The 1970s are back! The music, the fashion, and the interior design popular decades ago are once again making their way into the mainstream. Everywhere you look, you’ll probably see styles influenced by the ’70s.
Trends are cyclical, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that certain styles are going out and coming back. Right now, it just so happens that the ’70s, with their funky style and casual comfort, are “in.”
If you want to know what direction home decor is taking, just take a look at the current fashion trends. If you’ve already been noticing people around you wearing platform shoes and bell-bottoms, chances are that the ’70s look will soon reappear in interior design as well, and you’ll start seeing more earth-tone wall colors and outrageous patterns.
If that’s what you want to achieve in your home, then keep reading for some tips on how to begin decorating.
It’s All About the Natural Elements
The ’70s were a time of peace and love, but they were also a time of earth tones. In fact, during the ’70s interior decorating was all about bringing the outdoors in. Over-stuffed couches and armchairs mixed with stuffed animals and live plants were a normal sight where most family rooms were concerned.
In addition to natural elements, retro furniture often features wooden accents or upholstery for a more classic look. If you want to go for the ’70s vibe, think earth tones and patterns. Pay your favorite antique store a visit to score a truly vintage piece that reflect the style of the ’70s.
Even if you aren’t going to paint everything in your home a pale yellow, adding accents of earth tones makes it easier to achieve that retro look without doing much work at all. Just slip your favorite blanket in your favorite color over your couch, and you’re good to go.
Bring Out the Zany Accents
If you are going to be focused on bringing out that retro look, there’s no better place to begin than with accessories. And when it comes to accessorizing your home, don’t hold back when it comes to patterns and colors.
Throw pillows, blankets, and the curtains in your home should all reflect the funky style of the ’70s. If you’re going for a funkier look, go for zigzags and stripes. If you want to keep it more classic, try paisley or floral prints instead. You can even mix and match, as long as it’s on the same theme.
From wicker baskets to vintage suitcases, there are plenty of new ways to store your things without the need for bulky cupboards. And don’t worry if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for. You can always repurpose something that you already own.
Don’t be afraid to use your imagination and get crafty. The crazier and more colorful you make the items in your home, the better.
Change the Lighting
Nothing says retro like the ’70s track lighting that was all the rage back then, but if you want to make your home look vintage, it helps to change up the light bulbs.
Bright white light bulbs are a modern twist on interior design, but they aren’t very fitting when you’re going for a ’70s vibe.
Switch them out for yellower light bulbs, which will give your home that warm glow that was popular decades ago. If you don’t want to commit, smart bulbs allow you to adjust its tone so that you can go for that retro yellow light whenever you fee like it.
Add Some Life to Your Walls
If you’re going all out with this retro look, then that means putting in a little work in order to expose the brick in your home. Brick walls have that edgy rustic look that was all the rage back then, and they work well with bright colors, bold patterns, and natural elements.
If you’re too afraid to take that plunge, then simply painting the walls in your home a bright color is enough to give it that vintage feel. Bright colors are an easy way of adding instant character to your home.
Better yet, stick a bold print wallpaper. If you’re afraid that it’ll be too much, then start out with only accent wall. And if you don’t like it, then you can always paint over it without having to worry about damaging your walls.
If this is what you want for your home, then by all means, go for it. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination and get creative.
