Colors of the Decade 1955

Dunn-Edwards is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year, and to honor this milestone, we're looking back at the color and innovation through each era of our history. The Colors of the Decades Collection showcases the defining hues from every decade through 11 unique palettes. Let's dive into the playful colors of the 1950s.

1950s Palette

The post-war era of the 1950s ushered in a wave of optimism and prosperity. With the economic boom and the return of the American troops, there was a growing desire to live out the American dream. Suburbs expanded with newly built family homes, white picket fences, and trophy cars in the driveway. One thing was at the center of it all—color.

The 1950s introduced exciting advances in technology, leading to upgraded kitchens. Electric stoves and dishwashers made time in the kitchen a breeze, while the growing availability of small appliances added both convenience and charm. With the added technologies—often coming in fun colors like pale yellow and mint green—kitchens evoked the cheerful spirit of this era.

The decade’s optimism was mirrored in the colors of the 1950s. Punchy pastels like pink, mint green, and baby blue evoked a happy, upbeat mood. After years of hardship, Americans were eager to embrace life and their communities. It was during this time that diners became staple gathering spots, welcoming friends and neighbors with neon signs and vibrant interiors. Their distinctive design and bright colors reflected the hope of a brighter future.

The 1950s laid the foundation for a transformative era at Dunn-Edwards. We kicked off the decade by expanding our plant in Vernon, California, across from the original factory location on District Boulevard. Then just a few years later, we opened our first store in Phoenix, AZ, marking the start of our retail growth in the Southwest. We also continued our legacy of industry leadership with a bold step for safety by eliminating our last lead-based paint, decades ahead of federal regulations.

The 1950s palette tells the story of a forward-looking decade. Bright pastels represent the promise of a better future, while the subdued neutrals serve as gentle reminders of the recent past.

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