There is something charming about the 1970 design that continues to inspire today. While some trends from that era may seem over-the-top at first glance, many of them have quietly made their way back into stylish homes. These 23 design ideas were once considered outdated, but they are proving to be both timeless and full of personality. Let’s explore what makes each one still shine in modern spaces.
1. Macramé Wall Hangings
Macramé wall art was everywhere in the 1970s and is finding new life today. These woven hangings add a cozy, handcrafted touch to any room. Whether large or small, they bring visual interest without being overwhelming. Their soft texture and natural fibers create a sense of calm and comfort. Macramé is especially popular in boho and minimalist spaces. It looks great above beds, sofas, or even in entryways.
2. Rattan and Wicker Furniture
These lightweight, airy materials were staples of 1970s sunrooms and patios. Now, rattan and wicker are being used in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining spaces for a natural look. They work beautifully with light woods, soft fabrics, and earthy colors. The organic textures help soften modern furniture lines. Rattan chairs and wicker storage pieces are both functional and decorative.
3. Conversation Pits
Once seen as groovy hangout spots, conversation pits are returning as cozy gathering areas. These sunken seating spaces create a sense of closeness, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. While not every home has room for a built-in pit, the concept can be recreated with sectional sofas and layered rugs. The goal is to create a zone that feels intimate and separate from the rest of the room.
4. Sunken Living Rooms
Unlike a conversation pit, a sunken living room lowers the whole sitting area a few steps. This style creates visual interest and defines space in open layouts. It adds depth to a room without needing walls or dividers. Today, homeowners love this design for its retro charm and unique layout. The lighting and furniture make a sunken space feel modern and cozy.
5. Earth Tones
Warm shades of brown, gold, rust, and green were everywhere in the 1970s. These earthy hues are making a big comeback in today’s design world. Earth tones warm and calm spaces that feel too sterile or cool. They work well with natural textures like wood and stone, creating a timeless base for layering bolder accents and patterns.
6. Terrazzo Flooring
Terrazzo, made from marble, quartz, and glass chips, was a popular floor choice in the 1970s. It has returned with fresh colors and sleeker finishes. The playful speckled look adds a unique personality to kitchens, bathrooms, and even walls. Terrazzo is durable, easy to clean, and full of character. Designers love using it for countertops and tilework, too.
7. Bold Geometric Patterns
The 1970s embraced bold, repeating shapes in wallpapers, rugs, and textiles. These patterns are back, adding a fun twist to modern spaces. Today’s version uses updated color schemes and smaller doses. A wall with geometric wallpaper or a patterned throw pillow can bring a retro-modern mix. It is a great way to energize a space without going overboard.
8. Shag Rugs
High-pile shag rugs were all the rage back in the day, and they are still winning hearts. Their thick, fluffy texture makes rooms feel extra cozy and warm. Shag rugs are perfect for bedrooms, reading nooks, and living areas. Choose neutral tones or soft pastels to keep them looking fresh. They also help dampen sound, making spaces quieter and more relaxing.
9. Houseplants as Decor
The 1970s brought greenery indoors like never before, and that trend has only grown. Plants like spider plants, pothos, and ferns are still fan favorites. They clean the air, bring life to a room, and work with every design style. Hanging plants, floor pots, and plant stands all add layers of interest. With natural light and simple care, houseplants can thrive anywhere.
10. Statement Lighting (Sputnik Chandeliers)
Lighting was big and bold in the 1970s, especially with futuristic shapes like the Sputnik chandelier. These eye-catching fixtures are popular again as centerpieces in dining rooms or living spaces. Their sculptural forms add drama without taking up much floor space. A single statement light can define a room’s whole vibe. Modern versions use brass, matte black, or mixed metals for a stylish update.
11. Velvet Upholstery
Velvet was once seen as glamorous, even a little stuffy, but now it is soft and inviting. Velvet sofas and chairs offer a cozy place to sit with a rich, touchable texture. Jewel tones like emerald, navy, and burgundy are especially striking. Velvet works in both vintage-inspired and modern spaces. It adds depth and elegance without being too flashy.
12. Open Shelving in Kitchens
Many 1970s kitchens featured open shelving, and that idea still holds strong. Open shelves make kitchens feel lighter and more open. They are great for showing off dishware, cookbooks, or even plants. This style works well in small kitchens where closed cabinets might feel heavy. The key is keeping shelves neat and curated.
13. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Though hard flooring has become more common, wall-to-wall carpeting is making a gentle comeback. It adds warmth and softness, especially in bedrooms and family rooms. Newer carpet styles offer better stain resistance and more modern patterns. Plush textures and muted tones can make a room feel grounded and peaceful. It is especially nice in colder climates where warmth underfoot matters.
14. Platform Beds
Platform beds with low, sleek lines were a 1970s staple. They are simple, modern, and do not need bulky box springs. Today’s versions use natural wood finishes, upholstered headboards, and hidden storage. Platform beds are perfect for minimalist and boho rooms and make a space more open and uncluttered.
15. Beaded Curtains
Once a playful detail in doorways and windows, beaded curtains are back with a grown-up twist. They add movement, texture, and a little nostalgia to rooms. Use them as room dividers, closet doors, or window treatments. Natural materials like wood or bamboo keep them from feeling too kitschy. They are a fun way to break up space without solid walls.
16. Avocado Green and Harvest Gold Accents
These once-dated colors have returned in subtle, modern ways. Avocado green and harvest gold appear in tile, decor, and kitchen appliances. They bring warmth and a retro nod without overwhelming the space when used sparingly. These shades pair beautifully with wood, white, and brass finishes. They are ideal for those who love color but want something unexpected.
17. Wood Paneling (Done Right)
Wood paneling got a bad rap for being dark and heavy, but when done well, it is timeless. Today’s paneling features lighter wood, vertical lines, or painted finishes. It can make a room feel warm, textured, and grounded. Try it on a single wall for a cozy backdrop. It also adds character to entryways, studies, or dining areas.
18. Mushroom Lamps and Shapes
Rounded, mushroom-inspired shapes were popular in lamps and furniture during the 1970s. These curves are back, offering a softer alternative to sharp modern lines. Mushroom lamps with glowing domes add a warm, ambient light. The playful shape works in bedrooms, kids’ rooms, and reading corners. It brings a cheerful, nostalgic touch to any space.
19. Tiled Tabletops and Countertops
In the 1970s, tiled surfaces were a popular DIY feature, especially for kitchen counters, side tables, and coffee tables. While they faded for a while due to grout maintenance concerns, they’re now trending again in colorful and minimalist forms. Modern iterations often feature square or handmade ceramic tiles in muted or retro hues, adding texture and charm. They work especially well in boho, Mediterranean, and eclectic spaces.
20. Bold Accent Walls
The ’70s were all about bold statements, and accent walls were often dressed in bright paint or wallpaper. Today, this idea is making waves again through color blocking, textured paint finishes, or statement wallpaper. Modern accent walls bring contrast and personality to a room without overwhelming it, whether using burnt orange, deep navy, or geometric wallpaper.
21. Hanging Egg Chairs
A staple in groovy 1970s lounges and patios, hanging egg chairs (and other suspended seating) are back in both indoor and outdoor settings. With their cozy, cocoon-like shape, they provide a comfy spot to relax and a sculptural design element. Woven versions made of rattan or synthetic wicker are especially trendy in contemporary boho or Scandinavian interiors.
22. Layered Textures
The 1970s embraced rich textural variety — think chunky knits, corduroy, wool, wood grain, and fringe. This layered texture approach is now a staple of modern design, especially in cozy, lived-in spaces. By blending smooth and rough, soft and firm, you create visual and tactile interest. Think of pairing boucle chairs with leather, or linen with velvet, and natural jute rugs.
23. Graphic Art Prints
Graphic, abstract, or pop-art-inspired wall prints were a major part of 1970s decor, often showcasing bold colors, psychedelic motifs, or minimalist figures. These prints are now back in a big way, often displayed in gallery walls or oversized frames. With updated palettes and printing methods, modern versions retain the playful attitude while fitting seamlessly into stylish, contemporary homes.
Why These Trends Still Matter
What makes these 1970s trends so special is how they blend comfort, creativity, and style. They remind us that design is not just about what is new but what feels good and looks great over time. Whether you add a shag rug or bring in a few houseplants, there is something timeless in these touches. Mixing old and new keeps spaces fresh, personal, and charming.
For more tips, check 15 Retro Room Accessories That Are Weirdly Stylish Again.
We sometimes include affiliate links and curated AI content to highlight top design styles.
