grey and yellow, in conversation

pantone paired ultimate gray and illuminating for its 2021 colour of the year selection. this january 2021 archive considers the relationship between a subdued grey and a more expressive yellow.

a paired palette can be a useful starting point, but the room determines how it is translated. our melbourne colour consultation works with the existing materials, daylight and personal preferences of each project.

contrast with continuity

grey and yellow have different visual weight. their relationship changes with the size of each surface, the finish and the colours beside them. a small yellow object may be enough to connect to an artwork or highlight a detail in a larger neutral setting.

archive image: interior design by india mahdavi, photography by ambroise tézenas, from a holiday home on the french riviera.

look closely at the neutral

a grey may carry blue, green or warmer undertones. compare a physical sample beside stone, timber and upholstery before treating it as a neutral backdrop. texture can also change its appearance, from a matte wall to a woven fabric or polished surface.

archive image: interior design by arent & pyke, styling by claire delmar and photography by anson smart, from a spanish-style home with sydney harbour views.

give the accent a role

yellow can be introduced through art, a textile or an object, with its intensity suited to the room. the aim is a clear relationship, rather than an equal quantity of both colours.

interior decoration and styling coordinates these elements into a cohesive setting, while art selection can provide a more personal starting point for colour.