The 1950s brought about several home trends that have had lasting impacts on today’s design styles. Some trends, such as ranch-style homes and checkerboard floors, have endured over the years, while others like furry toilet seat covers and linoleum floors have thankfully faded away. This era marked the beginning of the space race, leading to the popularity of atomic and uniquely-shaped light fixtures and wallpapers, as well as the emergence of mid-century modern design characterized by clean lines and sleek finishes that remain popular today.
In the 1950s, people embraced cheerful pastel colors, particularly in functional spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Pastel hues such as pink, mint green, powder blue, and pale yellow were commonly used, adding a playful touch to interiors. While wood paneling dominated the 1970s and all-white kitchens saw a resurgence in recent years, pastels never truly went out of style and are now making a comeback in a fresh way.
The popularity of pastels during the midcentury modern era was further fueled by the introduction of colored TV, with powder blue bathrooms and pink kitchen appliances becoming iconic features of the time. Decorating with pastels allows for a softer and more subtle approach to introducing color into spaces, creating a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere. Pastels can be used to transform the feel of a room, either as the primary color or as a complementary background shade.
Today, homeowners are seeking to infuse their spaces with more color, and pastels offer a versatile and timeless option. While full room makeovers in bubblegum pink may be a thing of the past, incorporating pastel hues in a more understated manner can add a touch of charm to cabinetry, walls, tile, and even appliances. Brands like KitchenAid are embracing pastels in their product offerings, catering to a growing interest in incorporating these soft, soothing colors into modern homes.
Brands like KitchenAid and Smeg are bringing back colorful kitchen appliances, ranging from small to large products. Pastel pinks are emerging as a popular choice, replacing warm whites as the new neutrals. A subtle pink can add a playful touch and bring warmth to spaces lacking natural light. Here are some of the shades we are currently loving:
– Sherwin-Williams Convivial Yellow, SW-6393
– Farrow & Ball Pink Ground, No. 202
– Sherwin-Williams Corallite, SW 9698
– Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster, No. 231
– Sherwin-Williams Niebla Azul, SW-9137
– Sherwin-Williams Pink Shadow, SW-0070
(Source: Original article on Southern Living)
