2021’s colour of the year?

Pantone have announced their annual colour selection of the year. However this year comes with a twist, for the first time ever, not one, but two colours were chosen to portray a meaningful message behind their yearly tradition. ‘Ultimate Gray’ and ‘Illuminating’ were selected, to signify both dependability and warmth. 

The Pantone news release described Illuminating as “a bright, cheerful, yellow, sparkling with vivacity. A warming yellow shade imbued with solar power.” Ultimate Gray, like stone, is emblematic of “solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation”.

How does this look? 

Credit: Penketh Group

“The selection of two independent colors highlight 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. The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said in a news release. “Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit.”

Pantone’s colour selection is always on point and can often forecast future trends on the market from fashion, interior design to textiles and technology. Expect to see these colours being showcased throughout the year. 

How may this look in the office? 

Credit: Penketh Group

So what are you waiting for, give this stand out colour pallet a go. This could be great new duo for a rebrand, new interior or collection for the run way. Keep your eyes peeled, we are sure this is going to be very popular, just like all the previous colours picked by Pantone. We are TEA are obviously very thrilled with this colour selection, we have used grey and yellow together since our first rebrand in 2015.