Becoming the global authority on color is not an easy task, yet Pantone made this very kaleidoscopic leap in 1963. The Atlantic reported that chemist Lawrence Herbert concocted the first-ever standardized numbered color system known as color chips.
This system ensures that color shades remain constant and don’t change when distributed through various materials such as paper, a wall, clothing, or digital design. One of the most significantly impacted sectors that contains multiple interactive human touchpoints is the interior design arena, and Pantone’s Colors of the Year will heavily impact interior spaces in 2021, as they have been since 1963.
How Pantone’s Colors of the Year are Chosen
The process of choosing the Pantone Color of the Year is a highly involved method that involves a Virginia-based nonprofit named The Color Marketing Group (CMG). This epic journey into the unknown future of each color of the year includes storytelling and taking cues from pop culture, social issues, politics, technology, and many other sectors. After a deep dive into the most high-impact influential factors in the previous sectors, a bonanza of colors are chosen, and the deliberation process begins.
The 2021 Pantone Color Palette
The official colors of 2021 are 13-0647 Illuminating and 17-5104 Ultimate Gray. This is a bodacious color combo for interiors that strikes a fluid balance between chic and sparky. This sunny yet classic color combo symbolizes the glorious blend of traditional and modern that will surely appease all parties making interior design decisions. Pantone’s official stance on these two tones is that the union of these specific shades conveys a much-needed message of strength and hope that is both uplifting and enduring in a time when it’s most needed.
2021 Interior Design Forecast
The marriage of Illuminating and Ultimate Gray is something special when it comes to interiors. Both colors are incredibly holistic, and neither contains any harshness or, in contrast, bears any brute neutrality. Illuminating is a calm morning-light type of yellow being commonly used for statement walls, room accessories, and even in carefully curated artwork that serves as focal pieces. An easy way to get these magical colors into the home immediately is by revamping linens, towels, and throw pillows. No holding back is necessary when it comes to these two hues, and a mixture of both shades can be used for sizeable cloth-covered furniture as well.
2021 is a Year That Requires More Than One
In Pantone’s official Color of the Year announcement, the organization shared that both colors don’t necessarily have to be used in equal proportions in interior design. Splashes, takeovers, or the perfect balance of each are all options. 2021 is a year that needs options, and Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, expressed that although the colors are independent, they together “…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.” Ultimate Gray is a symbol of endurance, and Illuminating represents positivity and fortitude. Overall, Pantone hopes that each Color of the Year is used as a tool to help designers express their creativity, engage clients, and help everyone feel connected to their canvas of choice.
