Pantone’s colour of the year for 2021

Not for the first time, Pantone have selected two shades – Ultimate Grey and Illuminating – for their colours of the year; the last time they suggested a duo was in 2016 when Rose Quartz, a pale pink, and Serenity, a powdery blue, were its choices..

For 2021, they believe that the pairing of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a "bright and cheerful" hue of yellow, “sparkling with vivacity” that will help people "fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope". The bright yellow shade is meant to evoke the "optimistic promise of a sunshine-filled day", while Ultimate Grey is a much quieter hue that speaks more of "composure, steadiness and resilience". Pantone says the colour can almost be compared to durable natural elements, like time-weathered pebbles on a beach.

Pantone's colour choices aren’t predictions as is often reported, rather aspirations. They believes this pairing “expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude” explaining that they selected two colours because, “it became apparent that there was never going to be one colour that could express everything that needed to be expressed — that it was, instead, critical to have two independent colours that could come together.”

Whatever the current trend or forecast, the Alupanel colour range can help you keep your projects chic and contemporary thanks to the wide range of colours and finishes available – including yellow and grey!