16
March | 2021
e Colors of 2021:
I uminating e
Year Ahead
By Kat Castagnoli, AIFD, CFD, CCF
If ever there was a time that we need something to uplift our spirits, it's now. PANTONE answered the call with its 2021 "Colors of
the Year": "Illuminating" (PANTONE 13-0647) and "Ultimate Gray" (PANTONE 17-5104).
is color story is a great combination of a classic neutral flannel gray paired with a bright, cheery yellow. It's a palette that works
well in modern, contemporary design, but in 2021, this color duo takes on even greater meaning, according to Pantone.
"A message of happiness and positivity supported by fortitude and strength, the combination of PANTONE 17-5104 "Ultimate
Gray" and PANTONE 13-0647 "Illuminating" is aspirational and gives us hope. We need to feel
that everything is going to get brighter ; this is essential to the human spirit.
"As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope to overcome the
continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality," says
the company, known for its Pantone Matching System (PMS), a proprietary color space used
in a variety of industries, from graphic and fashion design to retail
products, printing and, as we all know, floral design.
e meaning of yellow flowers has changed quite a bit over the last
200 years, but today, yellow is seen to represent joy, friendship, hope
and truth. Yellows are great colors to send for birthdays, to offer
congratulations, as a kind gesture of thanks and even for a new
baby. Flowers typically available in this hue include
snapdragons, tulips, roses, orchids, pincushions,
Ranunculus, Freesia, Gerbera, Solidago,
Narcissus,
Asiatic
hybrid lilies,
yarrow,
Calendula
and
sunflowers,
among
many
others.
Photo: Oana Foto
