Colors of the Decade 1965

03/04/2025 | Lauren Hoferkamp |

Since Dunn-Edwards was founded in 1925, color has been at the heart of everything we do: from our early days of selling colorful wallpapers, to new palette introductions, to technical developments in paint pigmentation and mixing. In celebration of our anniversary, we're taking a look back at our history of color and innovation with the Colors of the Decades Collection.

1960s Palette

In the 1960s, the world experienced dramatic transformations and that was reflected in the popular colors of the period. People's feelings about the Vietnam war, the space race, and the civil rights movement deeply impacted the era's color palette. In contrast to the decade that came before it, the 1960s saw a rise in bold, punchy colors, reflecting a sense of forward momentum and social change. Think of the psychedelic swirls of tie-dye, the vibrant saturates of flower power patterns, and the earth-inspired browns and greens embraced by the back-to-nature movement. The color choices of the 1960s reflected a desire to break free from convention, to challenge the status quo, and to embrace a future filled with possibility, even amidst the era's turbulence.

Architectural styles mirrored this bold spirit. Modern and Mid-Century Modern designs, with their clean lines and open floor plans, included the use of newer, experimental building materials and techniques. And blocky, Brutalist buildings attempted to emphasize honesty and break free from the ornamental styles of the past.

Meanwhile, Dunn-Edwards continued to evolve as a company. In 1965, we opened a new store in Phoenix (on Camelback Road), which propelled our growth in the Arizona market. This location is still open and is our second longest operational store in existence. In 1967, Dunn-Edwards introduced Product Expositions to train and educate painting professionals on products and usage. It became so successful that the concept is still carried on to this day (under the name Pro Shows).

The 1960s were a time of great change and experimentation, with many of the colors and ideas maintaining relevance today. This 1965 color palette offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment that continues to shape our aesthetic sensibilities. Let these colors be your catalyst for a playful interior design revolution, with vibrant and provocative combinations that stand the test of time.