Pantone Colors of the Year 2021: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating

2020 has come and gone, which means the 2021 Pantone Color of the Year is here! Or in this case, the Pantone colors of the year. As a reflection of how unique this year has been, the Pantone Color Institute has chosen two colors for their illustrious honor: PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating. While each color is distinctly independent, they combine to demonstrate strength and hopefulness going into the new year.

These two colors offer an eye-popping combination to create a fantastic color palette. The versatility of ultimate gray combined with the bright optimism of illuminating gives you plenty of options to work with when decorating your interior. Ultimate Gray serves as a great foundational color for a variety of home design styles, including contemporary and traditional. Then, you can add in pops of Illuminating to accent and brighten your space.

If you’re looking for simple ways to incorporate these colors into your space, start with accessories such as throw pillows, bedding, and area rugs. For a larger addition, integrate an accent chair or table. The contrast between calm neutral shades, such as Ultimate Gray, and the bright and uplifting Illuminating naturally creates a palette that’s visually alluring.

“The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”

—Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute

Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Inspiration at Homemakers