20 Stylish Spaces Inspired By Pantone’s 2021 Colors Of The Year

Pantone just revealed its 2021 Colors Of The Year as Ultimate Gray (17-5104) and lluminating (13-0647), a light slate gray and comforting sunshine yellow.
Together, these hues express “a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope.” Scroll down to discover 20 ways to decorate with Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, then let us know what you think of these colors in the comments below!
Ultimate Gray
Movie marathons are made even better when you can sprawl out on this deep-seated, L-shaped sectional. The lower-level seating area is made even more comfortable with piles of plush pillows.
- Photographer Donna Griffith
- Designer Barbara Purdy; Architecture by Abbott Design
House & Home April 2020
Designer Arren Williams brought the fun to this kids’ bathroom, from the pop art–influenced shower curtain to the hex tile floor — but the sleek gray vanity acts as a place for the eye to rest.
- Photographer Stacey Brandford
- Designer Arren Williams; Architecture by BLDG Workshop
House & Home March 2020
This custom headboard, bed frame and ottoman looks like it’s covered in luxe cashmere. The white, gray and pale camel palette doesn’t fall flat, thanks to a variety of touchably soft textures.
- Photographer André Rider
- Designer Scott Yetman
House & Home December 2020
A cluster of curvaceous bar stools in the kitchen encourages guests to gather around for cocktail hour and casual meals. The tufted slate gray fabric feels mod next to the granite-wrapped black oak island.
- Photographer André Rider
- Designer Scott Yetman
House & Home December 2020
In this pattern-filled principal bedroom, gray Christian Lacroix wallpaper is adorned with dainty florals which look like they’ve been drawn on by hand.
- Photographer Clare Forndran
- Designer Clare Forndran, Ali Budd Interiors
House & Home September 2020
A quirky bookcase by Philippe Nigro is the perfect place to display fresh herbs, ceramics, books and other special knick knacks. The storage piece adds visual interest to this kitchen nook.
- Photographer Maxime Desbiens
- Designer Jane Charron
House & Home October 2020
Accessories are a great way to test-drive trends with little commitment. A nubby throw and matching striped pillows give white linens a dose of personality.
- Photographer Stacey Brandford
- Designer Architecture & Design by Jodi & Andrew Batay-Csorba
House & Home February 2020
This sink-in chair is what lounging dreams are made of! The cloud-like cushion in a goes-with-everything color is offset with slim black legs.
- Photographer Janis Nicolay
- Designer Jamie Hamilton & Greer Nelson, Oliver Simon Design
House & Home February 2020
“Designing the space to be visually calm makes living in it more comfortable, both physically and psychologically,” says designer Nam Dang-Mitchell of this serene principal bedroom, complete with a gray headboard and geometric pillow.
- Photographer Colin Way
- Designer Nam Dang-Mitchell
House & Home September 2020
Gray works beautifully on your exterior, too! This custom home’s black-stained cedar siding blends in with the rugged mountains and fir trees surrounding the property.
- Photographer Janis Nicolay
- Designer Peter Atkinson
House & Home May 2020
Illuminating
In this colorful Montreal home, zesty yellow upholstery livens up the living room seating, encouraging guests to kick back and stay awhile.
- Photographer Maxime Desbiens
House & Home June 2019
Snob founder Denise Zidel masterfully mixes vibrant color with global-inspired design in her quirky principal bedroom — like this yellow velvet head and footboard paired with a two-headed camel bench.
- Photographer Stacey Brandford
- Designer Denise Zidel & Stephanie Lees
House & Home February 2019
This historic home’s entryway makes a cheerful first impression, thanks to the attention-grabbing rug and playful bird print by British photographer Luke Stephenson.
- Photographer Valerie Wilcox
- Designer Stephanie Pellatt, Pivot Design; Leanne Tammaro & Adolphina Karachok, Designtheory
House & Home April 2017
Yellow is the secret recipe in this light-filled kitchen, from the seating to the light fixtures. “We sent our clients paint chips for the pendants and, though they were a bit scared of the bright canary yellow, they trusted us,” says designer Anne Hepfer.
- Photographer Virginia Macdonald
- Designer Anne Hepfer
House & Home December 2018
Is there anything more mood-boosting than yellow curtains? They look like luminous rays of sunshine. H&H alum Joel Bray took inspiration from designer Rose Uniacke’s own home with this zesty lemon fabric in the dining room.
- Photographer Valerie Wilcox
- Designer Joel Bray
House & Home April 2018
Upcycle lacklustre antique barstools with a coat (or two) of golden paint. When placed en masse, they had even more impact to a simple, all-white kitchen.
- Photographer Janis Nicolay
- Designer Lisa Moody
House & Home March 2014
A playroom is the perfect place to well… play with color. Designer Tamara Taggart painted the ceiling with sunny stripes, which feel extra whimsical with a graphic flower rug and apple print.
- Photographer Janis Nicolay
- Designer Tamara Taggart
House & Home May 2017
If yellow paint is a little too risky for your taste, try adding a bold cushion to your at-home office set-up. It provides a little dose of happiness every time you sit down!
- Photographer Maxime Desbiens
- Designer Valerie Morisset
House & Home August 2018
You can’t help but smile when you look at this art gallery-like kitchen. A bubbly cast-resin chandelier exudes whimsy, while neon artwork in the background adds some zest.
- Photographer Stacey Brandford
- Designer Denise Zidel & Stephanie Lees
House & Home February 2019
There’s nothing that beckons you in more than a bright yellow door! The hue is even more unexpected with the Victorian’s original brick and inky blue trim.
- Photographer Michael Graydon
- Designer Jeffrey Douglas
House & Home January 2013