Imagine stepping back in time to the groovy era of the 1970s. The sweet sounds of Neil Diamond fill the air, and you find yourself lounging on a shag carpet with your friends. In the kitchen, the Harvest Gold rotary phone rings, and it might just be your crush calling. Ah, the 1970s, a simpler time indeed.
But the '70s weren't just defined by music, movies, and fashion. Interior design played a big role in shaping the decade, and anyone who grew up during that time can attest to the memorable trends. Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore the iconic home décor of the 1970s, some of which we hope makes a comeback, and others... well, let's just leave them in the past.
Swinging in Style with the Hanging Egg Chair
In the 1970s, swinging wasn't just for kids on the playground. Thanks to the creation of Nanna and Jorgen Ditzel's Hanging Egg Chair, adults could also experience the thrill of dangling in the air in style. This iconic chair became a symbol of the era, adding a touch of whimsy to any living space.
The Pyrex Revolution: From Ugly Tin Pans to Elegance
Pyrex, a household name today, made its mark on home cooking in the 1970s. This innovative glassware changed the way people thought about serving dishes. No longer were meals presented in ugly tin pans; Pyrex added elegance and style to the dining table. It revolutionized home cooking and became a staple in kitchens across the country.
Bedrooms Covered in Posters: A Teenage Oasis
If you grew up in the 1970s, your bedroom was your sanctuary, adorned with posters of your favorite bands and actors. From David Bowie and Led Zeppelin to Barbra Streisand and Burt Reynolds, these larger-than-life images brought the spirit of the '70s right into your personal space. It was a way to express your passions and showcase your style.
Mirrored Vanities: A Touch of Luxury
Vanities have been around for centuries, but it was in the 1970s that mirrored dressing tables became a symbol of glamour and luxury. Raymond Loewy's design was particularly sought after, and it even made appearances on popular shows like Bewitched. These mirrored vanities provided the perfect setting for getting ready, adding a touch of sophistication to any bedroom.
Wicker Furniture: Bringing the Outdoors In
In the 1970s, wicker furniture made a comeback, gracing living rooms with its natural charm. Despite its tendency to poke and prod, homeowners embraced this material alongside the rise of antiquing during the decade. Wicker brought a touch of the outdoors inside, creating a cozy and rustic atmosphere.
Avocado Green: A Color Trend Rooted in Nature
If you weren't a fan of avocado green in the 1970s, you were definitely in the minority. This earthy tone dominated home décor during the decade. From Pyrex and aprons to cabinets and wall paneling, nearly everything was available in shades of avocado green. It was a reflection of the era's growing regard for nature and environmental concerns.
Wood Paneling: Adding Warmth to Every Room
In the 1970s, homeowners didn't have to stress over paint colors. Wood paneling was the go-to choice for adding warmth and a touch of nostalgia to any room. Although it often wasn't real wood, plywood or fiberboard designed to mimic the look of wood paneling became a popular feature in homes, just like the iconic Brady Bunch house.
Sunken Living Rooms: A Conversation Pit
Picture yourself walking down a few steps to enter your living room. This was a common design feature in the 1970s, thanks to architects like Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard. They popularized the concept of sunken living rooms, creating a cozy space known as a "conversation pit." This innovative design element added a unique and distinct touch to homes.
Harvest Gold: A Warm and Earthy Palette
Alongside avocado green, another earthy tone that reigned supreme in 1970s home décor was harvest gold. From kitchen appliances to decorative accessories, this warm and inviting color found its way into countless homes. It reflected a time when consumers embraced nature-inspired hues and added a touch of elegance to their living spaces.
Sunburst Clocks: Adding Retro Flair
A sunburst clock or mirror adorned the walls of many '70s homes, adding a touch of retro flair. Designed by Nelson Associates in 1949, this timepiece perfectly complemented the Art Deco revival of the era. Its iconic design became a statement piece, hanging proudly above wicker chairs and harvest gold couches.
