Grey interiors first became popular back in 2011 and they have since become a mainstay of interior design. Considered to be one of the most elegant and sophisticated colours in the palette, it has made its way into our homes as the current neutral of choice.

Just when we thought that Grey may be losing its crown in favour of some of the warmer more earthy neutrals such as beige and taupe, Grey was named by the Pantone Colour Institute as Colour of the Year 2021. For only the second time in its history, Pantone chose two colours for 2021 : Ultimate Grey and Illuminating which is a vibrant shade of yellow.

These two independent colours highlight how different elements can come together to support one another. On the one hand we have the steady, solid and dependable attributes of grey and on the other the strength and positivity of yellow.

When combined, these two colours convey a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting. Given the current global situation, this is a very fitting colour combination as it encapsulates deep feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of a brighter more hopeful future.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute says: “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 color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit.”

1. Babou Triple Shelf in Yellow from Bobby Rabbit
2. Swoon Piro Pendant in Storm Grey from Swoon Editions
3. Wall Paint Swatch in English Yellow from Annie Sloan
4. Submerged 7 Pantone Yellow Wall Art from Mineheart
5. The Lowdown Locker in Mustard Yellow from Rose & Grey
6. Diana Floor Lamp from DelightFULL
7. Harley Jumbo Left Hand Facing Corner Sofa in Grey from Honeypot Furniture
8. Grandfather Olaf Animal Bust from Mineheart
9. Athens Nest of Tables from Honeypot Furniture
10. Vesper Rug from Honeypot Furniture

So how do we decorate with grey and yellow?

When it comes to creating a successful space, grey is a great neutral to choose as the backdrop and it can easily be given a new lease of life by injecting bright pops of colour with yellow accessories. Think artwork, cushions, throws, rugs, curtains and decorative accessories. This also makes it easy to change your mind down the line if decide you no longer love yellow.

When choosing colours to decorate your home, it is important to focus on the particular shades of these colours that resonate with you personally. For grey, you need to choose between warmer shades that are yellow based and cooler shades that are blue based.

Grey is a great colour to choose as a neutral canvas and it is often chosen by people who want to feel cocooned from the outside world, creating a sense of hibernation. However, too much grey, or the wrong shade of grey can prove to be draining. This is why pairing grey with yellow is such a good move.

But again, it has to be the right shade of yellow. Yellows range from creams right through to acid yellows so choose wisely. Choosing the wrong shade could leave you feeling anxious and irritable.

It’s also worth considering the proportions of the colours that you use, particularly when it comes to grey and yellow. You want to energise the space enough so that it doesn’t feel too draining, but you don’t want it to be so vibrant that you struggle to relax.

So what are your thoughts on this colour combination of yellow and grey in interiors? Would you consider using Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2021 in your own home?