Taking brave ground

Dulux Colour of the Year for 2021 is ‘Brave Ground’, but how did it come out on top? This is a look at colour trends through the years and how this year is braver than ever.

Every year, the Global Aesthetic centre works with colour representatives from 80 markets around the world. To ensure that the trends are right for the future, it gains insights from acclaimed international design experts and unpacks the latest global trends that will affect every area of people’s lives.

This research is then translated into insights that inform one key colour that reflects the mood of the moment for that year – a tone that’s set to have an impact on homes all over the world. Dulux colour expert, Palesa Ramaisa unpacks the process that goes into these colour insights and looks back at some of the most memorable colours and trends of the past decade.

“We started working with over 100 colours in 2004 to show the breadth of our colour expertise.

Every Colour of the Year marks a moment in time and, viewed collectively, they can help tell the story of our age.

The evolution of our ColourFutures palettes charts the changes in our consumers’ appetite for different colours, and also reflects what’s going on globally. You’ll notice that neutrals are becoming increasingly important, with a continuing interest in shades on the grey scale and warm neutrals that serve as the perfect canvas for most homes.

Nearly two decades on from the very first ColourFutures, we’ve honed our colours down from 100 to 37, creating a curated selection that takes the complexity out of colour choice and makes it far easier for our consumers to select the shades that are right for them,” says Ramaisa.

If we look at the past decide we see clear trends of how people gravitated to certain shades:

• 2004-2007 cooler blues: Calming blues and purples played a dominant role in the colour palettes of this period.

• 2004-2021 neutral grow:We’ve seen an increasing interest in neutrals, with earthy tones making more of an appearance.

• 2007-2013 optimistic yellows: Sunny shades became more prevalent, with people looking for positivity in their interiors.

• 2013-2021 muted tones:The last few years have seen a growing desire for more neutral shades, with an increase in the popularity of greyish tones.

“What has emerged from our trend forecast this year with Dulux Colour of the Year for 2021 is Brave Ground as we all reassess what really matters in our lives. We’re taking stock and finding a new and positive way forward by having faith in ourselves, working together, building on the past and planning for the future. It takes courage to embrace change and our homes can help provide a solid and supportive foundation, as well as giving us the scope to be creative,” explains Ramaisa.

Dulux Colour of the Year for 2021, Brave Ground is a warm, natural neutral that’s a nurturing and balancing colour. A versatile shade that allows other colours to shine.

“We’ve created four easy-to-use colour palettes, all centred around the Colour of the Year, so you can express yourself in any number of ways and be brave enough to take that first step,” adds Ramaisa.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOME INSPIRATION ON HOW TO INCORPORATE BRAVE GROUND INTO THE HOME RAMAISA OUTLINES FOUR INSPIRATION STYLES THAT YOU CAN TRY IN OUR OWN SPACE:

1

Combine Colour of the Year 2021 with Timeless tones to create a balanced backdrop for entertaining.

Create a relaxed and informal dining area by pairing Brave Ground with our Timeless colours.

This palette creates a firm foundation for any furnishings – traditional or modern; and works well with artisanal crafts and natural materials.

Which colours?

• Brave Ground - 10YY 30/106

• Creme Brulee - 00YY 26/220

2

Mix warm shades of red and pink with the Colour of the Year 2021 for a bold bedroom. Have the courage to be individual by pairing Colour of the Year 2021, Brave Ground with the bold pinks and reds of the Expressive colour palette. These colours look great styled with modern furnishings, graphic patterns and light wood floors.

Which colours?

• Brave Ground - 10YY 30/106

• Canterbury Lane - 70RR 17/372

• Tea Dance - 10YR 21/436

• Downing Street - 30YR 14/365

3

Combine Colour of the Year 2021 with a mix of soft, natural shades to give a relaxed and inviting feel to a home office.

Combine Brave Ground with the earthy colours of the Trust colour palette for a warm and welcoming feel.

Subtle and smart, these tones work well with mid-century furniture and rich finishes, such as copper, marble and velvet.

Which colours?

• Brave Ground - 10YY 30/106

• White Bucks - 10YY 72/021

• Light Taupe - 90YR 48/062

• Urban Road - 15YY 33/043

4

Create a connection back to the natural world with our 2021 colour trends Bring the outside in with our Earth colours – think shades of blue and green, balanced with Dulux Colour of the Year, Brave Ground. These tones work well styled up with natural wood, reclaimed furniture, shapely ceramics and indoor plants. c

Dulux Colour of the Year for 2021, Brave Ground is a warm, natural neutral that’s a nurturing and balancing colour. A versatile shade that allows other colours to shine.