Ever walk into a home and feel like you’ve been transported back in time? Chances are, the paint color has something to do with it. Colors trend in and out of style much like fashion, and what was once the ‘in’ thing can quickly make your home look outdated.
So, if you’re planning to give your home a fresh coat of paint, or are just curious about the colors that epitomize certain decades, here’s a list of 14 paint colors that instantly date your home.
Avocado Green
With its earthy, calming quality, Avocado Green is a color that screams 70’s. This shade was a popular choice for kitchen appliances, furniture, and walls. While it can still work in certain designs today, using it excessively or in the wrong context can instantly date a home.
However, if you’re a fan of vintage style and don’t mind a bit of 70’s charm, incorporating Avocado Green in small doses or in the right spaces can create a unique and nostalgic aesthetic.
Harvest Gold
Harvest Gold is another color that takes us back in time – this time to the 60’s. Like Avocado Green, this warm, muted yellow was often found in kitchens and bathrooms. It was a favorite for its ability to create a cozy and comforting atmosphere.
While Harvest Gold may not be the trendiest color choice today, it can still be a great choice for creating a vintage or retro feel. It’s all about how and where you use it.
Dusty Rose
Dusty Rose, a muted pink hue, was a major trend in the 80’s. This color was often paired with other pastel shades for a soft, romantic look. While it can give off a charming vintage vibe, it can also make a space feel outdated if not used thoughtfully.
Today, Dusty Rose can still be stylish when used in moderation and complemented with modern furniture and décor. Check out these inspiring examples for some ideas.
Mauve
Mauve is a color that many associate with the 90’s. This dusty purple shade was a go-to for walls, upholstery, and even clothing. While it can add a touch of elegance and warmth, it can also quickly date a home if used excessively.
However, when used sparingly and paired with contemporary elements, Mauve can still be a sophisticated choice. Here are some suggestions from interior designers on how to incorporate Mauve in a modern way.
Tuscan Yellow
Remember the Mediterranean-inspired trend of the early 2000’s? Tuscan Yellow was a big part of that. This warm, earthy hue was often used to create a sun-drenched, rustic look. While it can still be beautiful in the right context, it can also make a home feel stuck in the early 2000’s.
Today, if you’re a fan of Tuscan Yellow, consider using it in smaller doses or in combination with modern color palettes to keep your home from looking dated.
Beige
Beige was the safe, go-to paint color of the early 2010’s. It was seen as a neutral, versatile shade that could work with just about anything. However, because of its overuse, it can often make a home feel a bit bland and outdated.
Today, designers are leaning towards more dynamic neutrals like greige (a blend of gray and beige) or off-whites. If you’re still a fan of beige, consider mixing it with these shades for a more current look.
Peach
Who can forget the bold, vibrant shades of the 80’s? Peach was one of those colors that made a big statement. While it can add a fun, energetic vibe, it can also make a space feel stuck in the 80’s.
If you’re drawn to Peach, try using it in smaller doses or as an accent color. Pair it with modern elements to keep your space from feeling outdated.
Seafoam Green
Seafoam Green, a light, muted green, was a common sight in the 50’s. It was often used in bathrooms and kitchens for a clean, fresh look. While it can still work in certain designs today, it can also make a home feel like a time capsule.
However, with the right styling and complementary colors, Seafoam Green can still be a stylish choice. Check out this article on how to use green paint in a modern way.
Salmon Pink
Salmon Pink, a warm, muted pink, is another color that takes us back to the 70’s. This color was a favorite for its ability to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. However, like other colors from this era, it can quickly date a home.
If you’re drawn to Salmon Pink, consider using it sparingly and pairing it with more contemporary colors and décor to keep your space feeling current.
Chocolate Brown
Chocolate Brown was a popular color choice in the 60’s. This deep, rich hue was often used in living rooms and dens for a cozy, earthy feel. While it can add a touch of sophistication, it can also make a space feel dark and dated.
Today, if you’re a fan of Chocolate Brown, consider using it as an accent color or in combination with lighter, more modern hues.
Teal
Teal, a vibrant blend of blue and green, was a trend in the late 80’s and early 90’s. This bold color was often used in bathrooms and kitchens for a fun, energetic vibe. However, like other bold colors from this era, it can quickly date a home.
Today, Teal can still be a stylish choice when used thoughtfully. Consider using it as an accent color or in combination with more neutral hues.
Country Blue
Country Blue, a soft, muted blue, was a staple of the 80’s farmhouse style. This calming shade was often used in bedrooms and bathrooms for a cozy, relaxing vibe. However, like other colors from this era, it can quickly date a home.
If you’re drawn to Country Blue, consider using it sparingly and pairing it with more contemporary colors and décor to keep your space feeling current.
Hunter Green
Hunter Green, a deep, rich green, was a go-to color in the 90’s. This color was often used in living rooms and dens for a cozy, earthy feel. While it can add a touch of sophistication, it can also make a space feel dark and dated.
Today, Hunter Green can still be a stylish choice when used thoughtfully. Consider using it as an accent color or in combination with lighter, more modern hues. Here are some trending paint colors to pair it with.
Mustard Yellow
Mustard Yellow, a deep, warm yellow, is a color that takes us back to the 60’s and 70’s. This bold hue was often used in kitchens and dining rooms for a vibrant, cheerful vibe. However, like other colors from this era, it can quickly date a home.
If you’re drawn to Mustard Yellow, consider using it sparingly and pairing it with more contemporary colors and décor to keep your space feeling current. This research on color trends might give you some ideas.
In conclusion, while certain colors can instantly date your home, that doesn’t mean they can’t be used effectively today. It’s all about how you use them. So whether you’re planning a renovation or just love learning about color trends, I hope you found this list interesting and helpful.
