Pantone colour of the year: surprising or predictable?

For the year 2021 Pantone didn't present the usual one, but two colours of the year: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. In the design world this kind of combination of solid grey and vivid yellow has been a proven match for years. Pantone didn't match these shades for no reason though. Why are these two colours chosen together for this year and what is the thought behind this colour marriage?

LIgHT at the END of thE TUNNEL

Only one time before has Pantone presented two colours of the year. This was in 2016 with Serenity and Rose Quartz. This makes a combination of two colours pretty unique. For 2021 it quickly became clear, with all the developments going on in society no one colour could express everything at the same time. That's why the choice fell on two colours being able to work together: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. On its own maybe little surprising shades, forming a predictable colour combination together. The message behind these two colours however is all the more powerful. It's a story about colour uniting feelings of cautiousness with the promise of a sunlit day. Appropriate to this time, in which we are looking for light and energy to give ourselves strength and overcome the continuing uncertainty. On the way to the well-known light at the end of the tunnel. 

message of power and hope

“And that light is present!”, does Pantone want to let us know with the new colour of the year. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director at Pantone: “The combination of the solid Ultimate Gray and the vivid yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by strength. Practical and rock solid, but at the same time warming and optimistic: this colour combination gives us strength and hope. We people need to be encouraged and uplifted, this is essential for our spirit.

Powerful colour marriage

Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are two independent colours emphasizing how different elements can strengthen and support each other when they come together. Ultimate Gray symbolizes solid and reliable elements and offers a firm foundation. It provides a calm reassurance and encourages feelings of calmness, stability and resilience. Illuminating is a bright and happy yellow sparkling of vividness and representing optimism, positivity and warmth.

BACK TO NORMAL

This means for 2021 no elegant classic like Classic Blue (2020) or exotics like Living Coral (2019) and Ultraviolet (2018). It is a positive view towards the future with a solid grey as firm foundation and vivid yellow as shining bright spot. And for after 2021? Hopefully 'back to normal' again, where we like to be surprised by a completely new, inspiring and distinctive colour!

looking for inspiration?

Inspired by the new Pantone colours of the year? To get you started, we have listed a number of floors in the style of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. From soft carpet, woven vinyl and high-quality LVT to casted floors and rugs. Performed as uni, with special designs and effects or completely custom-made with a personal design, at LEOXX we would like to support you in realising your interior projects in 'Pantone 2021-style'.

Floors in te style of ultimate gray and illuminating