Did you know that the Pantone “Color of the Year” is actually two colors – PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating? According to Pantone, “these two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to support one another.” Fairfield Galleries loves this combination, and we have some ideas for how you can use it in your custom furniture and décor.

A Little Bit More About These Colors

PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow – one that, according to Pantone, “is sparkling with vivacity…a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power.” PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is solid and dependable, exemplifying a strong foundation. In Pantone’s words, it’s “the colors 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.”

Best Places to Use These Colors

Without further ado, here are some Color of the Year ideas straight from the terrific team at our Fort Wayne furniture store:

• In the Kitchen

Ultimate Gray’s inherent neutrality and versatility makes it ideal for kitchen cabinetry. If after a few years you want to change up your cabinetry color scheme, the presence of Ultimate Gray makes it easy to do so. And for Illuminating, kitchen chairs or barstools look great in this color and so does a runner – either in solid Illuminating or as a bright yellow pattern.

• In the Bedroom

In addition to being neutral and versatile, Ultimate Gray possesses a soothing, relaxing quality that makes it perfect for the bedroom. Integrate it into large surfaces such as walls and bedding and juxtapose with an area rug or throw blanket in Illuminating. You can extend this theme into your master bathroom too, with Ultimate Gray offering metallic/mirrored accents and Illuminating complementing it via towels and the bathroom rug.

• In the Bathroom

Extending on the theme that we introduced above, Ultimate Gray is also an excellent choice for your bathroom walls – or at the very least, on a backsplash or as floor tile. Splashes of Illuminating yellow offer a terrific contrast in the form of rugs, hand towels, and countertop accessories – an approach that works well in any bathroom, not just the master. And if you want to get really creative, interspersing a color that's a few shades darker than Ultimate Gray will make your yellows appear even more vibrant.

• In the Backyard

Whether for a porch, patio, or deck, these Pantone Colors of the Year are a natural fit. Start with a foundation of Ultimate Gray patio furniture and accessorize with Illuminating yellow pillows and an umbrella. Depending on how much furniture you have, it’s possible to work the Illuminating into things such as stools and side tables. Tie everything together with a gray outdoor area rug.

Color Your Home Today

With 2020 in the rearview mirror, start your 2021 by coloring your home with Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. These tones are a natural fit with your contemporary furniture, traditional pieces, and various accent items. Contact Fairfield Galleries for inspiration, suggestions, and a range of fine furniture near Fort Wayne.