Published December 2020
Good design will often give you a sense of place, but it can also tell a story. And that’s exactly what Pantone is doing with their picks—yep, there’s more than one—for the 2021 Color of the Year: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating.
The contrasting duo of tones is meant to be a metaphor for the times, reflecting both resiliency and optimism for the year ahead. We could likely all use a color combo that’s a message of hope, and it just so happens that this yellow and gray match-up is perfectly suited for home and vacation rental design, too.
We searched Vacasa’s portfolio to find six on-trend examples of how to incorporate these hues into your home, whether you want to make your vacation rental pop or your home office needs a fresh look (and throw pillow) heading into 2021.
See it in action at Lincoln Beach Dream in Depoe Bay, Oregon
Throw pillows are a quick and inexpensive way to brighten up any room. It works like a charm at this Oregon Coast vacation rental, where the combination of a smoky gray couch and golden accent pillows instantly delivers a sunny but fittingly Northwest vibe.
See it in action at Summerwind Cuda TOO in Destin, Florida
While not every vacation home can pull off a yellow exterior, the right house—like this charming Florida rental—wears it well. An exterior paint job does require more resources, but it pays off with a warm and inviting curb appeal.
See it in action at Casa Susita in Palm Springs, California
If you’re not ready to go all in on a color—or commit to the time it takes—and repaint your home’s exterior, consider brushing up the front door’s palette. Here’s how one Coachella Valley vacation rental added quick character with a radiant and welcoming yellow door.
See it in action at Desert Stardust in Palm Springs, California
In homes with hardwood or tile floors, area rugs are an efficient way to dial up the cozy and add a splash of color. Take this Palm Springs vacation rental for example, where a patterned rug—in yellow and gray, of course—delivers a visual one-two punch.
See it in action at Bay Watch in Bodega Bay, California
You’ve likely heard about an accent wall, but how about an accent ceiling? Accent ceilings are becoming a popular way to add an eye-catching texture or color overhead—like this Sonoma County rental, with gray-toned beams that offset the vaulted wooden ceiling.
See it in action at The Sand Ranch in Rockaway Beach, Oregon
You can jazz up typical wood or white surfaces and still keep things neutral by painting your kitchen (or bathroom) cabinets a cool gray. It’s a smart way to create a new look, without investing all-new cabinetry, as seen in this rustic-meets-modern Rockaway Beach rental.
