How to Embrace Brave Ground, Dulux's Colour of the Year 2021
Each year, the interior design world holds its breath. We eagerly await the pronouncements from the big names in paint and decor, wondering which hue will define our homes for the next twelve months. For Dulux, the annual reveal of their Colour of the Year is a major event, and for 2021, they gave us Brave Ground.
At first glance, it’s a warm, natural, and earthy neutral. But let's be honest, it’s also a touch controversial. It is, after all, a shade of brown – a colour family that hasn't dominated our walls for quite some time. But as we've learned to live with it, Brave Ground has proven to be the thoughtful, stabilising shade we didn't know we needed.
Ready to find out how this versatile colour can transform your space? Let’s dive in.
What’s in a Colour? The Story Behind Brave Ground
The colour they've chosen is undoubtedly a reaction to the stresses of the pandemic and was selected by a board of forecasters, designer specialists and editors from around the world. And that's why it's not an uplifting colour but a grounding neutral that's calming and stabilising. With a nurturing, earthy hue, it's a soft brown beige that will create a warm backdrop for our homes and could be ideal if you're looking to gently transition away from grey (the go-to neutral of the last few years).
How to Use It: Exploring the Palettes
The true genius of Brave Ground lies in its adaptability. On its own, it’s a beautifully simple backdrop. But when paired with other colours, it truly comes alive. To make this easy, Dulux released four complementary palettes, each consisting of ten carefully curated colours that work in harmony with Brave Ground. This makes introducing it into your existing decor a breeze.
Let's explore the vibes of these palettes:
- The Timeless Palette: This palette is all about creating a sense of balance and longevity. It pairs Brave Ground with inspiring yellows and ochres, creating a classic yet contemporary feel. Think of a sophisticated living room where Brave Ground walls are accented with ochre cushions, soft cream textiles, and warm wooden furniture. It’s a look that feels both energising and familiar, and will never go out of style.
- The Expressive Palette: If you’re feeling bold, this is the palette for you. It combines Brave Ground with standout shades of soft red and pink. These vibrant colours, when set against the calming neutral, create a scheme that is full of personality and confidence without being overwhelming. Use this palette to create a feature wall in a dining room or to add pops of colour through artwork and accessories in a modern bedroom.
- The Trust Palette: For those who want to bring the outside in, the Trust palette is perfect. It harmonises Brave Ground with a spectrum of soft, earthy tones from the forest and sea – think gentle greens, soft blues, and muted greys. These colours work together to create a peaceful, restorative atmosphere. This is an ideal choice for a serene bedroom, a tranquil bathroom, or a relaxing reading nook where you can unwind.
- The Earth Palette: This palette celebrates our connection to the natural world with authentic, earthy tones. It features echoes of blue, green, and brown from landscapes around the globe. When used together, these colours create a rustic, grounded, and welcoming space that feels connected to its surroundings. Perfect for a kitchen or family room where natural materials like wood, linen, and stone take centre stage.
Bringing it to Life: Designing the Perfect Home Office
The past couple of years have reshaped how we use our homes, and the home office has become a critical space. We wanted to show just how effective Brave Ground could be in creating a workspace that is both a firm foundation for creativity and a calming retreat from chaos.
We took the Trust and Earth palettes as our starting point and designed a home office scheme perfect for a young professional.
We started with Brave Ground on the walls. This immediately set a warm, focused, and professional tone – far more inspiring than a stark white or a cool grey. It provides a backdrop that feels solid and secure, allowing for clear thinking.
To bring the room to life, we layered in on-trend furniture and accessories that add texture and personality. We chose rattan furniture for its natural, lightweight feel, connecting the space to the outdoors. A beautiful macrame wall hanging adds a touch of bohemian softness and craftsmanship, while a large, neutral woven rug anchors the space and adds a layer of cosy texture underfoot.
And, of course, no earthy-toned room is complete without greenery! Brave Ground is the ultimate companion for houseplants, making their green leaves look even more vibrant. A few well-placed plants not only complete the look but also help to purify the air and boost wellbeing.
The result is a stylish, functional, and deeply calming home office that could easily be achieved as a weekend project.
This entire room was designed and visualised using our state-of-the-art 3D realistic software. This powerful tool allows us to design and create complete rooms for our clients to walk through virtually. It lets you see, feel, and perfect a space before you’ve even hired a contractor or bought a single tin of paint, removing all the guesswork from the design process. You can read more about how it’s shaping the future of design on our blog here: How 3D Room Software is Shaping Home Design.
Feeling Inspired?
Brave Ground is more than just a colour; it’s a mood. It’s an invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and build a home that supports and nurtures you. Whether you go all-in and paint an entire room or start small with a feature wall or a piece of upcycled furniture, this versatile neutral offers a solid foundation for beautiful and meaningful interior design.
If you’re ready to embrace the warmth and stability of Brave Ground but aren't sure where to start, that's what we're here for. At Flippa Interiors, we can help you discover the perfect palette for your style and create a home that truly feels like yours.
Contact us today for a consultation, and let's start building your brave new space together.