Where Has All the Color Gone?
In a fascinating segment from ARTE’s 28 Minutes, researchers at the Science Museum in London analyzed over 7,000 photographs of everyday objects dating from the 1800s to today — and uncovered a striking trend: our world is losing its color.
From household appliances to clothing and cars, bright hues are being replaced by a sea of neutrals. White, grey, and black dominate. The streets are filled with monochrome vehicles. Wardrobes lean into black and beige. And in our homes, earthy tones and raw materials have become the norm.
Even the world of fashion — once known for its bold experimentation — now tends toward minimalism. While this shift may reflect changing tastes, it also raises deeper questions: What does this fading of color say about us? And how does it affect our mood?
Why We’re Surrounded by Neutrals
Modern design trends value simplicity, elegance, and harmony with nature. Materials like wood, stone, metal, and glass are paired with a neutral color palette: whites, beiges, taupes, and muted greens. This style, influenced by Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetics, has its charm — but often at the expense of warmth and energy.
When everything blends into one quiet palette, individuality can get lost. The result? Interiors that feel serene… but sometimes a little soulless.
Color Affects the Way We Feel
It’s not just a matter of taste. Numerous psychological studies show that color has a direct impact on how we feel. Bright colors like yellow and orange stimulate energy and joy. Blue calms. Green restores balance. Red evokes passion and excitement.
In a world increasingly stripped of vibrancy, a lack of color can contribute to mental fatigue or emotional flatness. Color isn’t a luxury — it’s a vital ingredient in how we experience our surroundings.
Posters as a Remedy to Visual Minimalism
This is where art — and especially posters — come into play. A well-chosen print can be a powerful antidote to a beige room. It acts like a visual spark: adding personality, warmth, and an emotional anchor to the space.
At Myretroposter, color has always played a central role in our creative philosophy. Cha’s Vintage Exotics™ collection is a great example: each piece uses just a few carefully selected tones, creating striking compositions that feel both bold and balanced.
Her Great Indian Decor™ series takes another approach — graphic, black-and-white visuals punctuated by a single vivid hue. The effect is dramatic, stylish, and full of character. It proves that even just one color, when used with intention, can transform an entire space.
Color as an Act of Self-Expression
In a time when our objects, clothes, and homes are increasingly designed to “fit in”, choosing color becomes a way to stand out — and speak up. It’s a small but meaningful form of resistance. A reminder that joy, energy, and personality deserve their place on our walls and in our lives.
So if your home feels a little too beige, maybe what it needs isn’t more cushions or furniture — maybe it needs a poster. Or two. In color.
Explore further into this thematic with this France Culture video.
