5 Ways to Use Pantone’s 2021 Color of the Year in Home Staging and Color Consulting

Soooo here’s the thing about Pantone’s 2021 Color of the Year. It’s actually TWO colors: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating.

Pantone picks colors influenced by world events and cultural movements. During a live webinar that Staging Studio attended, they explained how cultural values have shifted this year due to the global pandemic and social uprisings around the world.

More than ever, we are realizing that we need one another. Connections and relationships are taking center stage. That’s why, for 2021, Pantone’s Color of the Year isn’t just about one color – it’s about the relationship of two colors together.

Ultimate Gray (PANTONE 17-5104) is resilient and solid, while Illuminating (PANTONE 13-0647) is hopeful and uplifting. Together, they convey a message of strength and optimism, both of which we all need in 2021.

As home stagers and color consultants, we always want to be up-to-date on the latest trends in home design and color. Here are 5 ways we can use these two colors as inspiration in our staging and color projects.

1. Upholstery

Gray and yellow are a classic color combination that we use all the time in our staging. One of our favorite ways to use the combo is to add yellow pillows to a gray couch, or pairing yellow and gray pillows on a white bed or couch.

Staging by Staging Studio, photos by ATG Photography (left) and Shutterbug Studios (right).

2. Welcoming Exteriors

This door is just a little dose of sunshine! The yellow door conveys warmth and welcome, while the gray exterior shingles are neutral and dependable. The yellow attracts your eye, but together, the exterior of this New England home is not so bold that it’s off putting to potential buyers.

Photo by Rochelle Bloom Design.

3. A Bright Accent Wall

Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are versatile together and give you a lot of design freedom. You can use the combination to create a variety of color palettes.

In this lively downtown apartment, we complemented the bright yellow accent wall with a gray rug, setting the stage for a colorful palette complete with blues and greens.

Staging and photo by Staging Studio.

4. Little Pops of Color

On the flip side, you can create a more neutral room with the same colors! This kitchen focuses on the gray – with all-gray cabinets – brightened up by the littlest pops of yellow.

Staging by Staging Studio, photo by Shoot2Sell Photography.

5. Concrete & Stone Materials

Ultimate Gray invokes solid and dependable materials which are “everlasting and provide a firm foundation under our feet,” says Pantone. You can find Ultimate Gray in concrete, rock, and other hard materials. 

Pair a gray concrete or stone fireplace with yellow art or accessories to make the most of this power combo!

Staging and photo by Staging Studio.

Learn how to use all the latest color trends in your staging and redesign projects! Become a certified Master Color Consultant® to select the perfect color scheme for every project. Use #stagingstudio in your yellow and gray pics on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our social media.

Plus, don't forget to check out our FREE color resources, like this free e-book with the best white paint colors for staging and redesign.

Staging Studio is the leading training provider and resource for the home staging industry. Click here for more info on all our courses, including our online Master Color Consultant® course. Last year, we cleared up a rumor in our blog about the 2020 Color of the Year and predicted a strong yellow would be chosen. We were a year off on that prediction, but our trend predictions are pretty spot-on, so check out our blog on how COVID-19 will impact real estate trends.