Pantone Colors of the Year 2021

Pantone Colors of the Year 2021 have been announced and they are Ultimate Gray (17-5104) and Illuminating (13-0647). Ultimate Gray is a solid, neutral, mid-tone gray and Illuminating is an energizing, bright lemon yellow. Pantone is the color authority in the design industry and provide a yearly forecast in color trends.

I can’t help but think Ultimate Gray symbolizes the challenges of 2020 and Illuminating the hope for the new year 2021. It’s the first time a gray has been chosen and only the second time two colors have been chosen.

“It’s a combination that speaks to the resilience, the optimism and hope and positivity that we need, as we reset, renew, reimagine and reinvent. Two extremely independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express this message of strength and hopefulness.” – Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute

“Pantone Ultimate Gray + Illuminating, two independent colors that highlight how different elements come together to support one another, best express the mood for Pantone Color of the Year 2021. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating is one of strength and positivity. It is a story of color that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly.”