Everything old is new again. That statement can be true for interior color trends as well as for fashion. So, in case you want to bring back a trend and make it hip again – or better yet if you love an older color trend and want to revive it in your home – I’ve dedicated this blog to a colorful backwards glance.

Pastel Colors

Going way back to the 1920s, we find pastel color schemes in homes. The early parts of the 20th century were known for what we now call the arts and crafts era. It was not uncommon to find pastels in wall colors, accessories and even in some furniture during this time period. These colors made a repeat appearance in the 50s and once again in the 80s. If you’re somewhere near my age, you can recall the plethora of dusty blues and mauves of our younger years? Pastel pinks came back again in 2018 and still remain on-trend today. Pastel greens, yellows, and blues were hot choices during 2020 when we found ourselves in our homes more than usual and looking for ways to brighten things up.

Earthy Colors

In the late 30s, America found itself in the Great Depression. Soft earth tones helped bring a sense of calm to American homes. In the late 60s and well into the 70s, we once again reached for earth tones. Calling on my generation again to remember the rusty orange, avocado green, and harvest gold throughout our homes. If you’re too young to have lived this reality, just pull up any 70s TV episode. Fast forward to the 90s and earth tones pop reappear with hunter greens and warm oak wood tones, leaving those 80s dusty blues in the dust. One more time, in 2021, we looked to the earthy browns, deep terra cottas, and greens to help us help us feel calm at home in the midst of all the crazy.

Jewel Colors

Back in the mid-1920s the new Art Deco style led to saturated reds, blues, oranges, as well as black, mixed with a white and metallics to create a stunning new look. The late 60s gave us deep purples, blues, and pinks, a color scheme especially trendy with the tweens and teens. Fast forward to the mid-80s and you’ll find neon blues, greens, and pinks. Think tropical, as in Miami tropical. When we hit 2020 while neutrals reigned as the top choice, we found jewel tones of greens, blues, and even yellows provided a nice contrast.

Neutral Colors

First making an appearance in the late 1940s, neutral color schemes helped Americans create more modern, contemporary looks. Neutrals gave a warm and gracious feeling to our interiors and we haven’t looked back since! This much-loved color scheme reappeared in the early 70s as well as the late 90s and early 2000s and they’re still widely popular today. Neutral play so well with other colors. They provide a great base from which you can safely add accent pieces and accessories in whatever trendy color you choose. Until the next new color trend comes along!

Until next time we connect, what will you do to love where you live?

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