A Decade in Colour: Exploring Top Trends from the Last 10 Years
4-minute Read
Introduction
Colour shapes our world, from brand identities to home interiors, influencing emotions, aesthetics, and consumer choices. Over the last decade, we have witnessed dramatic shifts in colour trends in graphic design and branding, often inspired by cultural events, technological advancements, and evolving tastes. Understanding how these trends evolve can help designers create impactful visuals that resonate with audiences. Let’s journey through the vibrant timeline of colour trends in graphic design and branding and their impact on design, branding, and beyond.
4-minute Read
Colour shapes our world, from brand identities to home interiors, influencing emotions, aesthetics, and consumer choices. Over the last decade, we have witnessed dramatic shifts in colour trends in graphic design and branding, often inspired by cultural events, technological advancements, and evolving tastes. Understanding how these trends evolve can help designers create impactful visuals that resonate with audiences. Let’s journey through the vibrant timeline of colour trends in graphic design and branding and their impact on design, branding, and beyond.
Colour Trends by Year:
A Visual Evolution
Each year brought its defining hue, many chosen as Pantone’s Colour of the Year, sparking creativity across industries. Here’s a look at the colour trends in graphic design and branding that made waves from 2015 to 2025:
Notable Colour Trends of the Decade
2015: Marsala – A rich, earthy red symbolizing elegance and grounding.
2016: Rose Quartz & Serenity – A harmonious blend of soft pink and blue, reflecting tranquility and balance.
2017: Greenery – Refreshment, rebirth and, rejuvenation. It inspires fresh perspectives and bold choices.
2018: Ultra Violet – Bold and provocative, exuding creativity and imagination.
2019: Living Coral – It encourages to embrace joy while reminding of its natural roots in the coral reefs of the sea.
2020: Classic Blue – A calming shade of blue, offering reassurance during uncertain times.
2021: Ultimate Grey & Illuminating – Reminiscent of pebbles on a beach, these versatile hues symbolize strength, stability, resilience, positivity, and hope.
2022: Very Peri – A transformative blue-purple celebrating creativity and change.
2023: Viva Magenta – Commands attention with its bold crimson-red hue, inspired by the world’s brightest and precious natural dye.
2024: Peach Fuzz – Light, delicate shade that sits between pink and orange symbolizes kindness, compassion, and connection.
2025: Mocha Mousse – This warm shade reflects a desire for nourishment through simple pleasures like morning coffee, a sweet chocolate treat, or a peaceful walk.
These shades didn’t just dominate design; they influenced fashion, marketing, and consumer products, making their mark in colour trends in graphic design and branding.
The Role of Pantone in Shaping Colour Trends
Pantone’s annual Colour of the Year announcement is a highlight in the design world, often predicting consumer behavior and steering industries toward new visual directions. Beyond predictions, Pantone’s selections reflect deeper cultural contexts.
For example, Classic Blue (2020) emerged as a calming presence during a turbulent year, resonating with audiences seeking stability. Similarly, Very Peri (2022) symbolized transformation in an era of rapid change.
💡 Want to incorporate Pantone colours in your branding? Read this guide for actionable tips on colour trends in graphic design and branding.
Graphic Design and Colour Trends
The evolution of colour trends in graphic design and branding reflects broader societal shifts. In the early 2010s, pastel tones like Rose Quartz and Serenity offered a soothing alternative to modern-day chaos. In contrast, the late 2010s embraced bolder shades like Living Coral, energizing digital landscapes and social media aesthetics.
How brands leveraged colour trends:
Minimalist brands embraced monochromatic or muted palettes for sophistication and modernity.
Tech and gaming brands adopted neon hues to create futuristic, high-energy branding.
Sustainable brands leaned into earthy greens and browns to align with eco-conscious values.
🔎 Explore successful design strategies using trending colours in this guide for actionable tips.
The Psychology of COLOUR
Colour psychology plays a crucial role in colour trends in graphic design and branding, helping designers craft memorable campaigns.
Colour Psychology in Action
Illuminating Yellow (2021) – Symbolized optimism and recovery during a global crisis.
Electric Green – Became a staple in gaming and tech branding, signifying innovation and energy.
Muted Earthy Tones – Reflected sustainability and nature-focused branding.
🔎 Explore successful design strategies using trending colours in this blog.
Trending Colours Over the Years: A Timeline for Designers
Here’s how colour trends in graphic design and branding shaped industries over the past decade:
- Pastels: Dominated early years, conveying softness and tranquility.
- Earthy Tones: Reflected sustainability and a return to nature.
- Neons: Added a futuristic edge, particularly in digital design.
- Metallics: Symbolized luxury and innovation, gaining popularity in recent years.
The Influence of Colour Trends on Branding
Over the last decade, brands strategically used colours to align with consumer sentiment:
✅ Sustainability & Trust:Muted greens and earth tones.
✅ Youth Culture & Energy: Neon palettes in gaming and tech.
✅ Professionalism & Stability: Classic blues and deep hues for corporate branding.
For example, minimalist start-ups often leaned on neutral colours, while bold brands like gaming companies employed neon to energize audiences.
🔎 Read more: How Colour Choices Impact Branding
Key Takeaways for Designers
If you’re working on colour trends in graphic design and branding, here’s how to apply these insights:
Understand Your Audience – Use colour psychology to connect emotionally.
Follow Trends, But Stay Authentic – Incorporate trending shades subtly while staying true to your brand.
Experiment & Innovate – Try unique combinations like pastels with metallics for fresh palettes.
🔎 Read more: Graphic Design Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make
The Future of Colour Trends
Looking ahead, sustainability, tech influences, and cultural shifts will likely drive new colour trends in graphic design and branding. Expect a fusion of digital and natural hues, such as:
Electric Blues paired with soft organic tonesto balance technology and mindfulness.
For an industry-wide perspective, check out Design future trend forecast.
Conclusion
The last decade’s colour trends in graphic design and branding reveal how design mirrors and shapes culture. From Marsala to Very Peri, these shades captured the spirit of their time while influencing branding, graphic design, and more. As we move forward, staying attuned to colour trends in graphic design and branding will ensure designs remain impactful and relevant.
🖌️ What’s your favourite colour trend of the past decade? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media!
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