Pantone describes Illuminating as a “bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power.” This optimistic hue is paired with Ultimate Gray, a color that is “emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation.” Ultimate Gray is inspired by natural elements, like pebbles on a beach, that have a weathered appearance but prove they can stand the test of time. This isn’t the first time Pantone has chosen not one, but two, hues for the Pantone Color of the Year. Design fans may remember that back in 2016, the company picked both Serenity, a soft blue, and Rose Quartz, a blush pink. For the Pantone Color of the Year 2021 selection, the combination of two colors is meant to represent the need for unity. “The selection of two independent colors highlights how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one,” says Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in the press release. Ready to introduce this uplifting color combo into your own home? Consider a paint project, or keep it simple with a couple new throw pillows.
