Best Paint Colors
December 9, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Illuminating
In this colorful Montreal home, zesty yellow upholstery livens up the living room seating, encouraging guests to kick back and stay awhile.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.