The 1970s were a time of unique expression, a decade where bold patterns, cozy textures, and eclectic style made homes feel vibrant, full of personality, and sometimes a bit in-your-face. Whether it was the unapologetically loud floral wallpaper or the shag carpets that seemed to engulf every room, the design of the era wasn't just bold— it was downright unforgiving. It was vulgar in the best way possible, flaunting a wild mix of colors and patterns that dared you to look away. Whether you were born in this era, like me, or are just now falling in love with its eccentric charm, there's something about 70s design that grabs hold of you.

If you've never been exposed to this era of brazen design, now's your chance to dive in head first. Buckle up because I'm about to introduce you to the colorful, cozy, and sometimes outrageous Spirit of 70s design and how it can find a place in modern living spaces. 

Understanding the 70s Aesthetic

The Spirit of the 70s in Interior Design

The 70s represented a dramatic departure from the restrained, formal interiors of the mid-century and post-war eras. In the 50s and 60s, design often focused on sleek lines, modest color schemes, and an air of sophistication that leaned toward minimalism and order. But as the world grew more liberated and individualistic in the 70s, so did our homes. Gone were the stiff, polished styles of the past; in their place came a more casual, relaxed, and personal approach to interiors. Low-slung sofas, mismatched patterns, and unexpected textures gave people the freedom to let loose and create spaces that reflected their own identities.

Iconic 70s Colors and Patterns

The 70s were nothing if not colorful. The decade's iconic palettes included rich, earthy shades like avocado green, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep browns. Psychedelic and floral patterns also found their way into homes, often in daring combinations. These visuals reflect the era's embrace of freedom and experimentation, which resonates with today's desire for spaces that feel warm, personal, and a little bit playful.

Key Elements of 70s Interior Design

Furniture That Defined a Decade

Furniture in the 70s was all about comfort and ease. Modular sofas invited relaxation, while bean bags provided a casual seating option perfect for lounging. Cantilever chairs introduced a modern twist with their sleek lines, offering a playful contrast to the more organic shapes that dominated other pieces of furniture from the time. One of the most iconic pieces of the decade was the Eero Aarnio Ball Chair, with its futuristic, cocoon-like form that provided both comfort and a sense of privacy. Another standout was Mario Bellini's Camaleonda ModularSofa, which allowed endless configurations, making it a hallmark of the decade's love for adaptable design. This icon is extremely popular today, and if you can find a vintage version, you will also find that it's more expensive than the newly produced versions.

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It's interesting to note that while the 70s saw bold and experimental designs, like the avant-garde Italian styles with their daring shapes and playful forms,Scandinavian 70s interiors offered a more practical and functional approach.Though more restrained, the Scandinavian style still embraced the same iconic color palette of rich earth tones — avocado green, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep browns — while focusing on clean lines, natural materials, and practical furniture that could withstand everyday life. Despite their different approaches, both styles shared a commitment to creating warm and inviting spaces, each reflecting the cultural sensibilities of their regions during this transformative era.

Material Magic: Rattan, Velvet, and More

Materials like rattan and velvet became hallmarks of 70s interiors, each bringing its own unique feel and purpose to the space. Rattan gained popularity for its natural, bohemian Aesthetic, largely influenced by the growing environmental awareness and a desire to connect with nature. Lightweight and durable, rattan furniture brought a casual, earthy element into homes, often paired with plants and other natural accents to create a laid-back, indoor-outdoor vibe. Its textured, woven appearance added depth to a room, softening the bold, sometimes harsh lines of the era's more avant-garde pieces. For many, rattan provided a way to feel closer to nature, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and simplicity amidst the bold patterns and vibrant colors of the 70s.

Velvet, on the other hand, added a touch of luxury and indulgence. Its soft, plush texture contrasted beautifully with the natural elements like rattan, providing a sense of comfort while maintaining an air of elegance. Velvet furniture, particularly in deep, earthy tones, made a statement in 70s homes, offering a tactile richness that complemented the otherwise bold and sometimes rebellious nature of the decade's designs.

