'70s Design Is Back: Here Are 5 Ways to Make the Retro Style Feel Fresh

Table of Content

• Furniture Design as Sculpture
• Original Mid Century KIENZLE World Time Zone designed by Heinrich MullerTable Clock , Germany, 1960s
• Vintage Mid Century schwarzes Metall und Schmiede Messing Kerzenständer Design 70er Jahre
60er 70er Retro Style
• Primitive Small German Vintage DDR Erzgebirge Standing Christmas Wooden Nutcracker / Home Decor Made in the 70s

According to appliance manufacturer Big Chill, the rise in avocado green's popularity could largely be attributed to "a new regard for nature and environmental concerns" during the '70s. Alongside the insurgence of antiquing during the decade, wicker made a comeback—despite the fact that the material had an irritable tendency to poke and prod at whoever sat on it. The wicker furniture that we keep outside today was actually quite popular in living rooms during the 1970s.

She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL. It’s great for task lighting since you can swivel the bent arm shade in the direction you need light. The white ivory leather cording and polished black marble base finish the stylish look.

Furniture Design as Sculpture

For contrast and interest, I chose these black stainless steel curtain rods. The simple design and black color tie back to the rest of the living room elements. Hemp fabric will resist mold and ultraviolet light allowing it to softly filter into the room. These panels are great for adding soft texture and movement to your interior design.

Suburbs blossomed in the 70s as the interstate highway system expanded and manufacturing drained out of major cities. Join The Zoe Report’s exclusive email list for the latest trends, shopping guides, celebrity style, and more. Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items.

Original Mid Century KIENZLE World Time Zone designed by Heinrich MullerTable Clock , Germany, 1960s

The past is and always will be a constant source of inspiration for all types of design — from the clothing you wear to the furniture and accessories you put in your home. For example, just as high-waisted, wide-legged pants and bra tops have recently made a resurgence in wardrobes, so has '70s style decor in interior spaces. The era is back in a big way, interior designers say, and it could be a fun way to freshen up your abode this spring.

If you don't want to commit to a fully retro palette, consider a few mustard yellow velvet throw pillows or a deep green lampshade to mix this trend into your living room. Rattanfurniture is made from materials such as cane and willow, and while it actually dates back to antiquity, it was incredibly popular in the 1970s. Like this bookshelf fromlotsofknotscanada, rattan furniture lends a laid-back, easygoing feel that is trendy without feeling unapproachable. If you're a renter or you simply aren't up for the challenge of hanging a chair in your living room to create that '70s look, here's an idea fromsofiaparapluiethat anyone can easily repurpose. Most egg or wicker chairs look just as chic on a metal stand—just find a color that blends in with the rest of your room, and you won't even notice it's there. I hope this 70s inspired design gave you inspiration and ideas to create your happy place.

Vintage Mid Century schwarzes Metall und Schmiede Messing Kerzenständer Design 70er Jahre

Then, the floor is finished off with sealer to give it a sleek, polished look. Terrazzo can be pricey, but with such a distinct appearance, a small amount goes a long way toward changing the entire look and feel of a room. From flooring materials to furniture to color palettes, you’re sure to find an idea that fits your style.

Glass containers with bulbous shapes and looping handles also bring both practical and decorative flair. If you’re not ready to commit to carpeting, a simple shag rug is a comfy trend you can’t forgo. Here's a granny square-filled afghan blanket keeping Bob Newhartcozy on his titular TV showin 1972. And to learn more about trends from the past, check outthe Definition of "Stylish" the Year You Were Born. In a 1973 episode of The Odd Couple, Felix famously gifted Oscar with a pair of hand chairs, as you can see here.

The Sereno chair is based on the iconic ground-hugging french design from the 70s. It has a slouchy curvy look that’ll add sophistication to your space. At 15-16″ high this end table will work well with the low-profile sofa and chairs. It’s shown next to the sofa but would be nice with the accent chairs too. The fluted details on the base and the variation in the natural travertine add to the vintage vibe.

It's the perfect accent for a chic '70s nursery or kid's room, or a lovely way to add a little color in an office or an entryway. Aside from the neutrals in this design other colors from the 70s were harvest gold, avocado green, orange, ruby red, earthy brown, and turquoise. This rug is an elevated update to the classic shag rug of the 70s. The subtle zen-like design has a laid-back vibe great for blending in with the neutral palette. Available in nine sizes there’s one no matter the dimensions of your living space.

Transfer sticker

Furniture and home decor of the 70s was a mix of style and function. Many pieces looked like works of art that added personality and made a statement. During the ’70s there were many advances in the design of chairs and modular office furniture. Ergonomic designs became all the rage as designers experimented with high-tech materials, steel and plastics. Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. She covers interior design, decorating, home improvement, cleaning, organizing, and more.

They looked for solutions that would foster connection, as material innovations in plastic and foam made new shapes possible. Embracing '70s home decor trends can be as simple as sprinkling a few accessories here and there, such as a Turkish-style pouf or using baskets as wall decor. If you're looking for inspiration, here are a handful of '70s decor trends that are officially back in style. Popular materials of 70s furniture were high-tech materials, steel, plastics, teak, and pine wood.

Silberdistel Fayencen Handmade Brown Ceramic Vase Bottle / 1970s Vintage Decor

Other hanging furniture ideas include macrame swings and woven hammocks. A hanging chair is a fun way to create a reading nook in a living space or a bedroom—just be sure to install it properly to avoid accidents. To tie back to the black elements in this design I added this handcrafted clay vase. Made by artists in Chulucanas City in Northern Peru the modern design is finished in a matte black glaze. The ‘80s were all about bright neon colors, but the ‘70s took a softer approach. ‘70s style interior design is all about relaxing, neutral hues, like cream, beige, and pastels.

Cash in on the 70s trend of functional art by using one as an essential oil diffuser. Popular 70s scents include lavender, patchouli, bergamot, and eucalyptus. If you’re working hard to reduce your use of plastics, you can still enjoy that seventies feel by finding natural products instead. For example, switch to a bamboo razor handle and bamboo toothbrush to complete that 70s aesthetic with sustainable products. 70s American homes have a bad reputation for cheap materials and strange structural choices.

Looking for ways to add 70s furniture and home decor in your living room? Fifty years ago, these items might have been layered amid wood-paneled walls and psychedelic floral patterns, but today's adaptations of '70s design are more subtle. Use these expert tips to introduce a retro touch to a modern home.