Pantone broke with tradition and announced two Colors of the Year, in place of a usually-singular, celebrated shade. PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating, a neutral gray and cheerful yellow, respectively, are “two independent colors that highlight how different elements come together to support one another,” according to the company, which is known for forecasting global color trends.

The marriage of these two colors brings together the practicality of the neutral grey and the brightness of the sunny yellow hue. “The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic. This is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Color Trends in Interior Design

Pantone’s latest color combination lends particularly well to interior design trends, with gray remaining a popular shade for walls, furniture and décor; while yellow works well as a “pop” of color, brought in through accent furniture and bright, decorative pieces.

Ultimate Gray

Gray has been a staple in home interiors over the past years, as a mainstay of the hottest design trends from industrial to farmhouse. Ranging from cool shades to warmer gray tones, such as the popular “greige” color that combines gray and beige, the neutral shade is a prevalent wall color, and also a pillar in furniture, from bedroom furniture to living room furniture and into your dining room furniture and items for other entertaining spaces in your home.

PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is a quiet neutral that reflects shades found in nature, from pebbles to weathered wood and more. It is dependable and—when used in home design—it can lend assurance and composure to our spaces. It also withstands the test of time, making it a good option for investment pieces, such as a new sofa or even a dining set.

Gray furniture is readily available in any range of styles. Dress gray up with a classic Oriental rug design and a tufted gray sofa for your traditional space, or opt for sleek forms and a simple gray rug for a transitional or modern space. While gray works for either of these settings, it perhaps fits best in casual spaces. A gray leather sofa or a plush gray upholstered sofa can provide an anchor for your living space and create a casual setting that’s inviting and ultra-livable.

Illuminating

Illuminating is a bright and cheery yellow. It’s inspirational, uplifting and hopeful. It’s also friendly and even comforting. In interior design, yellow is a surprisingly versatile color. It can be used with its complementary color, purple, or a range of blues. Yellow also goes well with many neutrals like brown, beige and, of course, gray.

The yellow shade can help brighten your interiors, whether you choose to bring in yellow bedding to freshen up your master suite, or bring yellow to your living spaces through yellow throw pillows (on gray sofas!) or yellow wall art. You can also make a statement in your room and show off this ideal color combination by choosing a yellow and gray accent chair or a yellow and gray area rug.

Ultimate Gray and Illuminating join last year’s Classic Blue and other recent picks, Living Coral, Ultra-Violet and Greenery. The last time that two colors were named was in 2016, with Rose Quartz and Serenity tying for the title. These colors make their way into multiple industries and provide design inspiration for the new year.