A year more eagerly anticipated than many is upon us. To celebrate the coming of a new year and an opportunity for change, Pantone did not reserve themselves to one color. This year, we have two: PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating. Hand-in-hand, these two colors stand "practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic."
After what 2020 had in store, these two color bring a much needed burst of stability and joy. Ultimate Gray acts as a backbone for your space while Illuminating brings a spirit of hope and well-being for the new year. Before you freak out about the duo and how to adequately implement it in your home or your apparel, we are going to share with your our initial thoughts.
You do not have to use equal amounts of the two colors. A split of 50/50 has the potential to turn into something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Either focus the vast majority of your home, wardrobe, or whatever it may be on Ultimate Gray or Illuminating, while utilizing the other as an accent. By doing this, you highlight the best of both without invoking a scene out of the Lorax.
If the brightness of Illuminating is somewhat daunting, try to incorporate it in easily interchangeable items such as linens, decor or rugs. Switch out the duvet covers in your bedrooms to a beautiful shade of PANTONE 13-0647. A minimal financial investment and far less permanent than say a bathtub, linens can be as seasonal or as enduring as you please. Similarly, investing in a few new vases or throw pillows is painless and will give the illusion of big changes.
If your home décor has found a happy balance in your life and you are hesitant to change it, why not change your clothes? The runway has already seen an introduction of both shades to the average wardrobe. If your closet is anything like mine 10+ months into a global pandemic, it needs a little love. A new piece or two in PANTONE 17-5104 and/or PANTONE 13-0647 could very well thrive. A stunning yellow blouse with a grey pleated skirt? LOVE.
