Each year Pantone choses a colour of the year, a bit of an end of the year ritual for the creative industry. A hue that we can expect to see in design and fashion across the globe and a colour that we look forward to using in some of our projects.
This year, they have chosen two colours that work in combination with each other – Illuminating and Ultimate Gray. The gray is practical and rock solid, whereas the yellow is warming and optimistic. Together they provide a combination of strength and positivity…something we are in much need of after 2020!
We have to be honest though – this colour combination didn’t full us with too much excitement. Some describe it as a classic combination, possibly even a little retro (or dated), depending on your view. Using grey however, felt a little depressing after the year that was. However Illuminating (yellow) is a colour we can truly get behind. It really is such a happy, powerful colour. Maybe Pantone were hedging their bets of the mood for 2021?
As we often do, we turned to Pinterest to see how these colours could work together in a more modern and refined setting. As suggested by Pantone, we should be looking at the two colours as a “unified pair”.
For living spaces, we love the idea of beginning with white walls and ceilings as a blank canvas – then adding grey as the primary colour and yellow in combination with other brighter colours as the secondary or accent colours.
The more mustardy tones work beautifully with woods and other natural textures and neutral colours.
This fireplace with the colourful artwork and mustard floor cushions create a particularly happy space.
Although yellow certainly isn’t the first colour that comes to mind when designing a bathroom, we were proven that sometimes a bold colour choice brings the wow factor in an otherwise, potentially, bland space. Subtle grey veining in a marble like finishes pair beautifully with a bold yellow. We’re becoming a little obsessed. I definitely need more yellow in my life!
And how about the kitchen, you ask? A colourful splashback or even below counter cabinetry work so well with other more neutral colours with a gray undertone.
If you are a bit hesitant for a full-on commitment to the colour, try bringing it in with appliances or kitchen stools. This will immediately make the heart of the home, a sunny and happy place.
An all gray bedroom can be a bit depressing and dull. However, paired with bright sunny yellow, warm woods and accents of gold, the space is immediately transformed to something happy, considered and welcoming.
According to Pantone Colour Institute’s executive director Leatrice Eiseman, the combination is “practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a combination that gives us resilience and hope. A good outlook for the year ahead we think.