Discover the do’s and don’ts of the latest tapestry trend when combining it with the new Dulux colour, Brave Ground

It’s not surprising that Dulux has picked a strong simple colour that creates a solid basis for people to start exploring their creativity to be their pick of the year. Described as a “cornerstone” colour, it is a beautiful base that will allow other elements to shine.

As we spend more time than ever in our homes, many people are starting to think about the colours and design that surround them. ‘This is the mother earth of colours, it’s organic, familiar and versatile,’ says Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux UK. ‘It’s also trustworthy and supportive of all the other colours in the spectrum.’

What I love is that you can start from a colour that’s rich and warming rather than a cold white or a yellow magnolia. It immediately provides a base layer that takes it up a notch. Like a great foundation that doesn’t require you to add anything else to look fabulous.

I’d recommend painting the skirting and ceiling coving/cornice if you have it as well to give the room height and really ground the space with this colour before making sure you’ve got lots of lush green plants which will really pop the colour.

After a little light dreaming of a world of Brave Ground, I recently noticed this article in the FT on the use of tapestry as one of the latest tricks in the interior design bag.

What a perfect match for this earthy base colour. The use of blues, greens and gold in older antique tapestries would be beautiful against this lovely rich tone.

The do’s and don’ts of tapestry

But to be fair, I’ve also read articles which tell you never ever hang a tapestry and especially don’t do it behind your bed. I don’t disagree, but think there are a few suggested rules that make all options work.

Yes, I know normally there are no rules but tapestry can be one tiny step away from a slippery slope into tacky land or dusty & musty so it’s worth keeping these in mind.

1. The trick is to go less functional but instead think about them almost like modern art. Layering and adding texture. You don’t want to look like you’ve stepped into a strange recreation of a shakespearean play in your home. That would be a tragedy (boom boom).
2. Do not hang anything that has any hint of looking like something from a teenage or university dorm room. No mystic meg type hangings with moons, sun and stars. If there is an ounce of anything that looks like a tarot card move away. Far away. Pretty much anything they call a tapestry on Amazon.
3. They don’t have to go on the wall.

Bedroom + tapestry

Bedrooms can be a great area where almost all kinds of tapestry can create a soft welcoming space the exception being to always remember suggested rule number two. Added bonus they also can add a layer of sound dampening to your room that makes that room a little more snug when you’re sleeping or trying not to make another phun, making noise…. (I feel like I should be adding an emoji at this point but will refrain).

Any of these tapestries in the picture below would create a really inviting space using Dulux Brave Ground as your base wall colour. A dramatic drop of fabric behind can also work as a headboard if you’re missing one. Layer up with co-ordinating pillows for a grand affect.

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When a wall won’t do…

Now we should all be so lucky to have a room this large! But inspiration can be taken from this skylit Las Vegas living room by design firm Atelier AM. They’ve taken a beautiful tapestry and draped it over a square large coffee table for dramatic effect. Simple but effective way to use a tapestry or all kinds to hide an ugly but useful sized coffee table or one that has seen better days and make a statement piece out of it. Just make sure the material you use is the right weight – too light and it will just look like a strange tablecloth – make sure it feels heavy and hangs with purpose.

What to wear when surrounded by Brave Ground and tapestry?

And while you are hanging out in your new luxury abode don’t forget to make sure you’re doing to you best to look fabulous in your lounge wear!

Desmond & Dempsey have a number of luxury cami tops and short sets including one in this lovely Bocas Print Blue print. Net-a-porter has some delicious ribbed cashmere socks by Johnstons of Elgin which will keep you toasty warm even when wearing the Freya open-back lace-trimmed velvet midi dress by Sleeping with Jacques. Or shine against the backdrop in this beautiful Leila Pajama shirt by Weekend Stories. Or need to tie your hair back while in a vintage convertible travelling across to your bedroom at your Cotswolds Estate (well you get the vibe, it might just be on a borris bike to your spin class before returning to crash!) then a Liberty scarf is a must have for all of our collections.