Color(s) of The Year: Illuminating + Ultimate Grey

February 09, 2021

Like all forecasts, Color of The Year can occasionally miss the mark. We’ll never try to convince clients that they should choose lime or magenta because it’s au courant, but sometimes the color gurus are spot on and this year is no exception. Pantone has named a bright, balanced duo- Illuminating and Ultimate Gray pairs a sunny yellow with a dreamy, serene neutral. It’s a timeless combination we love for modern interiors with a pretty pop. Below, we’ve gathered a selection of projects in the palette and team picks and references.

Our interiors team created this material palette- a warm, textural take on the combination - for a New York City client.

Yellow accents enhance grey interiors by Workshop/APD in a Bahamas escape (L) and a West Side penthouse (R)

Joe Columbo's Total Furnishing Unit (1972) - which resides at NY's Museum of Modern Art - is a homogeneous living system in contrasting warm and cool tones.

Warm golden lighting and art enhance a neutral palette in an NYC apartment (L) and an Asbury Park, NJ beach house (R).

The palette appears in Kettal's mesh outdoor lounge furniture.

Love a trend color but want a little less commitment? A collection on monochromatic accessories provides a pop of yellow and can be easily updated if the next big hue appeals.

Hem Design Studio's large Round Bon Pouf in Honey

Dramatic interiors at the Aparthotel Playasol Jabeque Soul by Aixut Interiorisme (L) and Kriska Decor's gradient Mesh Screen paired in warm golden and cool grey tones.

Pair the exclusive Air Jordan 1CO.JP in its “Neutral Grey” colorway with bright yellow accessories.

“Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” – Girl Scouts