Illuminating your home with Pantone’s 2021 Colours of the Year

17th December 2020

General News Design Tips & Tricks

For only the second time in its history, the Pantone Colour Institute has named two Colours of the year for 2021 - Ultimate Grey and Illuminating.

Due to the unprecedented year, Pantone decided to name two diverse shades, the practical foundation of Ultimate Grey and the uplifting yellow hue of Illuminating.  It is the true marriage of colour, conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.

These two independent colours highlight how different elements join forces to support one another, especially when it comes to incorporating them in your family home.

With the help of Henley Homes Senior National Interior Designer, Nina Tophoven, she will share her insights and inspiration in how to instil these two fabulous hues which are guaranteed to stimulate and exude optimism and energy.

A balance of colour

Elegant and timeless in its simplicity, Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Grey and the cheerful Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating both celebrate deeper feelings of thoughtfulness, with a hint of something sunny and friendly anticipated.

Nina says, “Ultimate Grey, as a very neutral mid-grey, is a classic timeless shade, which works in perfectly with the currently extremely popular Hampton Style exteriors. Combined with a crisp white it creates that fresh look everyone enjoys.  Greys are a sound foundation colour, that’s why I feel it is essential to set any shade of grey off with a contrasting colour, shade or tone.

“Illuminating with this cheeky and engaging tone, is set to bring a ray of sunshine in many rooms around Australia. This hue instantly hits the mark with its beautiful mood and playful nuances. Ideal to use as feature walls in children’s rooms, or in smaller amounts as bright little accents such as cushions, accessories and artwork. As the name suggests: Illuminating, can bring out light, brightness and vibrancy into your space.

“With Illuminating, we need to feel that everything is going to get brighter – this is essential to the human spirit – and is indicative of the year we have all had.” Nina adds.

Incorporating Illuminating and Ultimate Grey in your home

With an Ultimate Grey as a base, a splash of Illuminating will add more animation and effervescence into any space.

“Whether it is a piece of art with hints of bright yellow, a textured cushion or throw on a bed or couch, to an expansive living room rug with calming grey nuances, Illuminating does not need to dictate but to complement a space,” Nina says.

Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, guaranteed to amplify a room or a space with its vitality and playfulness.

“Consider glassware or flowers on a dining room table to create a lively and energising feeling,” Nina says.

“Greys are calming  and composed colours while Illuminating is vibrant, yet timeless and can be schemed with many other neutral colours.”

Where do you think you will add Ultimate Grey and Illuminating into your home?

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