As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty, Pantone’s Color of the Year 2021 selections are spirited and
emboldened, satisfying our quest for vitality. Illuminating (Pantone 13-0647) is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. Ultimate Gray (Pantone 17-5104) is emblematic of solid and dependable
elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation.
“We may have had our fill of grey rooms these past few years but that’s only because it was showcased exclusively on its own,” Greg Lanza said. “We should learn to use on-trend color with others to balance and make it our own. Gray looks great with orange or yellow. Why not pair it with navy, white and fuchsia or with light blue and pea green.”
Lanza, of Greg Lanza Interior Design, an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers, is a full-service firm in Locust Valley (www.greglanzadesign.com).
For 22 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.
Usage
A marriage of strength and optimism, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating do not have to be used in equal proportions, either color can take precedence whether for apparel, beauty, home furnishings, product design or packaging.
“We see colors. We also experience and feel the colors that surround us. The pantone colors of 2021 are an insightful combination of resilience and positivity,” Karen Ferreyra said.
Ferreyra, an ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and an Associate Member of IDS (Interior Design Society) of Karen Ferreyra Interiors, LLC (www.karenferreyrainteriors.com) has more than 20 years of experience and a background in remodeling.
“Many of my clients are choosing to use gray as a base throughout their entire home,” Ferreyra said. “Ultimate Gray, a neutral, mid-tone gray is strong, but also soothing, like the comfort of an old sweater and easy to live with. Illuminating, a sunny yellow with a vibrant spirit is strong enough to use independently. However, in this case, a little goes a long way.”
In Apparel and Fashion Accessories
Illuminating punctuated by a touch of Ultimate Gray conveys a message of sunshine and strength. Enduring Ultimate Gray provides a great bouncing off point with Illuminating bringing in some brightness by way of a scarf, footwear, handbag, shawl, tops. With its energetic presence the marriage of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are a great combination for activewear. The high visibility contrast of Illuminating and Ultimate Gray adds to its appeal for outerwear.
In Beauty
A mix of warm and cool tones, combining Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in hair or nail makes a dramatic statement. Illuminating sparkles and shimmers when paired with Ultimate Gray in eye make-up.
In Packaging and Multi-Media Design
Pairing Illuminating, the color of highest visibility and reflectivity with resilient Ultimate Gray produces a visually noticeable message no matter where it appears. The coupling of Illuminating with Ultimate Gray infuses a message of vitality into a firm foundation of reliability, wisdom and experience for packaging and multi-media design.
In Home Decor
Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are a great combination to set the mood in any room in the home adding a dose of sunshine and positivity. Juxtaposing Illuminating with Ultimate Gray in table linens, sheeting and home accessories including pillows and tabletop infuses vitality and liveliness.
“Test the waters by using it in a space that you want a little pick-me-up; think laundry room and as a complementary color to brighten up a gray space with pillows, accessories, flowers and even your front door,” Ferreyra said.
Painting a front door in bright yellow Illuminating conveys a warm and welcoming message when supported by solid and dependable Ultimate Gray in the exterior finishes. The ideal combination for any office whether in the home or in a commercial space with Ultimate Gray providing the firm foundation for Illuminating, a vibrant yellow that heightens awareness and enhances intuition, lighting the way to the intellectual curiosity, originality, and resourcefulness of an open mind.
“I don’t care for single colors on their own, but I do love the magic and energy of unexpected pairings,” Lanza said. “So if you are tired of your gray room, add a surprise splash of color to wake it up; there’s no need to reinvest if you hire the right talent to assist you.”
About the Pantone Color of the Year
“This year’s colors project hope and vibrancy in the juxtaposition of Illuminating against the steady calm of Ultimate Gray,” said Teresa Scudero, a member of NKBA, a professional member of the Interior Design Society and owner of TDS Designs (Tdsdesigns.net). “A strong and bold color combination that can be fun and fabulous at the same time.”
The Color of the Year selection process requires thoughtful consideration and trend analysis. To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone’s color experts at the Pantone Color Institute comb the world looking for new color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles and socio-economic conditions.
“Pantone is a leader in color forecasting, not only for interior design but for fashion and product design as well,” Lanza said.
Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures, and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and even up-coming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.
Visit www.pantone.com to learn more about the Pantone Color of the Year for 2021.
