Dulux anniversary 90th anniversary 1970s kitchen diner

Colour Lookbook: Discover the Colours and Décor that Defined the Swinging 60s and the 70s

They say if you can remember the 60s then you weren't there. The good news is you don't have to have been there to get 60s décor inspiration.

As well as taking a trip back to the decade of free love to uncover 60s design trends, we've also taken a trip down design memory lane to see what colours DIY-lovers were using in the 70s.

So, if you're considering adding a 60s or 70s vibe to your home, read on to discover the décor from those decades.

Dulux anniversary 90th anniversary colour blocking

Mellow yellow - 1960s

The swinging sixties was a time of change. From the space race and the Cold War to free love and The Beatles, this era of self-expression led to an explosion of colour in 60s décor.

Without doubt, vibrant colours were in vogue - most notably mustard yellow, orange, gold, and green. Colour blocking, using a mix-and-match of contrasting colors, was also popular, inspired by the rise of Pop Art colours. Find out more in our guide to using contrasting colours.

To replicate the age of Aquarius in your home, we recommend Golden Sands, Banana Split, and Lemon Pie for an ornate yellow bedroom or yellow living room. You should also take a peek at our articles on yellow room ideas and how yellow can add instant warmth to any room.

Dulux anniversary 90th anniversary yellows

Earthy orange - 1970s

By the 1970s, groovy had given way for disco and psychedelic colours were replaced with a more earthy colour palette. Largely inspired by nature, popular trends in 70s décor included orange and brown.

Today, you can create a natural 70s atmosphere in any room of your home using Blood Orange, Copper Blush, or Orange Fizz.

For a more relaxed feel, the earthy colour blue can help to create a soothing atmosphere. Discover more in our guide to creating calming rooms with shades of blue.

Looking for further orange paint inspiration? Explore how to use other shades of orange paint with our orange decorating ideas.

Dulux anniversary 90th anniversary orange colour blocking

An era of firsts

As well as introducing the world to peace and love, the 60s also saw the introduction of another much-loved symbol: the Dulux Old English Sheepdog mascot.

Since 1961, no less than 14 dogs have taken on the illustrious role, including Fernville Lord Digby who had his own chauffeur-driven car.

Discover more about our lovable mascot - who celebrates its 60th anniversary this year - in our article about the nation's favourite sheepdog.

Colour inspiration from every decade

If this taste of the colour schemes of the 60s and 70s has whet your appetite for more décors from the past, you won't want to miss our new Anniversary Book. Inside the limited-edition tome, you'll discover a decade-by-decade breakdown of the changing colour trends.

Whether you're looking for inspiration for your home makeover or simply love design, you need this on your coffee table.

Order the Anniversary Book today for just £45.