- Reputation for quality: Their 2010® and FreshCoat® Velvet Flat paints have been rated the #1 house paints by a leading consumer magazine (you know who this is…) for 11 consecutive years.
- They are based in Massachusetts, my home state… their dealers are mostly in the Northeast, but check California Paints’ dealer locator — you can get this paint all over.
- The colors in this palette were taken from historical “documents” — actual houses and wallpaper.
- On their website, California Paints gives little descriptions about the relevance of each color. For example, they explain their pink color, called Baby Boom: “One of the iconic colors of the 1950s, this clear, strong pink was popular in all aspects of fashion andinterior design. It had strong connections with the First Lady at the time Mamie Eisenhower, a foremost color trendsetter. During the era the color was commonly referred to as “Carnation Pink”.” tee hee. Save the Pink Bathrooms! Their color-names all have something to do with the period. So they add: “The post-World War II “baby boom” from 1946 to 1964 resulted in an estimated 78.3 million births in the United States. Sylvia Porter, a columnist with the New York Post, is often credited with coining the phrase in 1951.” Nifty.
- There are a number of whites… and maybe that “Sunny Day” yellow is what several readers have been looking for – a yellow without green undertones.
Thank you, California Paints — well done. I think you will do great with this paint. Here is the link to their 20th century paint palette, and below, their complete news release:
California Paints Emerges as the Industry’s Historic Color Authority
Andover, MA – April 21, 2010 – California Paints is proud to release an authentic and documented historic color program which includes their new and exclusive 20th CenturyTM Colors of America color palette. The quality manufacturer of paints, zero VOC coatings, and exterior stains has partnered with Historic New England to introduce the most authentic historic color collection ever created. Historic New England preservationists have partnered with the colorists at California Paints to provide historically accurate documentation for each color in the new palette. California Paints’ historic color program truly represents authenticity in interior, exterior, and decorative color.
Historic New England is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional heritage organization in the nation. They bring history to life while preserving the past for those interested in exploring the authentic New England experience from the 17th century to today. Historic New England has provided California Paints with supporting color documentation, including the use of color at the 36 historic home museums they operate. Historic New England Preservation Specialist Sally Zimmerman states, “In creating this palette, Historic New England has drawn solely from highly relevant architectural paint sources. Our 20th century museum properties and our archives of 20th century paint and wallpaper documentation were the basis for pinpointing the actual use of these colors in the 20th century home.”
California Paints’ 20th Century Colors of America features 130 colors, including 12 off whites, and captures the vibrant tones and subtle shades of the past. Each color of the palette has its own unique and distinctive biography and includes the cultural themes that influenced its emergence in the nation’s collective color history. All biographies can be read at California Paints’ website, www.californiapaints.com.
“The 20th century palette is a road map to recreating the past through design”, says Maryellen Mantyla, Director of Marketing for California Products Corporation. “Anyone looking to replicate an authentic interior or exterior color palette referencing the architectural styles of the 20th century can do so with ease using this collection” adds Mantyla.
California Paints ensures that each historic color is accurately replicated through premium color quality and precise color reproduction. Merging authentic historic color with California Paints’ color technology allows colors from any era to be translated for present day use. The entire collection showcases 279 accurately reproduced historic colors and features the new 20th Century Colors of America and California Paints’ successful Historic Colors of America.
About California Paints
Based in Andover, MA, California Paints is a division of California Products Corporation, an innovative manufacturer of quality paints, coatings and sports surfacing systems. California Products is a leading producer of California Paints® and Storm Stain® architectural coatings, including 2010® and FreshCoat® Velvet Flat, the #1 house paints as rated by a leading consumer magazine for eleven consecutive years. Committed to providing outstanding quality and exceptional color choices, California Paints is constantly seeking new innovation while keeping true to quality standards. For more information visit www.californiapaints.com
Edwin Wilson, Jr. says
Hey Retro world,
Pam, did they produce these new colors in a swatch book/deck that can be ordered? It looks as if there is one at the top of the post….
I know, I know, I still owe you my story. Been working HARD on the house and need to chill and relax and type it up.
Thanks,
Edwin Wilson, Jr.
Charlotte, NC
pam kueber says
Edwin, I don’t know the answer to this one — go to a local dealer, that’s what I’d advise. It does look like you can buy sample jars online.
jkaye says
Wonder why they are called California Paints, since they are headquartered in Massachusetts? Anyway, the colors are great and the names are fun.
On the subject of paints, does anyone have suggestions on products to use to remove paint from brick? We’ve taken down the shutters, and there is an outline of paint where the shutters were painted at one time while still hanging on the house. The shutters hadn’t been painted in ages, so, it could be oil-based. Not sure. All I’ve done so far is to use a wire brush. The bricks are a variety of colors and textures, some more porous than others, so, the brush did better on some bricks than others. We don’t plan to put shutters back up.
pam kueber says
jkaye, i can’t answer your question. however: please study up on lead paint and consult with a pro re this issue — yes, even on exterior paint!
jkaye says
Okey dokey.
Gavin Hastings says
Great colors!
Somewhat ironic that The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities felt that they needed a more “modern” name!
Elena says
This is AWESOME! Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful resource!
Kory Carroll says
I Love this!
Pretty soon, I will be building walls in My House, just so I can have My favorite colors from ‘Now’ this Paint Palette.
You always find the best Pam!
Amy Hill says
What a valuable resource you bring us today!
It’s interesting to see how color preferences change over time. Going from the 50’s colors to the vibrant golds, greens, and oranges of the 60’s was HUGE, mirroring the social changes occuring at the same time.
My mother bought her house in 1962 and as soon as she could afford it, she covered the beautiful hardwood floors with avocado green wool carpet from Sears. Quality stuff that still looked pretty good when she moved to be closer to my sister in 2000.
Jen says
Awesome, Pam! The Post Modern color rocks my world. I think my kitchen needs it. Yup — it’s calling my name.
Susan says
I went through a pink(dusty rose) stage in my old store in the 90’s and California Paints was the only one that had that wonderful vintage dusty rose. These colors are fab!!!
John says
I assume these are not original names as I can’t imagine someone saying, “Hey Eddie,how about painting the livingroom Science Fiction”!! hehe
JOhn
pam kueber says
Yes, John, it looks like they have chosen names that are descriptive of the trends going on at the time. Pretty cool, actually.
John says
Hi Pam,
Truely an awesome find. Every time I look for a color for inside or outside it;s always been a struggle. This is a HUGE addition to the “Color the house your in” portfolio!!
paintingly yours,John
pam kueber says
Thank you, John. I am pretty sure that I am first on the internet to show these colors!