Add a little funk to your home with the disco era’s iconic design trends
In true trend fashion, what’s old becomes new again. And right now, we’re seeing a resurgence of ’70s decor trends in interior design. From rattan everything to not-so-subtle wallpaper, beloved elements of the iconic era are making a comeback in major ways.
Below, we’ll show you how to breathe new life into some of the decade’s most popular design styles and weave them seamlessly into your own space.
The 1970s were a design decade best defined as bold. From bright patterned wallpaper to lush shag carpeting, the popular design styles of the era were anything but minimal. The ’70s style mixed earthy elements, simple shapes, and tons of texture to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The lava lamp was a staple of late ’60s and early ’70s decor. With various color options, this type of lamp is a simple yet funky addition to any room. Rather than buying a new lava lamp, check your local thrift store to see if you can find a gently used one to add to your space.
Macramé made its appearance in homes across the U.S. during the 1970s. You can use this weaving and knotting technique for everything from wall decor to hanging planters.
Decor items with fringe can add a bit of whimsy to your home. During the 1970s, fringe was frequently featured on everything from funky jackets to patterned rugs. Make a statement with a fringe-lined rug or opt for something more subtle like a fringed lampshade.
Retro lighting is a fun way to pay homage to the eccentric interior design of the disco era. Mushroom lamps have made a recent resurgence, making them a perfect modern ’70s touch. Cipriani floor lamps with curved bases and accordion lampshades are another era staple to explore.
Inspired by the work of designer Paul Henningson, multi-layered pendant lights were a common sight above dining tables during the 1970s. The dining room lighting of the era often used bold colors, such as rich orange or mustard yellow. Consider replacing your current light fixture to add funky flair to your modern home.
Corduroy wasn’t only a popular clothing fabric in the ’70s. It was also a mainstay among furniture, from chairs to couches. Accent chairs can be a great way to incorporate this trend into your home with a solid color or a fun pattern.
Rattan furniture was found everywhere during the 1970s, becoming popular for its natural aesthetic and lightweight texture. From dining table sets and bookshelves to armchairs and coffee tables, rattan furniture brought a warm, boho style to any room. Consider adding a piece of rattan furniture to your kitchen, sunroom, or outdoor area for a nod to another era.
Floral and striped sofas were popular living room pieces in the ’70s. The couches were typically covered in rich hues like deep oranges, browns, and blues. Let a patterned sofa shine in a modern living room by pairing it with pieces in neutral colors, or take it up a notch by mixing and matching patterns and colors for a more eclectic look.
Velvet was a common fabric of the decade, especially in living room furniture such as couches and armchairs. If you’re not quite ready to commit to such a large velvet furniture piece, try incorporating smaller accents like window curtains or a throw blanket. You can also reupholster a beloved furniture piece in velvet to give it a fresh look.
Terrazzo is a unique material often used in flooring and wall treatments, made popular during the 1970s. With various colorways, terrazzo is a funky material to play around with throughout your home such as in a coffee table, countertop, end table, or lamp base.
If you close your eyes and picture a living room from the 1970s, there's a good chance you’ll envision some wood paneling on the walls. The trend has made a comeback with painted shiplap, but the original style brings a warm and organic feel to any room.
Shag carpeting is another staple design style of the decade. Rather than the neutral-colored flooring popular today, homes in the 1970s sported lush shag carpeting in bold jewel tones. If you’re not quite ready to commit to carpeting, you can start small with a shag rug.
Floral, paisley, and geometric designs all made their way onto wallpaper during the 1970s. The variety of patterns and colorways make this ’70s trend an easy one to weave into your current room design. Make a statement with a bold wallpaper pattern in your dining room, or keep things simpler by wallpapering a half bath. If you’re not ready to commit to traditional wallpaper, you can test out a pattern or color with peel and stick wallpaper.
Sunken living rooms, also known as conversation pits, were a dropped-floor design outfitted with plush seating perfect for entertaining. If you’re not looking to renovate your living room but want a similar look, consider a built-in sofa.
You might remember a wooden floating staircase in the iconic “Brady Bunch” home. This type of staircase is designed to hide the supporting structure and make the stairs appear to be floating, adding a unique focal point to your home.
Homeowners certainly didn’t shy away from color in the 1970s. Homes of the decade sported rich earthy tones like brown, yellow, orange, green, and blue that covered everything from wall treatments and flooring to furniture and decor. You can modernize the earthy color palette of the ’70s by choosing softer shades like brown, sand, olive, and clay that pair well with your other furniture pieces.
Whether you go bold with a floating staircase or keep it simple with a fun lava lamp, there are so many ways to weave 1970s design staples into your own home. If you’re planning a home revamp, look to the experts for help with all things wall painting, flooring, and carpentry.
