How to Nail ʼ70s Interior Design
Groovy trends with a fresh twist.
If you dream of a world where you can live in flared velvet pants and shades of turquoise, orange, and olive green, you've come to the right place. We can't get enough of ʼ70s interior design, and we're constantly looking for ways to make it fresh and modern. Curious what that looks like? Ask your Alexa to play Fleetwood Mac and then check out our favorite ʼ70s-inspired rooms below.
1. Start With a ~Conversation Pit~
The key to recreating a relaxing ʼ70s style vibe? A conversation pit. Since your condo probably doesn't have a recessed living room interior, you can re-create that feeling with your furniture placement. Set up a cozy little nook by using a sectional sofa to separate the living room from surrounding areas. Then add a large wood coffee table in a laid-back, simple design – so that everyone has room for their wine glass. Cap the conversation pit with a lounge chair or armchair. We love this design trend because it's comfy and inviting.
Cane and rattan furniture is here to stay. Wicker materials are the best because they're so lightweight, making them easy to move from one apartment to the next. Use rattan as an accent piece to make a statement among upholstered and concrete furniture. Try out rattan dining chairs for your dining room or kitchen (super easy to stack), or upgrade your living room interior with a rattan side table. Updating a bedroom? Consider a rattan-style headboard. They don't require any assembly and are easy to wipe clean.
Circular furniture and curvy accent pieces and decor are the best thing about reinventing ʼ70s living room ideas. Look for furniture that adheres to the "form follows function" rule of modern design. We're talking sofas and chairs with minimal tufting, curved backs and arms, and legs that stay low to the floor. Pick out accent pieces that fit into this description as well: globe-like lamps, smooth ceramic vases, and large circular mirrors. The ʼ70s were a decade defined by lots of color, particularly colors like aqua blue, olive green, and burnt orange. Adapt this trend by choosing furniture and accent pieces in these bright colors. Then, work in neutral colors to balance your interiors.
Terrazzo is concrete mixed with small pieces of marble, granite, or ceramics. Because of the different colors, it looks multidimensional and adds a lot of texture to any room. Terrazzo is traditionally used in outdoor furniture, but ʼ70s interior design will make you want to pull it inside. The best part about terrazzo tables is their water resistance, making them ideal for AM iced coffees or PM negronis. If terrazzo furniture is too heavy, invest in a couple of planters to achieve the same effect with decor. (Check tip #10 for more info on plants.)
Marble is a sleek way to balance out the woven and braided textures of ʼ70s interior design. It's a durable material that's made to withstand years of use. Our favorite spot for marble? The bathroom vanity. A crisp marble vanity design will make matte black hardware and mirrors pop – and it goes with basically any soap dispenser. Marble side and coffee tables are great for ʼ70s-inspired living rooms. They'll add a touch of cool to your warm shag rug and woven wall hangings.
Pro Tip:
Alternatively, you can always choose faux marble furniture for your interiors. It tends to be a little less expensive; it just won't be as sturdy as genuine marble.
Using wallpaper is a great way to get that modern ʼ70s interior design aesthetic. Textures was a big trend in ʼ70s design, so consider wallpaper that is foiled or embossed to really nail this look. That extra bit of shimmer will look amazing when the light hits it. Wallpaper can add oomph to any room, even a tiny space like a bathroom (just choose moisture-resistant wallpaper). Not so sure about permanent wallpaper? Opt for peel-and-stick instead. You just peel off the back of the wallpaper and stick it to the walls. Then when it's time to move out, simply peel it off. We love an easy design project.
ʼ70s interior design wouldn't be complete without hanging up a tapestry or macrame wall hanging in your living space. We're obsessed with wall hangings because they're super lightweight and easy to move around. Their size also ensures they make a big statement. Try hanging one over a large piece of furniture like a sofa or a bed without a headboard. You can also cluster a few together, hanging them at various heights for added style. Or lay the macrame flat on a long, skinny surface like a console table.
ʼ70s art was heavily inspired by the shapes of geometry: circles, squares, triangles, etc. Geometric art became popular during the explosive bauhaus movement in the peak of modern design. Bauhaus art and architecture relies heavily on lines, shapes, and a simple color palette. This dreamy and minimalist aesthetic is ideal for reimagining ʼ70s interior design. Choose wall art and decor with clear shapes in shades of burnt orange, turquoise, and indigo. Frame the art in light-toned wood so the frames blend in with your aesthetic and the art makes the statement.
The shag rugs of today are a lot different than the orange style ones your grandparents may have had in the ʼ70s. Shag is a type of weaving, and shag rugs are typically made from wool. Some shag rugs will have a higher pile than others, so the length of the wool is totally up to you. These fluffy rugs are great if you live someplace chilly or want to warm up hardwood floors. If you are worried about crumbs and dirt, pick out a multicolored shag rug – even if that just means it's black, white, and gray. To stick to ʼ70s interior design, opt for a rug with warm shades of orange, olive, and yellow.
Pro Tip:
To clean a shag rug, shake it outside and then use a vacuum meant specifically for high-pile carpet. Blot any spills with a spray of carpet cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
10. Just Add Plants
The final thing your ʼ70s-inspired home needs is a few plants. The first major explosion of houseplants started in the ʼ70s, perhaps because their breezy boho design vibe complemented the architectural wood paneling and geometric art. For the ultimate ʼ70s throwback, choose a fiddle-leaf fig, monstera, or spider plant for your interiors. Any plant with long, trailing vines in a hanging planter will bring your ʼ70s interior design to life.
Pro Tip:
Did you know the world's first Earth Day was in 1970? The more you know. 😄
Looking for more inspiration on 70s-inspired interiors? Browse our style shops.
