Paint brand AkzoNobel has unveiled a “reassuring” earthy beige hue called Brave Ground as its color of the year for 2021.
Brave Ground was selected as an “elemental” hue that reflects “the strength we can draw from nature, our growing desire to align more with the planet and looking towards the future” – particularly in a world still dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus crisis.
AkzoNobel Color of the Year 2021
Having just featured Sherwin-Williams’ COTY 2021, Urbane Bronze, it seems experts in the home décor market and architecture would agree that we are entering a new ‘Brown Age.’
The appeal of brown comes from its simplicity- the grace of a ceramic jug, the organic feel of a wooden plank or the silence of a linen panel. Browns can create a sense of belonging and a sensation of being rooted, of feeling a deep connection with materials made by hand, made by man, made with respect for natural resources.
In 2019 AkzoNobel selected Spiced Honey as COTY inspired by global design trends. I think they were ahead of the curve as I noted people were still trying to get away from the oppressive Tuscan Trend that was so heavily used. Interestingly, I’ve read about a “New Mediterranean” trend with softer more tranquil influences rooted in slow living for 2021/2022 design trends.
Neutral colors like Brave Ground can either stand strong on their own or help other colors to shine.
“We have gone through the most uncertain of times, so it’s understandable that we see reassuring, natural tones returning, which can be used to create the calm and sanctuary people require.”
Brave Ground changes in tone depending on the time of day and setting, creating a subtly responsive environment that’s reflective of our growing desire to align how we live with our planet.
Complementary color palettes have been designed to “sit comfortably” alongside Brave Ground.
- THE TRUST PALETTE – Earth tones from across the globe, these unifying shades reflect everyone. Warm neutral greys and browns, these colors complement each other and encourage connection, collaboration and a sense of harmony in the home.
- THE TIMELESS PALETTE – Inspiring shades of yellows and ochres, alongside soft neutrals, these are tones that can help create a backdrop that embraces old and new. Energizing without being overpowering, they bring positivity and balance to a space.
- THE EXPRESSIVE PALETTE – Stand-out shades of reds and pinks, balanced with soft neutrals, these are colors that can add verve and vitality to our homes, allowing us to create an individual space that energizes, surprises and reflects who we really are.
- THE EARTH PALETTE – Echoing the tones of the sea, the sky and the soil, these earth shades provide a connection to the natural world around us. Bringing the outside in, they are authentic and grounding colors that work naturally together.
The overall demand for sustainability and our growing need to feel more connected to nature make brown a logical candidate for the color of the year.