Revive the 1970s: 10 ideas to bring the era’s spirit into your home
If bold and striking styles appeal to you, now is your time—1970s decor is back! Strong earthy colors, wood paneling on walls and ceilings, and rectangular tiles will transport you straight back to the spirit of the era. Check out these ideas!
1970s interior and architectural styles—take inspiration from these ideas!
1. Wonderful spaciousness
Minimalist architecture and large, open rooms were typical features of houses built in the 1970s. Achieve an authentic atmosphere easily with wood paneling—you can never have too much of it! Paneling suits both walls and ceilings. The rectangular floor tiles are the perfect shape and have the perfect terracotta hue—straight from the 1970s.
2. Let there be light
Skylights and light wells are hallmarks of 1970s architecture. If you dream of them, there are various lighting solutions that can easily create a similar effect fitting the era. A boldly colored feature wall enhances the style.
3. Fancy a brick wall?
Brick walls, mosaic parquet floors, and wood-toned window frames are key elements of the ’70s style. In the early part of the decade, large windows were a significant feature, but following the oil crisis, their size decreased considerably. If your home lacks a brick wall, you can conveniently create one using brick tiles.
4. Add more glass
Interior doors with windows are a great way to maximize natural light in rooms. Patterned glass adds a touch of privacy. In this home, the original style has been honored by keeping the glass frame in wood tone, which beautifully highlights the patterned glass.
5. A beautiful slat wall
The atmospheric slat wall was made by attaching oak slats to black-painted plywood. The textiles and the bed with built-in storage continue the wall’s rich color scheme. The floor resembles carpeting but is made of carpet tiles. A piece can be easily replaced if needed.
6. Muted shades
In the 1970s, colors were not shied away from. In this modern but era-appropriate kitchen, the earthy, muted greens of the lower cabinets and backsplash nicely match the oak-toned upper cabinets. If you think this is too much color, you can choose a more neutral tone for the backsplash. The round handles are made of oak.
7. Big and bold
Large, graphic patterns fit the ’70s style. This Orla Kiely Giant Abacus wallpaper is a perfect combination of earthiness, graphics, and boldness. The wool carpet is soft underfoot.
8. Style that stands the test of time
If you want to emulate the 1970s atmosphere in a way that suits today, choose a bold, contrasting wallpaper. Warm shades of brown complete the mood. The overall effect is just the right intensity paired with a light floor and white walls. Even if you paint other surfaces, a touch of wood makes an impact and belongs to the style. Here, the underside of the enclosure is cleverly paneled.
9. Stacked bond paving for the garden
A flat roof, or a solution that looks like it, is a 1970s trademark. If you'd like to bring your garden back to the original era, create pavings with rectangular paving stones. Stacked bond is the right choice for the garden as well. Peegee hydrangea, climbing hydrangea, Dutchman's pipe, and rhododendron are plants that perfectly fit the style.
10. A drop of luxury
Often, original swimming pools have been covered for practical reasons. But we dare to say that it is the pool that crowns the 1970s style. Rattan furniture and houseplants such as snake plant, jade plant, and pothos are perfect for decorating the pool room.
