As the first-generation of baby boomers hit their mid- to late twenties, the 70s was in full swing and the era was typified by explosions of colour – especially when it came to decorating the ‘pad’.
Panasonic’s Ai-No Color (translates to ‘love of colour’) kitchenware series offered 70’s nesters a cheerful alternative to standard appliances that fit perfectly with their sense of optimism. Initially five products were given the full-colour makeover – the rice cooker, toaster oven, juicer, electric pot and toaster – but the series proved so popular that the scope of the series rapidly expanded.
The series was perfect for the younger generation’s desire to colour coordinate their entire living space and it kicked off a trend toward series design in the consumer electronics market as well as toward the commercialisation of color.
Looking at the colour series now, it’s easy to imagine them making a comeback and painting our homes in the colours of the rainbow once more.
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