Elements of 1970s Retro Decorating Style
The 70s were labeled “the Me Decade” by the American novelist Tom Wolfe based on America’s newfound preoccupation with self-discovery and self-awareness. Amidst an oil crisis and rising inflation, American interior design changed to reflect a new regard for nature and an awareness of environmental concerns. Design also reflected an Asian cultural influence as people sought answers in their spiritualist teachings. The anti-establishment trend that got its start in the 1960s continued and was expressed in home décor through the use of innovative designs. The 1970s “Mod” look was impacted by these factors, in addition to the continuing inspiration of Space Age technologies and the availability of new materials. The result was the creation of many stylish and innovative design trends that are popular again today.
The elements of 1970s décor are:
Colors
Trendy colors were bright green, turquoise, sunshine yellow, orange and brown. White was used everywhere for furniture and was also used as a background to offset brighter colors. Strong use of black and white was very often accented with a bright color (such as pillows or an accent chair). Some color combinations that were hugely popular were bright green and blue, black and white, yellow and white, pink and purple, yellow and orange, yellow and green and also pink and green. Red, black and white were used together to create a color scheme with huge impact.
Fabrics
Bedspreads were covered with large bright flowers or graphic patterns. Paisley and abstracts were also very common. Chenille bedspreads were hugely popular. Mushrooms, flowers and geometrics were popular themes and were always printed in bright or bold colors.
Furniture
Materials used were Lucite, glass, vinyl, and leather as well as metal, chrome and wood. Chrome and glass created a clean, space age look. Plastic became an acceptable material for furniture. Beanbag chairs became a trend for relaxed seating. Furniture ranged from stark, Scandinavian and Bauhaus designs to organic shaped plastics, vinyl and fabric chairs. Faux fur was used as a radical new material for upholstery. Wicker furniture and rattan peacock chairs were the rage when going for a more hippie, bohemian look. Built-in desks, beds (including bunk beds) and seating were very common, as well as floor pillows for comfortable seating on the floor. Kitchen dinette sets with plastic, metal and vinyl organically shaped high-back chairs on wheels, very often upholstered in bright neon vinyl. Rec (recreation) rooms appeared in the basements of homes, and were usually equipped with a built-in bar.
Flooring
Fluffy shag and llama area rugs contrasted with the modern lines and materials used for furnishings. Ceramic tile was used on bathroom floors. Linoleum and wood flooring were used throughout the home. Indoor/outdoor carpeting became popular for rec rooms and sunrooms leading to outdoor areas. Flooring appeared in all of the bright colors that are listed above. A bright yellow linoleum floor would have been considered very fashionable, as well as hot pink or neon green wall-to-wall carpeting.
Décor Accessories
Lighting was very innovative and new design solutions included the lava lamp, arc floor lamp in chrome and large white globe lamps. Chrome and plastic were the most popular materials for lighting. In contrast, accessories made of macramé were very popular, such as hanging plant holders and wall hangings. 1970s wall décor was modern, with abstract paintings and sculptures being preferred. Paneling was used on the walls of family rooms and rec rooms. There were also unexpected outdoor materials used for interior walls, such as brick and cedar shingles. Bold, foiled wallpapers were used, mostly in kitchens or bathrooms, but elsewhere in the home as well. A single large wall may have been covered with a wallpaper mural depicting a scene from nature done in natural colors. This made a contrasting backdrop to the modern furniture and accessories in the room.
New Technologies
Kitchens were larger and functioned more efficiently with abundant storage and state-of-the-art appliances. A dishwasher was no longer considered a luxury but a necessity. Laminated kitchen cabinets and Formica countertops as well as appliances and cookware were typically in the very latest harvest gold or avocado colors.
Overall Look
The general look was bright, sunshiny and Mod. The Jetsons were on television and their influence was felt in 1970s home décor. The most modern homes looked more like space capsules. But even the more modest homes saw the 1970s influence with pops of bright color and plastic and vinyl furnishings.
