2021 Colors of the Year: Ultimate Gray & Illuminating

Pantone has announced its 2021 Colors of the Year: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating!

PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation.

PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power.

As described by Pantone, “the combination of PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is aspirational and gives us hope. We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter – this is essential to the human spirit.”

Here are 5 ideas for using this color combination in your home!

Opt for yellow and gray printed wallpaper.

Printed wallpaper has become extremely popular over the last couple of years as an easy way to update your home. Gray wallpaper with hints of yellow will give your room a subtle pop of color. If you’re going for a bolder look, opt for a mostly yellow wallpaper with gray details.

This Crediton Peel and Stick Wallpaper delicately combines yellow and gray floral elements.

Choose yellow or gray curtains.

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated look, opt for gray curtains. If you’re wanting a youthful and bright look, choose yellow curtains instead. Because gray and yellow is a popular combination, you can likely find curtains that subtly incorporate both of these options as well.

This nursery is full of yellow and gray elements, but the yellow and gray printed curtains are the finishing touch to the space. Photo Source

Try out yellow and gray bedding.

Switching out your bedding is an easy way to change the color scheme of your bedroom. Try switching to yellow and gray bedding for a modern and bright look.

This yellow and gray chevron bedding adds texture and interest to this bedroom. Photo Source

Contrast a neutral gray rug with yellow chairs.

While fully gray interiors are out, you can still stylishly incorporate gray pieces by accenting them with bold yellow furniture. Yellow couches or chairs are perfect for adding a cheerful spark atop a gray rug.

These velvet yellow chairs add a pop of color to this modern home.

Go for a fully gray and yellow color scheme.

Incorporate different shades of yellow and gray to keep your space dynamic. To prevent this color scheme from looking dark, we recommend painting your walls white or adding white elements to brighten the room.

This living room has a fully gray and yellow color scheme and even includes a yellow accent wall. Photo Source

Read more about Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the Year here!

For more inspiration, check out our 2021 Pantone Colors of the Year Pinterest Board.