loved this vignette and color compination.
Another combination noticed was of a lighter yellow and gray upholsterd antique chair when I was at the Paris Flea Market in January for Paris Design Week. Not only can this color combination be used as varying shades of lighter yellow and gray, but accented with bright gold and white as seen in the tea service brings the whole combination together nicely.
If your afraid of using such a bright vibrant yellow in your home on the walls and upholstery, consider adding fresh flowers. Tulips and daffodills can add some bright and happy cheer to any room and you’ll be right on trend.
Yellow and gray can also be used on bedding. This is a bedroom set up for client’s back in 2005. The color combination was shades of golden yellow with gray and white on the bedspread and pillow shams. Yellows, grays and whites.
What goes around comes around again is what I say.
Debbe Daley is New England’s leading interior design expert in the fields of design, decorating, and styling of interior spaces. She is a professional speaker, educator, influencer, and business coach in the field of interior design. She also educates and coaches creative interior design and home decor enthusiasts and change-of-career-minded individuals at her School of Interiors through courses, mentoring, and hands-on training. Debbe is currently an installed Design Services member for the Boston Design Center. She also is an educator and instructor at Middlesex Community College in the field of interior design.
