Did you know that Pantone pick a 'colour of the year' each year? This year they’ve chosen two! I love their website for exploring new colours and checking shades of different colours, but this is also a fab way to see which colour will be (or they predict will be) 'on trend' each year. The Pantone experts carry out extensive research around the world, looking for new colour influences in all areas of design, art collections, fashion, the entertainment industry, popular travel destinations, new technology, materials, textures, social media platforms and upcoming sporting events.

For 2021 they have chosen PANTONE 17-5104 ‘Ultimate Gray’ and PANTONE 13-0647 ‘Illuminating’ which they describe as ‘A marriage of colour conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.’ This seems very fitting after the hard year we all had in 2020. They say that it is 'Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union is one of strength and positivity. It is a story of colour that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly.’

For the sunny shade of yellow’, named ‘Illuminating’, they say it ’Is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power.’

And for the grey (although spelt ‘gray’ on their website etc) which they have named ‘Ultimate Gray’, they say that it ’Is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation. 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.’

They say that the choice to use these two colours together ‘Highlights our innate need to be seen, to be visible, to be recognised, to have our voices heard. A combination of colour whose ties to insight, innovation and intuition, and respect for wisdom, experience, and intelligence inspires regeneration, pressing us forward toward new ways of thinking and concepts.’

What do you think? What does these colours say to you? I love the thoughts behind using these colours. 2021 is set to be a year of strength and positivity, and we certainly all need to show resilience at the moment.

Pantone have been setting a colour of the year for over 20 years, you can visit the Pantone website and read more about the colours and trends by clicking here, but here’s a full showcase of the colours they’ve chosen since 2000!