Stories

When looking for inspiration in the home, we should all dare to take a page or two from the Pantone book. Lovingly named the color of the year, the hue “Illuminating Yellow” is, quite literally, setting the tone for 2021. As we return to normalcy, it feels right to pay homage to this sweet, sunshiny shade. At the other end of the spectrum, Pantone has awarded “Ultimate Gray” the second color of the year. And while the spelling of the color “gray” is still up for debate – there is no second-guessing this surprising decision.

Together, these colors are a dynamic duo. Alone, they steal the show. Illuminating Yellow welcomes long-awaited warmer days, being able to gather, laugh and dream for the first time in what feels like forever. Ultimate Gray acts as a steadfast option for when black and brown just won’t cut it. A dazzling neutral, this gray is always a safe bet and will carry us faithfully into the fall and winter seasons. It’s both timeless and versatile, but we promise not to overdo it like we did cauliflower. This color deserves better than that. According to Pantone, the marriage of these colors represents “strength and hopefulness” – indicating brighter days are indeed ahead of us.

Feeling inspired, we’ve come up with a few ways to incorporate Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Gray in your space.

Show Your Garden Some Love

This chosen team of contrasting colors reflects natural elements we see and appreciate around us every day. PANTONE 17-5104 and PANTONE 13-0647 only have four months left as the colors of the year, so it’s time to boast these shades in your home–if only for a season. Let’s start with florals. Sunflowers may be the first yellow flower to come to mind, but there are plenty of ways to brighten your indoor or outdoor floral scene! Marigolds, Pansies and Black-Eyed Susans are just a few featured blooms that can illuminate your planter, garden or centerpiece. Don’t have a green thumb? We’ll let you off the hook – freshening up the stones on your patio is a great way to channel Ultimate Gray with very minimal effort.

Spice Up Your Bedroom Decor

Both of 2021’s reigning colors are excellent contenders for a new headboard in your home. While our mattresses pull their weight as far as looks and aesthetics go, it doesn’t hurt to spruce up your Stearns & Foster with a beautiful headboard. Choose Illuminating Yellow as a fabulous focal point or Ultimate Gray for an unwavering neutral. You can even kick it into high gear with some daring textures like velvet or wood. The choice is up to you, but we know both colors will absolutely light up your room. Win, win!

Cheat on Your Current Wall Color

Every discerning decorator has their non-negotiables – those pieces and colors you’re absolutely married to – but your neutral wall color doesn’t have to be one of them. Temporary wallpaper is incredibly on trend and a great way to try something new, switch up your style or reinvent a small space – all at a fraction of the cost of regular wallpaper. Perfect for backsplashes, half-baths and closets, temporary wallpaper can transform any space. Most companies offer samples so you can get an idea before going all in. Plus, it’s a dream to install compared to traditional wallpaper (hint: it’s even easier to take down). What’s better than enjoying a new trend without the major time commitment?

Need more inspiration? Read more about how we like to balance bold and basic colors here.

We hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about the colors of the year and can’t wait to see how you embrace Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Gray in your own home. Use the hashtag #MyStearnsandFoster to share your masterpieces with us. Cheers to the colors of the year!

_Sources:

_Pantone