It may be hard to believe, but 2021 is finally here! And while there are plenty of ways to celebrate leaving 2020 behind, as real estate professionals, we love looking at and discussing all the design trends that the new year has brought.
Today, we’re taking a look at the Pantone Color (or Colors!) of the Year to help give us a bit of insight into what home decor is going to look like in 2021.
The Pantone Colors of the Year are—wait for it—Ultimate Gray and Illuminating! A light gray and bright yellow that perfectly embodies a message of happiness supported by fortitude. Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements, like stone and concrete, while Illuminating is a warming yellow, offering up a bright and cheerful feeling.
According to Pantone.com, “Emboldening the spirit, the pairing of PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 highlights our innate need to be seen, to be visible, to be recognized, to have our voices heard. A combination of color whose ties to insight, innovation and intuition, and respect for wisdom, experience, and intelligence inspires regeneration, pressing us forward toward new ways of thinking and concepts.”
After everything the world went through in 2020, Pantone has put together the perfect combination of colors to illustrate how different elements come together to support one another.
Whether you add a few accessories or you paint an entire room Ultimate Gray or Illuminating (or both!), there are so many ways to incorporate this dreamy combination of colors into your home. In fact, we have a few ideas on how to do it right here!
Paint or wallpaper an entire wall
One of the most direct ways to include Illuminating or Ultimate Gray is by painting an entire wall either one or both of these colors! While either a stony gray or sunny yellow are bold choices for an accent wall, either of them will add a spectacular pop of color to any space. If you’re looking to incorporate both at the same time, why not try a floral or geometric wallpaper? We just happen to love this one and this one from Home Depot, if you‘re looking for some recommendations.
Use them in small accents
Because Illuminating is so bold and one-of-a-kind, it can be a lot to incorporate in big ways in your space. Instead of going big, why not keep it small with tiny accents strategically placed around your home? Dish cloths, vases, knick knacks, baskets and more would make beautifully bold, yet subtle, statements anywhere in your home. As for Ultimate Gray, you can also add a few small accents like agate coasters, pictures or planters in this cool color to complement any brighter colors in your space.
Pair them with greenery
The combination of yellow and gray can be used in many different types of décor, from modern and minimalist to farmhouse and industrial. But one surefire way to make this color combo take a left turn into the modern aesthetic is by adding plenty of greenery! Whether you’re pairing it with a massive yellow wall, a tiny gray planter or both, a few pops of green will help set the modern tone in your abode for 2021.
Add a few throw pillows
When in doubt, throw in some pillows! Adding Ultimate Gray or Illuminating throw pillows or a blanket across your bed or couch is an easy (and non-committal) way to incorporate color into your space. And if your couch happens to be a darker color like black, brown or navy, these colors will add a spectacular pop of color that will bring joy to any room.
Incorporate them into your kitchen
Ultimate Gray is a timeless neutral that makes an excellent choice for kitchen cabinetry or a backsplash. This versatile color easily pairs with a variety of other hues, from red to blue to other neutrals, so it’s easy to switch up if your tastes change over time. To incorporate Illuminating into your kitchen color scheme, pull in chairs or barstools in a sunny shade or invest in some new kitchen accessories with bright yellow tones.
Or in your bathroom
Use Pantone’s colors of the year to update your bathroom with a modern look! Ultimate Gray looks gorgeous as a bathroom paint color, on a backsplash, or as floor tile. And you can add in some splashes of yellow through rugs, hand towels and countertop accessories.
Layer them in using cozy fabrics
When looking to incorporate Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in your bedroom, choose textiles in gray and yellow tones to add another layer of comfort to rooms. These tones lend an inviting feeling that’s especially cozy in bedrooms and living spaces. Drape a quilted throw at the end of your bed; pile your sofa with plush pillows; or dress windows in gray and yellow curtains!
Outfit your outdoor space
As we mentioned, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating both work in harmony with green. So why not take them outside too? If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor dining space, incorporate a few pops of gray and yellow into the mix. Outdoor chairs, cushions, tables, poofs and lighting can all work in your plight to create a soothing, comfortable outdoor space perfect for fun and relaxation.
Paint your front door
We love any excuse to paint a door an interesting color! While there’s something classic about a white door, why not spruce it up a bit with a fresh coat of Ultimate Gray or Illuminating? Whether it is your bedroom, office, kitchen or front door, these colors look perfect on any door set against a white trim. We particularly love the idea of painting a front door yellow, which will help you set a welcoming tone in your neighborhood.
How will you incorporate the Pantone Colors of 2021 into your home?
For more inspiration and paint swatches, head to the Pantone website. And if you’re planning on incorporating these happy colors into your décor, let us know how in the comments below!
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