The Pantone® colour of the year results are in.  PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and  PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating are two independent colours which highlight how different elements come together to support one another. 

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute comments “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 colour combination that gives us resilience and hope.  We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”  ”  A fitting summary to end 2020. 

The design team at Formica Group has selected Fog and Chrome Yellow as the closest matches from their laminate range.  Renee Hytry Derrington, Managing Principal, Formica Group North American Design says “As we enter a new year, current circumstances are prompting preferences for thoughtful design that evokes a restored sense of vitality and optimism. The juxtaposition of Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the Year, represents the power of hope when it is grounded in balance and clarity. When paired together, Formica® Laminate in Chrome Yellow and Fog exude similar feelings toward an aspirational future that will allow us to refocus and realign our priorities with a bold boost of energy.”

Nina Bailey, Design Manager at Formica Group Europe agrees and says “The Illuminating colour evokes a sense of joy, positivity and hope which is what we all need as we embark on a new year and draw to the end of what has been a very strange a tough year for all .”  Elaborating further on the potential uses of these colours in environments, Nina says that “The Ultimate Gray is a neutral grey tone that is the perfect backdrop for the vibrant yellow Illuminating and can combine well in various quantities with a multitude of other brights. It is the perfect time to use this colour combination across the various sectors, whether it be in commercial offices to help encourage employees back to the workplace or as accents within the home to give a fresh and uplifting feel.”