Since 2000 Pantone, together with the Pantone Colour Institute have been announcing a Colour of the Year, carefully chosen after much deliberation and discussion as a reflection of the events and mood of the current times. The Colour of the Year influences everything from consumer products, social media posts and interior design.

For 2021, the American colour company have selected not one but two shades: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating

Pantone believes that this pairing of shades will help people "fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope" after a difficult and uncertain year.

Discover the Colours

Illuminating (Pantone 13-0647)  is described as an optimistic hue of yellow which is meant to reflect "the promise of a sunshine filled day" whilst Ultimate Gray (Pantone 17-5104) is a quieter neutral hue which suggests "composure, steadiness and resilience"

According to Leatrice Eisman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute " The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock-solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, it is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope"

This isn't the first time that Pantone's Colour of the Year has seen a two colour combo. In 2016 the shades of Quartz - a soft pale pink, and Serenity - a cool powder blue were chosen, with palettes incorporating both hues.

How to use this years shades in your home

 1. Add a pop of yellow

Rather than using yellow and grey in equal measures, choose grey as the main hue in the scheme for walls, sofas and upholstery and add a pop of vibrant yellow in your accessories to lift the scheme. 

Lotta Yellow & Grey Curtains with Elva, Vita, Magda, Arizona and Colorado cushion designs

2. Choose a fabric that brings together both the yellow and grey shades

From delicate florals and classic checks to contemporary geometrics, McAlister Textiles have a range of furnishing fabrics featuring the pantone colour of the year. Curtains, blinds and accessories can all be made to order in your chosen design or you can purchase fabric by the metre for your own soft furnishing projects.

3. Add a quick update with soft furnishings

Cushions are a quick and affordable way to update the colour scheme in a room, whether you add them to your sofa or bed or use to style your outdoor furniture. Layer designs and textures in plain or patterned fabrics in the yellow and grey palette and create your own unique look.

Cushions from left to right: Navajo yellow & grey, Maya geometric stripe Silver Grey,  Arizona Yellow and Navajo Black and grey

 4. Be inspired by the Pantone Colour of the Year Palettes

Pantone have put together a series of colour palettes featuring the colours Illuminating and Ultimate Grey. We have interpreted these palettes as a collection of moodboards featuring McAlister Textiles products. Don't be afraid to try out surprising design and colour combinations. Order swatches of fabrics from our website to try out your ideas in your home.

Moodboard #1 Sun and Shadow