The Seventies Interiors Revival
A Retro Revival: The 70s Interior Trend Unpacked
Low-slung furniture, curved edges and house plants at every turn- just three of the style characteristics synonymous with 70s interiors, and a style resurgence that refuses to be ignored. One for lovers of maximalism and playful aesthetics, 70s interiors are best known for eclecticism and utilising colour palettes that exude warmth, creating a home at which comfort is at the centre.
Iconic spaces such as London’s The Standard in King’s Cross champion 70s nostalgia to the max, featuring everything from striking wood panelling, bold colour schemes, parquet flooring and tan leather seating, The Standard is one example of 70s interior design that embraces the hallmarks of this decade.
Channelling the beauty of this playful decade need not feel quite so overt however. Here’s how to lean into the joy of a 70s inspired home, with a 2023 twist…
SIGNATURE ELEMENTS OF 70s INTERIOR DESIGN
Whilst a home that embodies everything 70s centric may feature all of the below, introducing nods to the highlights of this era can feel like a more achievable way to embrace its free spirited charm.
Quintessential 70s design typically includes bold colours, jute rugs, plastic and clear materials, macramé and string wall hangings, rattan furniture, leather seating, geometric shapes, smoked glass and house plants aplenty. In comparison to decades before it, the 70s saw an increase in personality, charm and character in the home that felt infectiously inviting. 70s inspired design is instantly recognisable.
ICONIC 70s INTERIORS ON SCREEN
Striking interiors from this decade make for the perfect backdrop in film where a strong visual identity forms an integral part of storytelling, and the list of references from which inspiration can be drawn is endless.
The 2021 release of Licorice Pizza, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson is one such example, with the inclusion of waterbeds, stained glass windows and wood panelled walls, it perfectly captures the lighthearted spirit of 70s California.
1971’s A Clockwork Orange showcases 70s maximalism at its best, featuring a mix of retro-futuristic and mid-century interior design that make its visual identity so iconic.
2013’s American Hustle follows the dictionary definition of retro to a tee, taking a more glamorous look to 70s interiors that are a true feast for the eyes. Featuring wooden panelling, textured wallpaper, velvet furniture, and bold accents, it presents New York 70s at its peak.
70s TEXTURES AND SHAPES
When taking inspiration from the 70s, nods to the decade in the form of textures and shapes can offer an accessible means to achieving a feeling of nostalgia that is relevant to modern day interiors. Wallpaper was ever present during this era of design, be it bamboo print or geometric, the designs that graced the walls of homes across the world typically felt warm and inviting, largely due to the colour palette in which they appeared. Shop wallpaper on Glassette.
When considering furniture, wood was mostly stained in orange hues and formed a central part of a room, whether in the form of a sideboard with tapered legs or a striking drinks cabinet- nothing quite says 70s like a piece of statement furniture. Once again, organic, soft shapes were most popular, with pebble nest tables or brightly coloured footstools creating a feeling of comfort and cosiness at home.
Rugs form an integral part of any room looking to take inspiration from the 70s, with this era most commonly seeing boucle or a jute/flatweave take centre stage. When it comes to carpet, think long shag styles that feel plush underfoot, offering yet another means by which pleasure, comfort and ease were translated into the home.
The 70s decade was also synonymous with ‘conversation pits’- sunken lounge areas filled with sofas, rugs and cushions- that created a relaxed and sociable space that once again leaned into the joy that can be found from time at home.
A TOUCH OF THE 70s IN 2023
Whilst some spaces possess the ability to embrace 70s design in every form, there remain a plethora of more subtle and modern ways to nod to the decade’s most timeless moments.
A purposeful colour palette is one means by which to acknowledge the beauty of this era through a lens that still feels modern. Earthy tones are a must in the instance of the 70s, from hues of brown, avocado and olive greens, to golds and mustard yellows. Whether it be artwork, soft furnishings or paint and wallpaper choices, interior additions that fall into this colour palette immediately bring to life a 70s feel in any space.
Whilst stripped down Scandi wooden floors have their place, 70s design is all about luxurious comfort, meaning carpeted floors or long pile rugs. Moroccan rug styles continue to be a popular and stylish choice, and offer a more modern take on longer and shaggier pile lengths that are more closely associated with the 70s.
Print, shapes and pattern can be immediately synonymous with the 70s when executed with nostalgia in mind, whether it be thick, broad stripes or chequerboard designs across tiles, wallpaper and soft furnishings. Celebrating bold design in the home can offer a welcome feeling of play throughout any decade, however is especially important when bringing nods of the 70s into modern day living.
Houseplants are a key crossover between 2023 interior trends and that of the 70s, making their inclusion in the home an easy way to capture the nostalgia of this era. From rattan plant stands to macramé hangings, even the way you display greenery in the home can conjure up feelings associated with this decade. When selecting greenery, retro choices include spider plants, ferns, snake plants and ficus for the ultimate 70s nod.
Above all, the 70s trend speaks to a time when colour and print took centre stage and joy could be found in exploring its potential. Embracing this mantra, we consider the era for play to be timeless.