Ultimate grey and illuminating yellow, the Pantone colours of 2021, represent unity. How to use them in décor…

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Gurnaaz Kaur

Ultimate grey and illuminating have been declared as the Pantone colour (s) of 2021. It is the second time in 22 years that Pantone has selected two shades in the same year. It describes the two colours as independent but complementary, representing the theme of unity and mutual support

The scheme of colours sounds good but what is the importance of this annual announcement and does it have any bearing on the vast world of interior or fashion design? “A standardised palette of hues, the nomination and selection of Pantone colours set the tone for the upcoming trends in the realm of design, while also shedding light on the previous year’s demeanour. The narrowing down of these hue choices emphasises integrating them in a plethora of ways into spaces via materials, pops of colours, textures and objects,” say Disha Bhavsar and Shivani Ajmera, interior designers who run Quirk Studio.

A derivation of nature, this colour trend every year has a huge meaning for interior designing. Interior designer Natasha Aggarwal explains, “The Pantone colour selection is reflective of when sunshine falls upon rocks. It is a reminder to make our choices more sustainable and responsible. Natural stones and textures bring in elements from the environment into the living space, which is a dire need in today’s time. Yellow is not just attention-grabbing but also creates a canvas for accessorisation. Likewise, grey is an extremely versatile colour, thus it often finds a way into most trends.”

As an architect, Shobhit Kumar looks at the Pantone system as the standard language for colour communication between designers, manufacturers, retailers and customers.

“The Pantone colour of the year is a trendsetter in many different markets. The array of products and colour combination palettes offered by Pantone all revolve around the particular colour and many designers and product brands dive in to follow the trend and become part of the community. It gets a lot of media attention as well, keeping the craze alive for the whole year,” he says.

Fashion is a world of its own and while it may occasionally reflect on the Pantone colour, there are other factors to keep in mind while preparing a collection. Couturier Seema Gujral says, “Our colour scheme and ensembles are created keeping our collection in mind.” She says there are themes to follow and it cannot be based on just one shade. At the same time, those who like to be in sync with the Pantone colour, Seema says, “They can add the shade by using trending elements like double dupattas and embroidered belts, some jewellery and other accessories, which bring the modern element to essentially traditional Indian festive wear using the Pantone colour of the year.”

When it comes to incorporation of grey and yellow into interiors, Rajesh Bhandari, a marble expert, suggests, “Using grey stones to generate backdrops or highlight walls is a great way to incorporate the colour without dampening the environment of the space. Yellows can be amalgamated with interiors through smaller elements like sculptures or art pieces as well as through larger highlight walls. Covering up unwanted elements such as columns can be enabled with subdued grey stones in order to make them inconspicuous or in yellows to create focal zones for artwork.”

These tones can be around you beyond wall paints, like Natasha opines, “Pairing grey elements with a wooden finish or natural materials can create a warm and cosy environment. Yellow on the other hand is a great way to add an accent wall or detail to a space. As it draws in more light and warmth into the space, yellow can also be incorporated into spaces through textural additions by means of upholstery and accessories. Yellow and grey can add a focal area to space.”

Expert speak

• Ultimate grey and illuminating do not have to be used in equal proportions.
• Light grey is always a great alternative to white for those looking to create a peaceful and tranquil environment.
• Yellow is an energising colour, and it is recommended that it be used as an overall hue or an accent colour in areas meant for play or where groups of people gather, like a kitchen or living room.
• Juxtaposing illuminating with ultimate grey in table linens, sheeting and home accessories, including pillows and table-tops, infuses vitality.
• Painting a front door in bright yellow illuminating conveys a warm and welcoming message when supported by solid and dependable ultimate grey in the exterior finishes.—Shobhit Kumar