The 1970s is the most influential decade when it comes to furniture design, according to independent furniture retailer, Barker and Stonehouse.
While some design fads from that period haven't come back into style – we're looking at you, carpeted bathrooms – there are other trends that we've been styling in our homes for years now, and in 2023, the 70s aesthetic is coming back big.
Barker and Stonehouse used average monthly search data to identify the five most popular decades for home décor inspiration from the last 75 years. The 1970s topped the list, followed by 1960s, 1980s, 1950s and 1990s.
Catharina Björkman, style expert at Contura, calls it the 70s revival, rooted in nostalgia with earthy tones, patterned wallpaper, geometric shapes and the reintroduction of materials like velvet, bamboo and rattan.
'The easiest way to embrace this trend is to introduce an eclectic mix of velvet armchairs, rattan furniture, mushroom lamps, quirky knick-knacks, and the all-important retro drinks trolley,' Catharina explains. 'And don't forget the importance of the humble houseplant, which really rose in popularity in the 1970s – pothos, spider plants, ferns, ficuses and snake plants will all help you achieve the right 70s vibe. If you want to go all out, invest in a dimmer switch, which will allow you to recreate the mood lighting synonymous with the era.'
Kelly Collins, Interior Designer and Head of Creative at Swyft, describes this revival as 'an evolution of the mid-century modern craze' that has dominated the industry for the past few years. Rich, earthy tones like terracotta and warm browns, with a mix of layered textures and big patterns, is key to this trend. Even Taylor Swift harkened back to a 70s aesthetic for her latest album, as noted by Matilda Martin, Trend Specialist at paint brand Lick.
'Following Taylor Swift's new album, Midnights, we are noticing a revival of the popular 70s interior aesthetic. This decor style is relaxed and fun, evocative of the free-spiritedness and optimism of the 70s era,' says Matilda. 'Warmth emanates from a 70s-inspired home, largely through its colour scheme. People are adding that 70s groove and energy into their homes by incorporating earthy browns, terracotta reds and oranges and opting for low lighting in the form of the iconic mushroom lamp.'
So, where to begin? To incorporate seventies chic into your own home, focus on 'key materials and furniture items that are reminiscent of the decade,' says Helena Davies, Head of Home Buying at Barker and Stonehouse. Whether you want to fully embrace the trend or introduce it in small doses, Barker and Stonehouse reveals its top three style icons to help you add some 70s flair.
70s style icon 1: Rattan
Natural textures such as rattan has been a big hit in interiors, thanks to its neutral tones. For the interior, think rattan light fittings, chairs, chest of drawers and storage baskets. But rattan is also ideal for using outdoors, so if you're already dreaming of warmer summer days spent enjoying the sunshine in the garden, you might want to look at investing in some rattan garden furniture.
'The return of rattan has seen furniture styles come through in new shapes and colours. So, if neutral isn't your thing, why not tap into this iconic seventies woven trend with a couple of striking black rattan pieces? Or you can mix and match rattan dining chairs in different styles for a fun, experimental feel,' says Helena.
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70s style icon 2: Velvet
There's something about velvet that we can't get enough of. From the sumptuous feel and rich, luxurious colourways that it tends to come in, to the instant impact that it adds to any space, we've been incorporating velvet textures into our homes for a while now and we don't see ourselves stopping anytime soon.
A great way to add a pop of colour, opt for emerald green, millennial pink or yellows and golds to give a bold nod to the seventies, from your living room to your bedroom.
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70s style icon 3: Cantilever chairs
These L-shaped frame chairs were huge in the seventies but continue to be a great option for dining room and home office seating today. Combine the trends by choosing a velvet upholstered cantilever chair or one with rattan detailing.
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FAQs
"The '70s would not be complete without some shag carpet, brown or bulbous shaped pieces of furniture, sunken living rooms, macrame or artwork with rope or rope-like details, poppy colors, and wood walls," says Liu.
What decade was the golden age of interior design? ›
Art Deco 1920's to 1960
One of the most well-known interior design styles, Art Deco represented modernity, everyday glamor, and elegance. The era relied heavily on clean lines, fuss-free angular shapes, bold color, and stylized patterns like zig-zags and optical figures.
