Have you ever encountered a colour that instantly transported you back to a specific moment in your life? Or perhaps observed a sequence of hues that evoked memories of a particular brand or product?

In the ever-evolving world of branding, there’s a continuous search for creative and nuanced ways to build connections. One approach that consistently leaves a lasting impression and captivates attention is the strategic use of nostalgia.

Here at Cedar + Mint Collective, we celebrate the nostalgic aspects of life. Warm tones, vibrant pops of colour and electric geometric patterns ignite the creative facets of our minds. In a world filled with grey and beige, it’s not uncommon for emerging brands to look to the past and seek creativity from a time when self-expression and individuality bloomed.

Inspired by a warm, carefree feel, the following palettes were curated using influence from the interiors, fashion and art of the 1960s and 1970s, but with our added modern twist. Each palette was designed to incorporate the key components of the bygone eras and embrace the simplicity and positivity of its time.

The 1960s and 1970s were epochs brimming with bold and vibrant colours, often embracing warmer tones. This palette would be perfect for brands that showcase a more playful and energetic dynamic, commonly found in snack brands, beverages, clothing, and accessories.

C+M Tip: Using a black-and-white patterned border alongside your preferred retro colour palette will add an extra bit of pop to your design.

Colour CODES

Harvest Flame #E15113
Sweet Pink #E896BB
Peach Cream #FCDDC1
Golden Ray #D09G26
Lemony Yellow #F4D415
Soft Vanilla #FFF1E8

A shift toward more earthy tones emerged in the ’70s, welcoming feelings of tranquillity and contemporary elegance. This modernized palette is ideal for young millennials who are looking to create a comforting brand while still evoking that youthful spirit. Brands such as yoga studios, wellness products and soaps would work beautifully with this colour sequence.

C+M Tip: Reflecting on the interiors and fashion of an era that resonates with you can offer valuable inspiration for your brand. Pay attention to the colours, patterns and shapes you observe and use them as a guide for the elements that make up your brand identity.

Colours

Lilac #C7ACD3
Terracotta #DD5726
Ivory #FFFBEC
Gilded Gold #D1A137
Moss Grove #5F6242

Nostalgia is all about warmth and familiarity. This palette's rich shades ooze nature and comfort, making the palette an excellent choice for home decor and furniture brands.

C+M Tip: To add a touch of luxury, incorporate metallic accents into your brand. These work best against dark backgrounds such as blacks, navy blues, deep reds and browns. This colour pairing allows for an opulent design element that your eyes naturally gravitate toward. One trick for creating a luxurious ambiance in a brand is to incorporate foil on business and order cards.

Colours

Apricot Cream #FFEAD6
Espresso Bean #562915
Rustic Ember #C44C18
Sunset Flame #EE6F34
Golden Mustard #F0A224
Sunflower Petals #FFBF52
Blossom #D13955
Bubblegum #FCA6AF

In this final palette, the spirit of the ’60s freedom of expression shines through the artistic and eclectic grouping of colours. This playful palette is perfect for stylized brands like bakeries, outdoor furnishings and lifestyle brands.

C+M Tip: Incorporating geometric shapes and patterns in lighter and darker colour tones can add character to your design. Be sure to ask your designer about the harmony of your palette to avoid clashing colours. If you're not collaborating with a designer, you can assess the compatibility of your colour choices by inputting them into a Colour Contrast Checker.

Colours

Poolside #5BBBA7
Soft Rose #FFD7D3
Tangerine #FF7941
Crimson #DB3131
Banana Cream #FFEFC3

✿ Written By Tori Warkentin

Hey there! I’m Tori, the in-house writer at Cedar + Mint Co.! With a deep love for words and a passion for storytelling, I specialize in crafting engaging, insightful content that resonates with readers.

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