Illuminating & Ultimate Gray: Pantone’s Dynamic Duo for Color of the Year 2021
The announcement is here! Illuminating & Ultimate Gray have been named as Pantone’s reigning couple for Color of the Year 2021. And, the world is here for it! The refreshing appeal of this duo signals the dawn of a new day, bringing light to shadows.
Replacing Classic Blue, from the 2020 Color of the Year, let’s welcome Illuminating with Ultimate Gray. We all know the love that the design world has for gray, so let’s put that one on the back-burner right now and embrace the absolute gift that is this year’s selection of yellow.
Rays of sunshine, springtime daffodils and thirst-quenching lemonade–yellow is basically happiness on the color wheel. If there’s any color we need more of, it’s Illuminating.
Illuminating: What Does Yellow Represent?
In general, the color yellow represents optimism, freshness and livened energy. But, lately, yellow has taken on an additional meaning. Trending on TikTok, the phrase “My Yellow” means anyone who you love a whole lot. This can be friends, family & furry companions.
Pantone’s announcement is a prescription for our world: Surround yourself with hope, happiness and optimism. And, what better way to do that than with interior design! Wondering what Illuminating could look like in your home? Scroll on for some of my favorite captures. Want to see more? Click each photo to find more Houzz inspiration.
Enhance Your Interiors.
Illuminating will make quite an appearance in our interiors in the coming year. The good news? Yellow pairs beautifully with all the favorite foundational neutrals–white, gray or beige.
And, as the design world attempts to meet the needs of these varying preferences, Illuminating fits the role perfectly! From bold yellow accents, to soft buttery hues, I’m excited to see what’s ahead for this color.
Influence the Atmosphere.
Adding a fun accent color is a great way to transform the look of your home with a refreshing vibe. Brighten your interiors this year with a splash of bold color to add contemporary appeal.
Yellow has been accenting bedrooms for the last couple of years, and the trend isn’t slowing down. It’s no surprise when you can find all sorts of fun accessories to style the space!
Boost Your Home Office.
With so many of us working from home, 2020 will go down in history as the year the home office got a facelift. If you’re looking for a way to bring optimism and energy to your “work from home” space, Illuminating might just be it!
This home office design features vibrant colors and interesting patterns for a defining finish!
Create a Colorful Kitchen.
Stepping outside the box of the standard kitchen, soft painted cabinets are not new, but we can plan on seeing many more yellow hues in culinary spaces.
This kitchen features traditional elegance with the favorable atmosphere yellow brings along with it.
Style It Farmhouse.
Soft yellow could be described as one of the most charming colors. That’s why it’s no surprise that it’s an amazing addition to farmhouse style. And, if you’re not ready for an “all yellow” kitchen, a soft yellow island would offer beautiful results.
The greenery adds to the lovely atmosphere in this space, pairing well with yellow, for a refreshing glow.
Choose Your Hue.
If any room in your home should reflect your personality, it’s your bedroom. Styled together in this space, gray and yellow show just how well contrast works in design. This charcoal gray feature wall of grasscloth adds gorgeous subtlety. But, which color can carry contemporary style, unique personality & a calming feel? Yellow, of course. And, together, they’re dynamite!
Adjust the hue to fit the mood you’d like to create. These accents provide the splash of color the room needed, without overwhelming the space.
Put Some Sparkle Into It.
Can yellow do glam? The answer is an undeniable YES! Illuminating is bright–in and of itself. But, when accented with patterns and sparkles, this space truly shines.
And, don’t forget that “fifth wall,” also known as the ceiling. Styling it with a patterned wallpaper is a unique trend that the design world can’t seem to get enough of!
Add Invigorating Zest.
Can you think of another color that could pack more punch than yellow? In the bathroom, Illuminating is the perfect recipe to brighten your day–every day–putting you in a good mood from morning ’til night. Paired with softness of Ultimate Gray, the space is a blend of bubbly happiness and soothing sophistication.
This yellow tile adds a modern look to this space, along with a smile on the face of anyone who uses it.
Embrace the Lullabies & Giggles.
Yellow has long been a staple in nursery design. As time goes by, we’re seeing a range of this hue, from soft and serene, to bold, brilliant designs. Which do you prefer?
Bold Brilliance
Soft & Serene
No matter the shade of yellow you choose, the nursery you create will be filled with happiness that you can enjoy while cuddling your new, precious bundle of joy!
Take Tradition Up a Notch.
A great room to add a refreshing change? Your great room! The living room, in yellow, will surround you with the cheerfulness you’ve been hoping for as 2020 comes to a blazing end. 
The best part about painting walls a new shade of color is the instant atmosphere transformation you’ll experience.
Upgrade Your Entry.
Is there a more welcoming color than yellow? Make a delightful statement for your neighbors to enjoy, while you get welcomed home each day, with a yellow front door!
Could You Use Some Yellow in Your Life?
Whether it’s a whimsical tablescape, a tranquil paint color, or simply a fresh bouquet of flowers, will you be incorporating yellow into the rooms in your home in the coming year? How about the newest color pairing of Illuminating with Ultimate Gray? Let me know what you think of the 2021 Color of the Year announcement. Leave comments below, or visit me on Instagram.