Macramé Wall Hangings: A Crafty Touch
One popular craft in the 1970s was macramé, which involved creating intricate wall hangings and plant holders. Every groovy apartment had its fair share of these handcrafted macramé creations, adding a touch of bohemian charm to any space. These unique and lovingly crafted pieces were both functional and decorative, showcasing the spirit of the era.
Ceramic and Porcelain Accents: Handcrafted Artistry
In the 1970s, ceramic and porcelain accent pieces took center stage, adorning homes and adding a touch of artistic flair. Artists like Rupert Spira, Lucie Rie, and Hans Coper gained prominence for their ceramic contributions, elevating this art form to new heights. These intricate and beautiful pieces became cherished additions to any '70s home.
Floral Prints: Bold and Bright
Floral prints were a staple of 1970s homes, adding a burst of color and vibrancy to any space. Unlike the stuffy and proper florals of the past, the flower power of the '70s was big, bold, and bright. Mustard, orange, and avocado green were popular colors, appearing on bedspreads, curtains, and couches. It was a celebration of nature's beauty right in the comfort of your own home.
The Hand Chair: Funky and Functional
No '70s pad was complete without the iconic hand chair. This unusual design captured the imagination of many, offering a funky yet functional seating option. Designed by Mexican artist Pedro Friedeberg, the hand chair became an instant conversation starter. Even Oscar, from The Odd Couple, couldn't resist cracking a joke while sitting in one.
The Oval Egg Chair: Chic and Timeless
The oval-shaped egg chair was a timeless piece of 1970s home décor. Designed by Eero Aarnio and Henrik Thor-Larsen, this chic chair added a touch of modernity to any living space. It became a symbol of style, as showcased in the movie Dazed and Confused. Its unique shape and comfort made it a favorite spot for relaxation.
Shag Carpets: Cozy and Fluffy
Shag carpets were the epitome of style and comfort in the 1970s. Despite shedding and being a bit challenging to clean, these fluffy rugs were a must-have flooring choice. They came in a variety of bold colors, from hot pink and sunshine yellow to baby blue and snowy white. Shag carpets added a touch of luxury and warmth to any room, reflecting the earthy tones of the era.
Patterned Tiles: Adding Flair to Every Space
The 1970s marked a period of tile experimentation, with homeowners and architects embracing patterned tiles. These vibrant designs adorned floors, walls, and even the outside of bathtubs. They added a burst of color and personality to spaces, as seen in the movie American Hustle. Patterned tiles became a playful way to express individuality and showcase creativity.
Plaid: Taking Center Stage
While plaid was traditionally associated with Scotland and England, the 1970s saw a resurgence of this classic pattern in the United States. Tartan became the fabric of the decade, adorning homes in the form of bedspreads, curtains, and couches. The vibrant colors of mustard, orange, and avocado green became synonymous with '70s style, adding a touch of nostalgia to every space.
Bean Bag Chairs: Comfortable and Casual
In 1968, the world's first bean bag chair was born, designed by Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini, and Franco Teodoro. These unconventional chairs perfectly suited the counterculture of the '70s and became a symbol of casual comfort. They were easily transportable and added a fun and relaxed vibe to any room. Even The Mary Tyler Moore Show featured a burnt orange bean bag chair, showcasing its popularity.
Afghan Blankets: Cozy and Crafty
Afghan blankets, with their chunky stitching and crochet design, were a staple of 1970s home décor. These cozy blankets featured the same patterns that were popular in crochet dresses and tunics of the decade. They added warmth and charm to every space, as seen on The Bob Newhart Show. Granny square vests and hats might have been a bit much, but afghan blankets were the perfect way to embrace the crochet trend.
A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane
As we journeyed through these 20 photos of 1970s home décor, we reminisced about a time filled with unique and iconic design trends. From hanging chairs to patterned tiles, each piece tells a story of a bygone era. The '70s were a time of self-expression, embracing nature, and pushing boundaries in design.
While some of these trends have faded away, their influence can still be felt in modern-day design. So, the next time you find yourself drawn to a retro piece or a vibrant color palette, remember the unforgettable styles that defined the 1970s. Let the nostalgia guide your creativity and bring a touch of the groovy '70s into your home.