The Pantone Colour Institute has revealed its colour of the year for 2021, and there is not just one, but two! PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow, while the contrasting PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is emblematic of pebbles on the beach and natural elements.
Pantone says the union of these two shades expresses a message of positivity and fortitude. This colour combination is both practical and optimistic and should give us resilience and hope.
We think this sounds very appropriate for the year ahead and have scoured the web to provide interiors inspiration using these colours. Read on for some of our favourite ideas.
Smart stripes
Introduce a classic stripe with a contemporary twist. This Watercolour Stripe Ochre Roman Blind, by designer Clarissa Hulse, is both vibrant and intensely on trend with its combination of both the new Pantone colours. Available from Blinds 2go (made to measure from £30.87).
Retro vibes
Add an illuminating pop of colour against an existing grey backdrop with a statement chair. This stunning Yellow Mentosa Armchair has a strong sculptural form. The distinctive frame has a powder coated brass finish, which looks beautiful against the vibrant yellow velvet. Available from MY Furniture (from £294.99). This chair is also available, as pictured, in Grey.
Wake up!
Get your day off to the brightest of starts with this gorgeous Echo Alarm Clock in Cheeky Yellow from Annabel James (from £21.95). And to make you feel even better about waking up, you won’t have been up all night listening to constant ticking as the hands of this clever alarm clock move in a ‘silent sweep.’
Sleep well
Yellow and grey is a soothing yet cheerful combination for bedroom décor. We love this Espinillo Bed Linen Set from Clarissa Hulse (kingsize duvet cover from £65). Made from 100% cotton, the fanned acacia leaves sit against a deep yellow backdrop, which fades into dove grey. Accessories include cushions, lampshade, throw and wallpaper.
Accessorize your bathroom
Introduce some vibrant bursts of colour into a grey bathroom with some bright yellow towels. We love this striking grey bathroom from Matki, featuring their Eauzone Plus bespoke shower and steam room with a matt black finish.
Botanical prints
Delivering both these stylish hues in one blind is the classic William Morris Willow Bough Gold design from Blinds 2go, in collaboration with the V&A (made to measure from £28.76). This beautiful mix of exquisite design and vibrant intertwining leaves really brings this blind to life. It’s also available as a roller blind and curtains.
Cushions
Whether you have grey or neutral furnishings, grey and yellow cushions add an eye-catching look. Featured here is the geometric Pattani Dots and Dashes Cushion in Mustard, alongside the Pattani Eclipse in Mustard, Linen Cushion in Citrine and Velvet Cushion in Charcoal. All available from Oka, the Pattani Dots and Dashes is priced at £50 for the cover only.
Geometric prints
Combine yellow and grey in one wallpaper. This striking Apex Geometric Wallpaper is from World of Wallpaper (from £9.99 per roll). The contemporary design of abstract triangles looks beautiful in yellow and grey, with a pale silver metallic outline. Use it to create a stunning feature wall, or go the whole hog and paper the entire room.
Get arty
Draw together your yellow and grey furnishings in one piece of art. There’s plenty to choose from, but we’re rather drawn to the abstract feel of this 50 Shades of Grey and Yellow framed art print by Julia Ahmad from Wayfair. On canvas with a black or timber frame (from £69.66).
Tile it up
Original Style has added this new Hawthorn Yellow Triangle design to their Victorian floor tiles range. We think they’d look beautiful in a hallway or kitchen. Visit their website for local stockists.
Author: Sara Chardin