Colors of the Decade 2025

In celebration of our anniversary, we're taking a look back at color and innovation through the decades. The Colors of the Decades Collection features 11 palettes that act as mini time capsules for every decade since Dunn-Edwards was founded in 1925.

Here we are, 100 years later, and our color preferences have evolved. But despite a century of change, the 2020s palette reveals a fascinating connection to the past. There are some striking similarities between the 2025 and 1925 color palettes. It's a testament to the cyclical nature of trends, and the enduring power of color that resonates across generations.

2020s Palette

Color, after all, is more than just a visual element. It's a language, a reflection of our cultural values, technological advancements, and collective emotional landscape. The roaring twenties, with its art deco opulence and newfound industrial optimism, embraced a palette that reflected our love of glamour, progress, and a desire to break free from the constraints of the past.

Fast forward to the 2020s, and we find ourselves in a world grappling with its own set of challenges and aspirations. Our digital age, with its constant connectivity and rapid technological shifts, has influenced our color choices in profound ways. To counter the stress of rapid technological advancements and change, we are drawn to reassuring vintage tones, rich, earthy hues, and "offline" colors that give us space to slow down and contemplate. The vibrant jewel tones of the 1920s have mellowed out, sometimes becoming more neutral; other times, deepening into richer, more thoughtful iterations of their former selves. The colors in the 2020s palette provide a calming backdrop to our increasingly chaotic world, offering a sense of stability and tranquility.

Embracing change while honoring our roots is the key to growth. Since our founding in 1925, Dunn-Edwards has evolved in both big and small ways. In this decade, the launch of our new tagline, "Apply a Higher Standard," reflects our founder's legacy of quality and our promise to deliver excellence in every aspect of our business—from developing new products, to staying true to our greener by design® philosophy, to providing unparalleled customer service. We also expanded our footprint with the opening of 17 new stores in Northern California. And, of course, we announced this Colors of the Decade Collection to explore how color has evolved in the last 100 years.

Ultimately, the 2025 color palette is a fascinating blend of old and new. It draws inspiration from the past, while simultaneously reflecting the realities of the present. By understanding the historical context of color trends, we can gain a deeper appreciation for who we are, where we've been, and where we're going.

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