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Last year I wrote a post about an odd news title and speaking of weird headlines when I heard that the Pantone Colors of the Year were Ultimate Gray and Illuminating it took me until the second paragraph to realize Illuminating is actually a color – a bright shade of yellow. And yellow is not my color. Now this is not a new thing, Pantone announces their signature hue of the year every year and I have covered them – emerald green in 2014. and last year’s n 2013 it was emerald, in 2014 it was radiant orchid, 2015 it was marsala, and five years ago there were two, serenity blue and rose quartz. Then I skipped a few years of features but did share the 2020 color admirable amethyst last Summer.
But let’s go back to the fact that I really don’t like yellow as a color. I feel very strongly about that as fashion color (it does not look good with my skin tone) and that extends into other areas like home decor. I say that and yet it is a color my fiancé gravitates towards. You did see different combinations of yellow and grey in the living room of my London flat which you better believe I did not pick out. Outside of my space in England though, what does these two colors together look like? Well, take a look at two of the color swatches above and then a few ways they are use in real life, below.
Red Barrell Studio Andree Comforter Set $179
Yellow and Gray Abstract Oil Painting
While the two colors do not immediately spark joy and I think the combination is a bit odd, they can go well together when paired correctly. Taking a look at these two hues, here are few pieces that actually work in my mind and that you could incorporate into your life if you want to be on trend this year in the world of fashion and home decor:
1 | Project 62 Striped Flat Weave Kitchen Towel in Yellow and Grey $19
2 | Frame Home Leather Luggage Tag $55
3 | Z Zenga C olorblock Crewneck Sweater $171
4 | Hearth & Hand Beeswax Blend Pillar Candle – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia $10
5 | Project 62 Color Blocked Geometric Lumbar Pillow $19
6 | Unique Canary Yellow Square Ring $25
7 | BesoVida Triple Set Bowls $102
8 | Abstract Nordic Deer Canvas Print $20
9 | TopShop Pompom Beanie in Grey $26
10 | Bellocq No.35 The Earl Grey Organic Black Tea & Bergamot Traveler Caddy $37
An interesting take on it is this story from Arch Daily where they look at the unusual color combo out in the wild and in a few places it does work. If you want to see more you can read the full Pantone Press release on the rationale behind their choices.
What do you think of their choices of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating?

Kristen Woolsey says
I always look forward to hearing what Pantone’s color of the year is! This is definitely not my favorite combo either. Just like you yellow does not look good on me!
Sabrina says
Very soothing color scheme. Have not seen these colors featured like this before.
Jenny says
I never would have put those colors together but I like it.
Sharon says
Odd that they did two colors again this year but I guess they need to encourage paint sales, haha!
Nicole says
I am not a fan of yellow for interior decorating unless it’s a bright lemon yellow as a pop of color. Some of the more orange or muted yellows I really find very dowdy and unattractive.
Linda says
I remember some of your past posts and these are my favorite kind of round ups!
Now that it is a bit dreary here in London a pop or two of cheery yellow is a real pick me up.
Nancy says
Glad you have fun weekend plants! Though I have to disagree with you, I really like yellow as a color and wear it all the time!