Shag carpets became an iconic feature in 70s interiors for their sheer indulgence in comfort. With their long, soft fibers, shag carpets invited people to relax and even sink into their surroundings. These rugs were meant to add warmth and coziness to a room, literally and visually. But they also had a more playful purpose — giving a sense of informality and inviting a more relaxed, carefree lifestyle. The tactile nature of shag carpeting brought an additional layer of texture to interiors, making them feel lived-in and welcoming, even in the most modern or eclectic spaces. For many, walking barefoot on a plush shag rug symbolized the era's rejection of formality, offering a cozy retreat from the outside world.

These materials — rattan, velvet, and shag — together created a harmonious blend of luxury, comfort, and nature, reflecting the diverse influences that shaped 70s interior design. The mix of these elements allowed homes to feel personal, inviting, and a bit indulgent, capturing the Spirit of a decade that celebrated both experimentation and comfort.

Lighting and Accessories

Lighting in the70s was just as important as the furniture, often serving as a focal point in a room. Unlike the 60s, which emphasized functional and sleek designs like Sputnik chandeliers, the 70s embraced more expressive and mood-setting lighting. Lava lamps, sculptural pendants, and oversized floor lamps became popular, offering both drama and warmth with bold shapes and softer materials. Lighting was no longer just functional; it became a statement, creating a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Paired with macramé wall hangings, these accessories captured the bohemian Spirit of the era, bringing comfort and character into every space.

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Modernizing 70s Interior Design

Incorporating 70s Design in Modern Homes

Bringing 70s style into a contemporary home doesn't mean recreating the past exactly as it was. Instead, you can take inspiration from the decade by adding its standout features in subtle, thoughtful ways. Consider adding a rattan chair or a velvet sofa to your living room, or mix some retro patterns into your décor while keeping the overall look clean and modern.

Clip to today: One of the best ways to blend the 70s with today's trends is to pair iconic pieces with modern, minimalistic elements. For example, you can place a sleek, modern coffee table next to a cozy, oversized 70s-inspired velvet sofa to balance the richness of the fabric with clean lines. A bold, geometric 70s rug with earthy tones can anchor a living space, while contemporary art or a minimal pendant light above keeps the room feeling fresh and current. You could also add a statement rattan chair in a modern, neutral-toned bedroom to bring warmth and texture without overwhelming the space. By combining the funky, organic shapes and textures of the 70s with today's streamlined furniture, you create a space that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Sustainable and Modern Updates

Today's focus on sustainability fits well with the 70s design, which often favored natural materials like wood, rattan, and leather. Rattan has become particularly popular again, not just for its natural, bohemian Aesthetic but also because it's a highly sustainable material. Rattan grows quickly and is harvested without causing damage to forests, making it an eco-friendly option for furniture. It's lightweight, durable, and versatile, which makes it perfect for modern interiors looking to blend style with environmental responsibility. To keep things modern, look for new takes on these materials that are produced responsibly. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds — 70s style with an eco-friendly twist. Take a look at the Heeps and Woods brand here  

Iconic 70s Designers and Brands

Trail blazers of 70s Style

Designers like Verner Panton, known for his use of bold shapes and vibrant colors, and Ettore Sottsass, whose playful and unconventional approach became a hallmark of the Memphis movement, helped define the look of the 70s. However, one of my personal favorites is Pierre Paulin, who brought an elegant, sculptural quality to 70s furniture. Paulin's designs, such as the iconic Ribbon Chair and the Mushroom Chair, blended comfort with a striking sense of form, making them timeless pieces that still feel fresh in today's interiors. His work beautifully captured the balance between organic shapes and modern minimalism, making him a standout figure in 70s design.

Brands like Herman Miller, which produced iconic pieces like the Eames chair, also played a significant role in shaping the era. The Eames couple, Charles and Ray, became synonymous with mid-century modern design, yet their influence extended into the 70s, blending playful forms with functionality, influencing countless designers and consumers alike.

