Like every year, Pantone has announced its choice of colour for 2021: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. They are two independent colours that highlight how different elements come together to support one another, says Pantone Color Institute, which forecasts global colour trends. The colour of the year influences product development and purchase across industries globally, from fashion to a range of consumer products.

PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements that are everlasting and provide a firm foundation, says Pantone. The colours of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.

PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. It is the colour of sunshine, flowers, birds, butterflies and Van Gogh.

“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...We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter – this is essential to the human spirit,” the Pantone website says. Here’s to hope and warmth.