Colors of the Decade 1985

05/06/2025 | Lauren Hoferkamp |

As Dunn-Edwards celebrates our 100-year anniversary, we're continuing our journey through decades of the past with the Colors of the Decades Collection. With 11 unique palettes in total, each one showcases top colors from a different era. Now, we're going back to the 1980s—a decade defined by big statements and bold style.

1980s Palette

The 1980s were a colorful celebration of optimism and ambition. After the rich earth tones of the 70s, people were ready to brighten things up—and pastels came to the forefront. At the time, TV series Miami Vice was a huge hit and even made its influence on color and design. The show featured a pastel color scheme, and suddenly colors like mint, peach, and lilac were taking over fashion, interior design, and pop culture.

Application

Along with color, the cultural landscape saw a shift. Advances in technology introduced the iconic boombox. With its deep bass and portability, public spaces—like sidewalks and parks—turned into impromptu dance floors. The energy of the music scene was matched by the era's color palette—vibrant and punchy.

Art Deco made a comeback in the 80s, especially in Miami with its Tropical Deco twist. With sleek lines, pastel exteriors, and geometric flair, the style defined the decade. The fun architecture of the era invited bold interior design. This was the start of the Memphis Design Style movement, which welcomed unconventional design choices.

At Dunn-Edwards, the 1980s marked a decade of innovation and growth. In 1982, the company opened its 23rd store in a shopping mall in North Phoenix. It was the first location of its kind for the company, setting a precedent for future store openings. A year later, Dunn-Edwards took a step toward safer products by voluntarily replacing ethylene glycol (EG) with propylene glycol in its water-based paints, the more eco-efficient option.

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