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 www.vitra.com - Panton Chair

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Room-by-Room Guide to 70s Style

Creating a 70s-inspired Living Room, Bedroom, and Beyond

Let’s take a closer look at how you can bring the 70s into your home, room by room. Velvet has made a strong comeback and continues to be a popular choice, so starting with a velvet sofa in a deep, rich hue is a great way to introduce 70s flair into your living room. Pair it with a bold geometric or floral rug to ground the space, creating that perfect retro-modern balance.

For me, lighting is an obsession. I definitely have more lamps in my home than I would ever need, but I believe lamps can be more than just functional pieces—they can be almost like sculptural art and I absolutely love my lighting. When designing your living room, think about adding a statement floor lamp or a sculptural pendant light that doesn’t just illuminate but also acts as a focal point. Lighting can completely transform the feel of a space, creating atmosphere and enhancing design elements.

In the bedroom, aim for a cozy atmosphere by layering textures like velvet bedding and soft, textured pillows. The right lighting here is crucial too — opt for warm, ambient lights like vintage-inspired lamps or wall sconces to echo the warmth of the70s. The lighting should help create a relaxed, stylish retreat that still connects with the overall theme of comfort and bold style from the decade.

Each room offers an opportunity to combine functional design with expressive elements, with lighting playing a key role in both. 

DIY Projects and Upcycling

Bring the 70s Home with DIY

Making your own 70s-inspired décor is a fun way to add personal flair to your space. Try your hand at macramé wall hangings, but instead of traditional patterns, opt for a super modern design — think minimalist geometric shapes or abstract motifs. This modern twist keeps the bohemian vibe of macramé while fitting seamlessly into a contemporary home. I´m about to start my own home project using this element.  Another idea is to reupholster a vintage chair with a bold, retro fabric for a striking statement piece. These DIY projects allow you to embrace the 70s style in a fresh, creative way without a huge investment and you can let your inner 70s soul out….finally.

Upcycling for a 70s Feel

Upcycling is a fantastic way to bring vintage 70s pieces into your home without overspending. However, before you head out to scour thrift stores and flea markets, it’s important to do a little research. A quick "Google" search will help you identify iconic shapes, styles, and materials from the 70s so you know exactly what to look for. That way, you’ll have a clearer vision when you find something special with potential.

Once you’ve found your vintage gem, give it new life with a bit of DIY magic. For a modern twist, consider mixing a current color trend, like soft sage green or deep navy blue, with a classic 70s shape — think a rounded swivel chair or a sleek cantilever chair. A fresh coat of paint or new upholstery in a vibrant, contemporary hue can seamlessly blend 70s nostalgia with modern style, making the piece a perfect fit for your home.

But at the end of the day, the most important thing is to go for what you love — what makes your heart pound when you see it. That’s what will truly make your space feel like home, full of personality and pieces that resonate with you. 

Where to Shop for Authentic and Inspired Pieces

Finding the Perfect 70s Pieces

If you're on the hunt for authentic 70s décor, vintage shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces like Etsy are great places to start. Many stores today also offer70s-inspired pieces that have been updated for modern tastes, giving you plenty of options for bringing a touch of the decade into your home. For example, the Article Sven sofa, with its low profile, plush cushions, and deep velvet upholstery, channels the cozy yet bold Spirit of the 70s while maintaining a sleek, modern edge. This blend of vintage style with contemporary materials offers the perfect balance for a stylish, updated take on the 70s.

Let's wrap this up

There's something special about 70s interior design that continues to captivate us today. Maybe it's the warmth, the creativity, or the way it invites us to play with color and texture in our homes. The creatives of the 70s were driven by a desire to break free from the rigid norms of previous decades, embracing bold experimentation, freedom of expression, and a sense of rebellion. They blended the organic with the futuristic, the playful with the practical, all while staying grounded in earthy color palettes that made spaces feel cozy and lived-in.

For those of you who read my piece on brutalist interior design a while ago, you already know my weakness for strong, unapologetic elements in interiors. The 70s mastered this era of boldness in away that few others have. Whether you go all out or just add a few retro touches, this decade's influence can bring a lot of personality and fun into modern living. Adding a bit of 70s flair to your space can make it feel vibrant, cozy, and unmistakably yours.