50 (Minus 49) Shades Of Grey (Plus 1 Of Yellow)

Pantone have just released their "Color Of The Year" for 2021. Except it is two colours. American colour company Pantone believes that the pairing of shades will help people "fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope" in a world that's set to face increasing uncertainty.

The bright yellow shade, called Illuminating, is meant to evoke the "optimistic promise of a sunshine-filled day”.  Ultimate Gray is a much quieter hue that speaks more of "composure, steadiness and resilience". Think of durable natural elements, like time-weathered pebbles on a beach.

The selection of two independent colours highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting," explained Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Institute. "Practical and rock-solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope," she continued. "We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit."

Their choice last year was Classic Blue - which went on to provoke much comment, because it is the shade often chosen for medical scrubs - and nobody expected to see quite so much of it! 

This year's pairing has been compared to road markings, and hi-viz vests!

Liz has a gorgeous grey bathroom, which is very stylish..In Kirby we had a yellow kitchen with grey units, and in the Futility Room at Cornerstones I have my lovely French soap holder which is sunny yellow against the grey walls.  

Right now I'm all for colours that suggest resilience, steadiness, encouragement and hope, aren't you?