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The Cultural Tutor Profile picture
@culturaltutor
Jul 26, 2022 • 14 tweets • 5 min read • Read on X
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Has the world become less colourful?

(This graph shows the colour of objects over time) Colour of objects over time...
If you feel like the world seems increasingly colourless, you're not just imagining it.

Take cars, for example.

Greyscale colours now make up three quarters of cars produced globally, compared to less than 50% in the past. Image
Just look at a parking lot from the 1980s compared to one today. ImageImage
And the change has happened to interior design.

These were the most popular colours of the paint brand Dulux in 2020: Image
And here are the most popular kitchen paint colours in the UK, from 2019-20. Image
Just compare a typical 1970s home to a modern designer home.

While it is completely understandable if you don't miss the garish colours of bygone eras, it is interesting to note the change. ImageImage
Similarly, there is a trend of whitewashing everything - be it made of wood, brick, plaster, or whatever. Image
While grey is now the most common carpet colour: ImageImage
Neutral colours are by far the most popular when it comes to clothing: Image
Even McDonald's is less vibrant than it used to be! ImageImage
This trend includes just about everything.

Consider this study, which analysed the colour of everyday objects over time.

Its conclusion is clear: neutral and greyscale colours *are* more common than ever. From Cath Sleeman, Colour &...
What has caused this change?

And do you think it's for better or worse?
If you found this thought-provoking then you'll like my free weekly newsletter, Areopagus.

Seven short lessons every Friday to make your week more interesting, useful, and beautiful.

culturaltutor.com/areopagus
And here is a link to the fascinating study referenced in this thread.

lab.sciencemuseum.org.uk/colour-shape-u…

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Thousands of these snails — which are only found in certain parts of the Mediterranean — had to be harvested to make even a small amount of this dye. Image
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