Mamie Eisenhower: Unwitting creator of THE iconic color of the 50s, “Mamie Pink”

July 5, 2009 by 50s Pam 

mamie_eisenhower_library_of_congress_photo

Image: Library of Congress

“Mamie Pink.” The iconic decorating color of the 50s, arguably. Ubiquitous in fashion as well as bathrooms and kitchens. The mid-century trend to pink seems to have come directly and irrefutably from Mamie Eisenhower, first lady from 1953 to 1961. Pink was Mamie’s favorite color. She wore a pink gown with 2,000 pink rhinestones to Ike’s inauguration. Ike sent her pink flowers every morning. Her bathroom in Gettysburg was pink down to the cotton balls. She re-decorated the private quarters in the White House in pink. So much so that reporters called it the “Pink Palace.” The color also seems to have been known as “First Lady Pink.” As a result of all this pink-think, there was probably no question that American women (and marketers) would pick up on it. It also was a color trend right in line with the exuberance of the time — and even supportive of the return of women to the home after WWII and their complete remaking of the American domestic landscape.

In fact, my own informal research from scouring marketing materials from the period indicates that pink kitchens and baths arrived solidly in ‘53, reached a total frenzy in 1957, then pretty rapidly started to fade after that, as other trends took hold. A typical adoption curve for a trend like this.

I have an aquamarine kitchen – the decorating gods sided with my husband on this decision. But I really truly wanted pink. I have to admit, a total fixation.

Meanwhile: Here’s a nice story about Mamie:

All About Mamie

By Jan Biles, The Capital-Journal (Topeka, Kansas), Published Sunday, November 18, 2007

Not much is known about Mamie Doud Eisenhower.

She was a dutiful wife and mother who stood in the background as her husband, Dwight, excelled in his military career during World War II and then led the country from the Oval Office as the 34th president from 1953 to 1961.  Read more here on the newspaper’s website – well worth it!

Filed under: Inspiration
Tagged: , , , ,

Comments

11 Responses to “Mamie Eisenhower: Unwitting creator of THE iconic color of the 50s, “Mamie Pink””

  1. Dawn on July 7th, 2009 9:58 pm

    Strangely I like pink bathrooms and would save it if we had one. However, the bathroom in our 1914 bungalow was one of the only things that WASN’T pink.

    Our pink wasn’t a nice “Mamie Pink,” our paint was called “Satan.” No kidding, I found the paint swatch in the basement. Seriously, the pink is called SATAN. weird.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/dawniecakes/459594878/in/set-72157600085744216/

  2. Mike V. on August 27th, 2009 1:19 am

    interesting
    we have a house built in 1950 and it’s most certainly “mamie pink”
    I guess the builder didn’t even know he was ahead of his time. as it were.

  3. Amie D. on December 19th, 2009 11:58 am

    Our house was built in 1948 and we too have a pink bathroom. Is this a trend that started before Mamie or is it possible that our bathroom was renovated in the 50s??

  4. 50s Pam on December 19th, 2009 12:11 pm

    Hi Amie, for sure there were pink bathrooms before Mamie. We see them going all the way to the 30s. She is the one that I credit with really popularizing them. So – your bathroom IS likely original.

  5. Paula on December 31st, 2009 10:55 am

    Do you know what the Pantone numbers are for Mamie Pink? I can probably approximate it, but would like the additional backup if possible. Maybe it’s not just one color, but a bunch that are close to a certain color.

  6. 50s Pam on December 31st, 2009 1:20 pm

    Hi Paula, no, I don’t know. To be sure, there were a lot of pinks, and I don’t know that there is *one* that’s narrowly defined as Mamie pink. If you want to do more research — look at Mamie’s bathroom at Gettysburg (in my other post on this site featuring an interview and photos from the Eisenhower home in Gettsyburg)…. also her other pink accessories…there is a big photo gallery on the Eisenhower National site, I think I put a link to it in the post. The tile that B&W sells — top right column photo (pink bathroom with maroon trim) is pretty darn close — and I think they’d tell you they’ve been selling it for 50 years. I don’t own the Pantone deck — I’d be curious to know why you’re asking…and what you decide!

  7. Paula on December 31st, 2009 5:36 pm

    I’m mostly asking because I’ve gotten sort of obsessed with color matching and management in the last few years since I started using Photoshop. Once you start looking at paint chips it’s kind of easy to lose perspective. I was looking at the photo of Mamie’s bathroom at Gettysburg, but it’s always hard to tell exactly what a color is from a computer screen. I’ve been thinking of painting my study and am thinking of using Mamie pink, but am still not sure what I’ll do with it. I was born in 58, and have fond memories of pink from my toddler years. Thanks for the suggestions. My husband’s aunt still has an original pink bathroom in her house. :)

  8. 50s Pam on December 31st, 2009 6:43 pm

    Paula, have you looked at Sherwin-Williams’ Suburban Modern palette – Appleblossom Pink? That might do the trick for you. Here’s my Paint page: http://retrorenovation.com/product-guides/paint-colors/

  9. Paula on January 1st, 2010 1:25 pm

    Thanks — that just might do it. And I have a Sherwin Williams store just a mile or so away. I’m leaving on a trip tomorrow, but will check it out when I get back.

  10. HipMamaB on January 7th, 2010 12:52 am

    Just discovered your site. LOVE! We are proud of our 1957’s pink kitchen! But wow, I wish it was a bathroom so I could use that wallpaper over on the right!

  11. Laurie on February 10th, 2010 4:00 pm

    Did you see the PINK BATHROOM in Lonny latest issue out today? I nearly died!!!!!!!!!!

    I just blogged about you and little miss poodle bathroom this week. Love your mission. Am having the odd desire to install a pink bathroom!

Leave a Comment -- If you are under 14 years of age you may read this message board, but you may not participate. Here are the full legal terms of use you agree to by using this comment form..