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 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.
What influenced 1970s interior design? ›
The hippie movement also infiltrated our design styles in the seventies with a greater emphasis on environmentally friendly furnishings using natural or upcycled materials.
What design era is the 1970s? ›
The Eclectic 1970s: Bohemian and Disco Vibes
The 1970s witnessed a fusion of styles, combining bohemian influences with disco glam. It was a decade of self-expression, freedom, and individuality. Embrace the bohemian spirit and disco fever of the era through your interior design choices.
Why are we yearning for 70s decor? ›
“The '70s brought on the love of lounging,” she says. “The colors and fabrics created a sense of lushness and plushness. It promoted a relaxed and social atmosphere at home, which people feel drawn to once more after the weirdness of the past few years.”
What is 70s decor style 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.
What is 1970s interior design? ›
"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 was the 70s interior design movement? ›
While many different styles emerged during this decade, elements most commonly associated with 1970s interior design include patterned wallpaper with geometric shapes, warm shades like earthy browns and burnt orange, textured fabrics, and organic materials.
What was the 1970s era called? ›
The height of the streaking craze came in 1974 when a naked man zoomed across the stage during the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Tom Wolfe called the 1970s the "Me Decade." Across the land, Americans seemed determined to escape from the wars and social movements of the previous decade.
What is 70s style architecture called? ›
Examples of Late Modernism (including Glass Skin architecture), Brutalism, New Formalism, and Late Expressionism—in some cases, designed in the 1960s and not completed until the following decade—were built well into the 1970s.
Is 70s style mid-century modern? ›
Mid century modern is so popular at present that is has become a buzzword and come to mean a lot of different things. When we talk of Mid-century modern furniture we are talking of furniture that is from usually from 1945-1975. This furniture typically has clean lines, a cool vibe and is considered timeless and fresh.
The 1970s was a decade of technological advancements, inflation, stagnant wages, energy crises, geopolitical uncertainty, war, rebellious youth, and political scandal.
What is the 70s aesthetic? ›
Funky and Groovy: A 70s Aesthetic. Picture this: bell bottoms, shag rugs, mustaches, and late-night disco. Graphic spirals and flowers, neatly stacked onto wallpaper in a smoky lounge. A whole new world of warm-hued, full-color photographs in magazines, swaying and sparkling to soulful tunes.
What makes the 70s unique? ›
The 70s were experimental to say the least and that extended into all aspects of trends, especially fashion. Plain shirts were so drab, so adding every color in the spectrum in unique cotton candy-like swirls, aka tie-dye, became all the rage for hippies everywhere.
What were the interior colors of the 1970s? ›
Burnt orange and dark brown were the colours of 1970s interior and they are here today as well – today's spin is to use slightly more natural tones as opposed to the bright and extravagant colours of the past. Also, instead of chocolate brown, people are searching for terracotta and warm browny-pink.
What were 4 fashion styles of the 1970s? ›
Popular early 1970s fashions for women included Tie dye shirts, Mexican 'peasant' blouses, folk-embroidered Hungarian blouses, ponchos, capes, and military surplus clothing. Bottom attire for women during this time included bell-bottoms, gauchos, frayed jeans, midi skirts, and ankle-length maxi dresses.
What color was popular in the 1970s? ›
Golden Yellow. Bring a '70s design staple—a warm and saturated golden yellow—into your home with a splash of Spicy Mustard by Benjamin Moore. Its amber glow is bold yet comforting and to complete the vintage look, layer it with soft creams, comforting tans, and deep browns.
What influenced 70s style? ›
The early 1970s were a continuation of late 1960s hippie fashion. For men this particularly meant bell bottom jeans, tie dye shirts, and military surplus clothing.
What were the major influences for fashion in the 1970s? ›
Few other decades have produced as many fashion trends as the 1970s. Not only was the hippie look popular at the time, but the emerging disco culture, women's movement, and various youth cultures also set the tone for the decade, as did synthetic materials, whose style elements can still be found in fashion today.
What was the architecture movement in the 1970s? ›
Examples of Late Modernism (including Glass Skin architecture), Brutalism, New Formalism, and Late Expressionism—in some cases, designed in the 1960s and not completed until the following decade—were built well into the 1970s.
What influenced interior design trends? ›
They are shaped by a variety of external factors and events, such as advancements in technology, changes in the economy, and even popular culture. Furthermore, while some trends may become iconic interior design styles, others may simply be short-lived fads.
