After what has been a tough 2020 for most, if not all, with COVID-19 affecting almost every single aspect of our very existence, we needed something to help take our minds off the chaos taking place in the world around us. Pantone helped in this regard, when they announced their 2021 Colour of the year, the contrasting colours of Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Grey.
Colour is only beautiful when it means something – Robert Henri.
For only the second time in two decades, Pantone announced two colours as their Colour of the year. This colour combination conveys a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting. Something the world is in desperate need of lately!
“This is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”, adds Leatrice Eiseman, Executive director of Pantone Colour Institute.
During these uncertain times, people are on the lookout for various ways to surround themselves with energy, clarity, and hope, to get that assurance and steadiness that has been and is currently missing. These shades of PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating and PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Grey will satisfy this search. This due to the Illuminating yellow being a bright and cheerful colour that radiates enthusiasm, happiness, and liveliness. In contrast, the Ultimate grey is solid and dependable as it quietly encourages composure and resilience.
These two independent colours showcase how different elements can come together to support one another and make designs look beautiful.
Get designing and decorating
You can take various routes with this colour combination; however, remember that too much of anything is never a good thing! For instance, although the colour yellow represents happiness, optimism and warmth; the overuse of yellow can make a room feel too bright, draw too much attention, and sometimes activate the brain’s anxiety centre. While grey is a safe and neutral tone, too much of it can make a room feel cold, gloomy, and depressing. So, appropriate doses of these colours are essential. As Don Drap, a fictional character on Mad Men, said, “Make it simple, but significant.” Since these colours were announced on 9 December 2020, various designs and ideas have come to the fore. Here are some ideas of yellow and grey combinations we love…
Bright Accents
There are various ways in which one can adopt the grey and yellow without it being permanent. One evident and astonishing way is to use grey as the backdrop while adding yellow accents, such as throw pillows, chair, kitchen stools, cabinets, or an eye-catching sofa. This simplicity is cost-effective and allows for easy switching of colour schemes.
More adventurous! If grey and yellow is the look for you, have a look at implementing a yellow accent wall or even curtains as coupled with the grey, it gives a stylish and sophisticated look. However, be practical when using these colours; for instance, a yellow carpet will not do the trick because it can get dirty quickly.
Add some other colours
Decorating with grey and yellow does not mean that you need to stick to just these two colours alone. Often, these colours can be combined with other neutral colours such as white and black for a contemporary look. For instance, a bold black can also visually define the space and give it a sense of excitement. While, if you like bold and vibrant colours, you can combine yellow with a few complimentary touches of colours for a more colourful and energetic look – but be careful not to use to other many colours.
There is often the perception that grey and yellow only looks great in modern, contemporary and transitional rooms. However, with a bit of imagination, these two colours can fit in with almost any style of your choice.
Get your creative juices flowing and let your ideas brighten up your life while the world around you is still in the darkness of Covid-19. If you need help during any part of the designing- and decorating process, contact us; we are more than willing and capable to assist you where needed.
