PANTONE

Endurance, resilience and hope aptly describe the past year in nations and homes around the globe affected by the pandemic crisis and I believe Leatrice Eiseman, color authority and executive director of the Pantone Color Institute captured the soul of the times in her choice of the 2021 Colors of the Year, Ultimate Gray (17-5104) and Illuminating (13-0647). The union 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.”

Pantone’s colors of the year speak to both our need to combine thoughtful insight into our daily routine and yet leave room for innovation. How many of us have had to figure out life through a different lens brought on by the pandemic that has impacted the way we live, work and play. Both Ultimate Gray (respect for wisdom, experience, and intelligence) and Illuminating (insight, innovation and intuition) are needed as we move forward in reshaping our lives.

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

Billed as the new neutral that taps into nature, Sherwin Williams Color of the Year 2021, Urbane Bronze (SW7048) brings warmth, comfort and simple sophistication into every space. It’s organic appeal invites relaxation and serenity, according to Sherwin Williams and deepens our roots, so to speak, to connect with the natural elements we live around everyday.

Urbane Bronze, although down to earth and understated, also speaks to a quiet tranquility that we all seek apart from daily activity. It pairs nicely with other warm neutrals and bone whites like Modern Gray (SW7632) and modern greens like Messenger Bag (SW7740).

Urbane Bronze grounds us in a good way.