Have you noticed there’s less color in our lives?
Vibrant colors like bright reds, blues, and greens seem to be fading from popular use and are being replaced by more subdued grays, beiges, blacks, and neutral tones. This is happening in almost every industry – from automobiles to interior design, fashion and makeup, and even films. Every corporate brand seems to have become bland.
This loss of color isn’t just observational. In 2020, researchers at the UK’s Science Museum Group analyzed more than 7000 everyday objects in its collection and found the number of colorful items dropped from 40% in 1900 to just 15%. In addition to being less colorful, the items also became more uniform in size and shape.
I believe there’s less color in our lives due to some combination of modern minimalism, risk aversion, and sensory overload.
Modern minimalism in architecture and design might be the most to blame. Gone are the days of the “painted lady” Victorian homes, avocado green appliances, and the bright pastel cars of the 1950’s. Cars, in particular, have made a significant shift; only 20% of today’s cars are non-grayscale colors compared to 40% in 2004. This lack of diversity is despite the same number of colors being offered to consumers.
The transition is perhaps most evident in technology. In the 1980’s, Apple’s brightly colored logo encouraged us all to “Think Different.” These days, the designs from Apple – and nearly every other tech company – are monochromatic.
For major purchases like homes and cars, manufacturers likely choose neutrals to broaden appeal and reduce the risk the items don’t sell. Similarly, since buyers resell homes and cars more frequently than in the past, they may believe neutral colors are safer and improve resale value. After all, a black or silver car is easier to sell than a bright yellow one.
Another theory is that, in this digital age, our brains are “forced to process aggressive color palettes, moving text, and high-contrast user interfaces.” Muted, less colorful, environments offer a calming visual white noise which acts as a balance against sensory overload.
Regardless of the underlying reason, the prevalence of more neutral colors is symbolic of a more homogenous world and less expression of individual personality.
Perhaps in response, dopamine dressing –wearing mood-boosting bright colors like cobalt blue, emerald green, or fiery red – has gained popularity. Accent walls, colorful art, and introducing vibrant, textured textiles have started to reappear in designs. Color seems to be slowly returning to our lives.
If you are unsure of what color to choose, may I suggest Pacific Teal?
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