Are you looking to bring a groovy vibe to your Texas home? Embrace the charm of 1970s interior design and earth tone palettes! This iconic style blends avocado green, rich wood paneling, and bold patterns to create a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for the Lone Star State’s unique character. Forget those old-school memories of overpowering shag carpets — the 70s are making a stylish comeback, bigger and better than ever!
Curious about how to infuse this trend into your modern Texas decor? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with tips and inspiration to help you channel this decade’s charm while staying true to your personal taste. Get ready to turn your home into a retro-inspired haven with a Texan twist. Let’s dive in!
Characteristics of the Disco Era
The 1970s can be described as loud, funky and fun. While people were dressing in bellbottom pants and flowy boho tops, homes were set up quite similarly, pulling in bright patterns and wood paneling.
If you grew up in this decade, you may feel nostalgic thinking back to your childhood home. Or, you may want to turn around and run in the other direction. Either way, it goes without saying, the 70s were unlike any other era of interior design. Here are elements that were linchpins to unlocking disco chic:
Earth Tone Palettes
As people retired the retro 60s colors like mint green and bright yellow, warmer tones took their place. For this look, shades of brown, orange, gold, mustard yellow, avocado green and deep reds were prominent, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. These colors are thought to have been made popular due to the increasing awareness of environmental issues at the time. Whether this is true or not, there’s no denying that these spaces felt like being wrapped up in a warm hug.
Bold Patterns
In traditional 70s interiors, the walls were probably either covered in crazy wallpaper or wood paneling. Bold patterns like geometric shapes, florals, paisleys and abstract designs were common for wallpapers, upholstery, artwork and rugs, creating a striking contrast against the earthy tones. Because this period was all about self-expression, people really put their personal flair on prints, selecting trippy decor to create a psychedelic appearance.
Natural Materials
Almost every interior design style takes inspiration from nature in one way or another. For the age of Saturday Night Fever, wood, wicker, cork and rattan furniture were common, giving interiors a grounded, organic feel. Macramé wall hangings and plant hangers were popular accessories, taking inspiration from bohemian interiors and natural elements. Also, no home would’ve been complete without at least one rattan hanging chair, adding to the cozy and playful environment.
Open Floor Plans
While house setups have changed throughout the years, seventies rooms flowed together with minimal division, often incorporating sunken living rooms (conversation pits) and large windows to bring in natural light. For instance, the living room would open into the dining room which would flow straight into the kitchen, making these spaces great for hosting.
Bringing 70s Interior Design New Life
Whether you love this design or aren’t ready for it to make a reappearance, a little goes a long way with this look. So, how can we introduce the seventies into homes without going overboard and hanging a full-blown disco ball in the living room? Here are some tips to use as inspiration:
Modern Shag Rugs
Gone are the days when shag rugs only came in one style. Now, shag carpets are making a comeback in smaller doses, like area rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpeting. Modern versions are often in more muted, neutral tones or with minimal patterns, bringing texture and warmth without the heaviness of traditional shag.
Low Slung Furniture
Furniture inspired by the 70s low-slung designs has been updated for modern comfort and modularity. Contemporary seating in your living space emphasizes minimalism with clean lines but retains the deep, comfortable cushions of the 70s. Modular sectionals are especially popular, providing flexible, casual seating arrangements.
Sleek Metallic Accents
Modern interiors have reintroduced the metallic finishes of the 70s style — like chrome and brass — but with a more refined touch. Instead of bold, shiny pieces, subtle metallic accents in light fixtures, furniture legs and home decor add a touch of retro-futurism to otherwise modern spaces.
Wall Hangings and Macrame
Rather than have every wall cluttered with art, select one or two pieces that will have the limelight. For instance, choose one large canvas with geometric patterns to hang front and center in your living room. Or, opt for a tapestry with bright colors to make a statement in your dining room. Just don’t have too many pieces vying for attention as this can make the rooms clash and seem a bit chaotic.
What To Steer Clear Of: 70s Decor To Avoid
When it comes to drawing inspiration from 1970s interior design, it’s essential to incorporate its vintage charm without replicating some of the less desirable trends. Here are common 1970s interior design mistakes to avoid and tips on how to modernize the retro aesthetic:
Overusing earth tones: Since this look leans on those warm tones we touched on earlier, use them as accents rather than dousing the entire home in mustard or burnt orange.
Cluttered macrame decor: While macramé was trendy, overloading a space with wall hangings and plant holders can feel kitschy. Choose one or two macramé pieces as statement decor for a balanced, curated look.
Dark wood overload: Heavy, dark wood paneling was common but can make spaces feel closed-in and dated. Use lighter wood tones or refinish dark wood with a brighter stain. Alternatively, paint over paneling for a fresh update.
Too many patterns: Busy patterns on wallpaper, furniture, and rugs were a ’70s hallmark but could clash or feel chaotic. Use patterns sparingly, balancing them with solid colors and simpler textured fabrics.
Plastic and vinyl overuse: Chairs, tables and decor made of brightly colored plastic and vinyl can look cheap. Incorporate materials like acrylic or high-quality resin in smaller, tasteful accents.
Get Into the Groove With Designs by Niki – Decorating Den Interiors
By partnering with us, you don’t have to fear falling into frustrating roadblocks like outdated designs or unlivable rooms. We marry sophisticated, functional and timeless aesthetics by taking your personal style and combining it with our design know-how.
Ready to work with one of our personal decorators? It’s easy to get started! Once you reach out to us, your decorator will set up a free initial consultation where they’ll either call or visit your home in person to learn more about your style and design wishes. Then, they’ll consider your budget and goals to build out a design plan. More about what to expect
Once that’s taken care of, it’s off to the races! You can relax while your interior decorator takes care of the rest. Soon, you’ll be lounging in your perfectly designed 70s home — or whatever style you prefer.