What materials were used in the 1970s interior design? ›
Natural Materials and Textured Surfaces
Exposed wooden beams, wood paneling, and shaggy rugs were common elements in homes during this decade. Rattan furniture, macramé details, and more could be found from room to room. Texture also played a primary role in 1970s design.
How did people decorate their homes in the 1970s? ›
As far as patterns go, '70s decor featured bold and geometric designs, abstract shapes, and nature-inspired motifs like leaves and flowers. Last but not least? Lots of funky shapes. You know the ones we're talking about—think sunburst mirrors, egg chairs, and lava lamps.
What influenced 70s interior design? ›
While this will vary across the world, the 70s decor and design that we're all familiar with were inspired by freedom, and homes were centred around open-plan living, natural materials, comfortable textures, and lively colours.
What is the design period of the 70s? ›
Graphic design in the 1970s was all about bright and clashing colors with balloon like letter forms. It was as if the serif fonts of the 60s got eaten by the rounded typography of the decade. However, the psychedelic rock concert posters remained and added to the bright and glorious 70s.
In what decade did interior design become recognized as a profession? ›
In the United States, the National Society of Interior Designers began in 1957, and at about that time it was determined that professional status for interior design is achieved through education and professional gatekeeping organizations. Interior design has thus become an accepted profession.
Why retro interior design? ›
Colourful, bold and very playful, retro decor is about combining an eclectic use of shapes, textures, and a vibrant colour palette to create a look that's as unique as the era that influenced it. A time-tested trend, retro decor will instantly create a familiar and welcoming feel.
When did interior design begin? ›
In the early 1900's, the term “Interior Decorator” was first used in America. Most decorators at the time had no academic credentials, but the best of them had a combination of good taste, common senses, and natural talent to interpret and address the issues, such as scale and proportion.
What is 70s style decor called? ›
Refined Bohemian & Ecletic Style
70s style consists of a mix of bohemian style with structured silhouettes, infused with an abundance of colors, and and an eclectic blend of geometric prints. Beyond the fact, that it also incorporate both contemporary and traditional furniture elements.
Catharina Björkman, style expert at Contura, calls it the 70s revival, rooted in nostalgia with earthy tones, patterned wallpaper, geometric shapes and the reintroduction of materials like velvet, bamboo and rattan.
What material was popular in the 70s? ›
The Trend of Synthetics
Producing feminine and elegant styles for women and dapper and functional clothing for men, synthetic fabrics; like polyester and nylon, were staples of 70s fashions that boasted simplicity in design and shape. Perhaps, one of the most popular, synthetic styles was the pant suit.
How would you describe 70s design? ›
Organic, playful shapes in symmetrical, geometric arrangements echo the undulating, boundless curves of the 60s design being simplified, tamed, and arranged for everyday use. Colour palettes were also simplified, mainly due to color TV becoming affordable to the general population.
What did 1970s house look like? ›
Fantastic wallpapers, crazy colour combinations and textured carpets come to mind when thinking about 1970s homes. Most of these will have long been updated, but the typical features of the houses as such remain. Styles include 'colonial', 'ranch', 'Mediterranean' and 'contemporary'.
What does a 1970s house look like? ›
On first impression, 1970s houses can look aged and uninspiring. They can feel dark and cramped inside, but these properties also tend to come with a generous volume of space, good gardens and the basic structure to be able to create a modern home that meets your present-day needs.
What is the 70s decor called? ›
Dubbed as 'retro chic', 70s decor is an interior trend that focuses on vintage elements, warm, bold colours and funky patterns. From vibrant velvet sofas to psychedelic wall art, 70s decor is rooted in bringing a healthy dose of fun and vigour to a space.
What is 70s house style called? ›
Modern-style homes were generally built between the 1930s and the 1970s in the U.S., with midcentury modern being a subcategory of this style. In contrast, contemporary homes weren't built until decades later.
What is 70s style called? ›
Disco took over fashion for everyone in the mid-late '70s. Disco styles for women included jersey wrap dresses, tube tops, sequined shirts, spandex shorts, and high slit skirts with boots or chunky heels. John Travolta's character in Saturday Night Fever is a perfect example of Disco style for men.
