Pantone Color(s) of the Year 2021: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating

Yellow has always been one of my favorite colors with it’s mood boosting powers and optimism. Pantone seems to agree and has selected “Illuminating” as one of the colors of the year along with the continued trendy “Ultimate Gray” as the perfect compliment. Pantone called them “two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.” Ultimate Gray is a cement-like shade, the type of color that can be found in pebbles along the shore and that “quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.” Illuminating is a bright, vivacious shade imbued with the spirit of the sun. The color pairing may seem jarring initially. Taken separately, they occupy somewhat opposite sides of the emotional color wheel; gray can read a bit cold and stoic while yellow is warm and cheery. Together, however, they represent “a marriage of strength and optimism.”

Like last year’s Classic Blue, which represented stability and reassurance at a time when trust and faith were needed, this year’s choices are inspired by the current world order. “The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer,” said Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. “As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolize thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of color to engage and connect.”

Hope you are feeling all the optimism of a new year! Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2021!

One of my goals for 2021 is to buy a new house. Let me know if I can help you reach your real estate goals!