1. What is the Color of the Year 2021?
1.1. Definition
On December 9, 2020, Pantone announced the Color of the Year 2021: PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating. For the first time in 22 years, a combination of two colors was selected. Pantone described the chosen yellow and gray as independent yet complementary colors, representing a theme of unity and mutual support. While Illuminating is bright and full of vitality, Ultimate Gray is solid and dependable; this pairing expresses strength, optimism, and resilience after a year 2020 full of noticeable challenges.
Dominant color of the year 2021
1.2. Characteristics
Pantone selected Illuminating as a bright and cheerful yellow, sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar energy.
Ultimate Gray, on the other hand, is emblematic of solid and dependable elements, everlasting and providing a firm foundation. Gray is the color of pebbles on the beach, enduring in nature through harsh weather to highlight the ability to withstand and stand the test of time. Ultimate Gray is quietly assuring, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness, and resilience.
Combining the two dominant colors of 2021
1.3. Meaning
Two independent colors come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine-filled day. 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.
The 2021 color of the year incorporated by ADHOC Architectes into their design
“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.
2. Practical Applications
For over 20 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.
Pantone announces Color of the Year 2021 – Applications
Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are the two primary colors; they do not necessarily have to be used in equal proportions, but can take precedence in varying ratios to suit the product and the intended message.
2.1. Fashion
Gray and yellow are used in apparel and fashion accessories.
A pop of yellow accented by gray conveys a message of sunshine and strength. Gray serves as a great grounding point against yellow, bringing brightness to scarves, footwear, handbags, shawls, or t-shirts. With its energetic presence, the pairing of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating makes a great combination for activewear. The high-contrast visibility of Yellow and Gray further enhances the appeal of outerwear.
2.2. Beauty
A mix of warm and cool tones, combining gray and bright yellow on hair or nails makes a striking statement. Yellow sparkles and glows even more when paired with gray in eye makeup.
2.3. Packaging and Multimedia Design
Pairing Illuminating, the color of highest visibility and reflectivity, with resilient Ultimate Gray creates an impactful visual message, regardless of where it appears. The combination of the two primary colors of 2021 delivers a message of vitality for packaging and multimedia designs.
2.4. Home Décor
In architecture, designers utilize this playful yet solemn color palette in both public projects and indoor spaces to communicate similar themes of resilience and positivity.
Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are a great combination to set the mood in any room. Juxtaposing Illuminating with Ultimate Gray in table linens, beddings, and home accessories including pillows or furniture. Painting the front door in bright yellow conveys a welcoming message and is accented by solid and dependable gray in exterior finishes. Choosing these two colors creates an ideal pairing for any office—whether at home or in a commercial space—enhancing awareness and intuition, illuminating the way to intellect, curiosity, originality, and resourcefulness.
Besides, don’t forget a smart choice for interior decoration: tiles.
3. Tile Types Matching the Color of the Year 2021
Today, tiles are not only seen as raw building materials but also recognized as highly practical interior decoration products. If you use the right type of tile in the right space, you can instantly achieve the exact design style you want without stressing over other décor items, simply because tiles occupy a large area in your space.
Gray granite tile floor combined with yellow crackle glaze tiles
Here, Khatra introduces tile models featuring yellow and gray as the dominant colors for 2021.
