Side stepping from mid-century modern, a design movement that heralded the well loved Scandi style, the latest trend to hit our homes fully embraces the arts and crafts revival. Shifting from neutral, grey tones and jumping feet first into the colourful, kitsch world of the 70s. Whether you're boho or glam there's a style to suit everyone, read on to see how to bring some free-spirited 70s vibes into your home.
Design:
During the 70s rules were made to be broken so it's time to forget everything you think you know and have some fun. Three design staples that we think scream the 70s are: sunken living rooms, wood paneling and the quintessential kitsch kitchen, but bypassing sunken living spaces for now, we want to talk kitchens, the kitsch kind. Not for the faint hearted, kitchens in the 70s embraced colour and used it liberally. Today this style is a lot more refined with pops of colour to lift a neutral palette or, if you're feeling brave, introducing coloured or patterned tiles – think floral 70s patterns rather than geometric prints to really drive this look home. If that feels like too much, too soon, using an abundance of white 4x4 square tiles is an alternative, more simple way to deliver that retro flair.
Home designed by Meter Square
Pair your colour palette with brass fittings and terrazzo – yes, I said terrazzo – which is tipped to be the flooring of choice as it works beautifully with pastel tones, muted shades, and the aforementioned metallic finishes. Another bold trend to return is wood panelling, it was the staple of every 70s home, but If the idea of covering entire spaces makes you claustrophobic, breathe a bit of life into it by choosing one or two feature walls.
Home designed by Chapter B
Colour:
Colour. Pattern. Kitsch. If there was a mantra for 70s design this would be it. Standing apart from the cool tones of minimalism that has been leading the pack of design trends in recent years, the 70s era was all about warm, earthy tones that evoked comfort. Think ochre, olive greens, burnt orange and mustard yellow, chocolate brown, camel and cream. Use them in block colours as a feature wall or in repeated patterns in tiles, wallpaper or styling items. Whether you want to go bold and bright or moody and muted, using this palette along with natural finishes such as terrazzo, timber, brick, rattan and bamboo will create a cosy, colourful home that will suggest a sense of comfort and security.
Style:
Seventies interior styling was all about warmth and comfort: think shag pile rugs, Moroccan poufs, house plants galore and layers upon layers of texture. Velvet is back, as is rattan, and the macrame trend continues in wall hangings and pot holders. Anything with an intentional focus on the comforts of a space is a trend to embrace.
Shag pile rugs are the quintessential 70s interior accessory, as difficult as they are to keep clean they scream 70s, they do wonders in making a room look inviting and are neutral enough to work with any style of furniture. If you want to refine this element opt for a shorter pile rug or alternatively another natural fibre like rattan. The organic nature of these elements paired with velvet is a dreamy nod to a fun era.
This trend is a great opportunity to buy vintage and recycle pre-loved furniture. Don't think you have to stick to the 70s era either, mid-century modern pieces are timeless and work seamlessly in this trend as do industrial chic elements of the noughties. Pair with indoor plants – a huge trend in the 70s--spider plants, rubber plants and ferns are evocative of the decade, but with the selection of tropical beauties we have available, I wouldn’t feel restricted to just these. Try fiddle leaf figs, devil's ivy and monstera, whether hanging from macrame hangers, atop cane plant stands or clustered in mix and match ceramics, there's no denying that indoor plants are in vogue in a big way.
This trend is more about reimagining and refining the retro vibe rather than recreating it. Be open to breaking rules, mixing styles and using colour – whatever you decide to do, do it wholeheartedly. It doesn't even have to be about vintage, just choose pieces that nod to the era in their proportion and shape; after all it's all about curating a space that feels right to you and create a home that feels like, well, home.
More Inspiration:
Prefer a simpler, more minimalist feel? We got you covered with our best minimalist articles here: Japandi, Minimalist, Scandinavian and Muji-inspired homes.
Want to set your HDB apartment apart from the rest? Here's how some homes did just that.
Need more space in your home? Here are some of our best tips: Multi-Functional Homes and Built-In Storage Ideas
Check out our full list of interior designers, get a free and personalised recommendation from us and redeem $500 Harvey Norman shopping vouchers. Also, save the date for 8-9 December, when we'll be holding our next Home By Hitcheed Meet and Greet!
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Home designed by The Scientist
Home designed by Ace Space Design
