Retro Revival: How the Hippy '70s Style Decor Came Back
The bohemian, free-spirited style of the 1970s is in living rooms again, with bold prints and happy colours
The 1970s is a decade rarely remembered for its panache. Indeed, it has famously been hailed as “the decade that taste forgot”. It was the decade of vibrant colour, hippy chic, glam rock, disco and punk. Those of us of a certain age, still wince at photos of us as children dressed in flared pants, platform shoes and fringed waistcoats, standing against a backdrop of wildly patterned wallpaper in bold hues and sitting on brown velvet sofas, or bean bags on shag-pile rugs. A return to the ‘70s with avocado bathroom suites seemed inconceivable… or so I thought, until the 21st century revival of this style came to light!
At first, the ‘70s revival came as colour accents, to enliven the clean neutral decor schemes that so dominated the interiors of the 1990s and 2000s.
In recent years, we have been incorporating bolts of colour into interior schemes but today, designers are embracing colour in a way not seen since the ‘70s.
In recent years, we have been incorporating bolts of colour into interior schemes but today, designers are embracing colour in a way not seen since the ‘70s.
Then chevron prints appeared, which we accepted as an extension of popular geometric patterns, still not realising what was going on right in front of our noses.
Next, came ombre and tie-dye; velvets replaced linen as the most popular choice for upholstery. And now we have the return of brass and gold hardware and accessories.
Without even realising it, we now are in the midst of a full-on ‘70s revival.
Next, came ombre and tie-dye; velvets replaced linen as the most popular choice for upholstery. And now we have the return of brass and gold hardware and accessories.
Without even realising it, we now are in the midst of a full-on ‘70s revival.
New, bold wallpaper patterns led by the revered British wallpaper house, Cole & Son, appeared. Their Woods pattern has become one of the most popular patterns of the past decade.
Suddenly wallpaper is hip again. Pattern is back: everything from botanics to geometrics and a renewed acceptance of colour. We now call this new look ‘modern glamour’, but how modern is it really … David Hicks anyone?
In the present modern glamour style of the 2010s, pattern is not just confined to walls. Designers are mixing patterns of varying scales, and embracing colour to an extent not seen since the 1970s.
Whereas the original, 1970s style represented a response to sleek Mid-Century Modernism, today’s homeowners are reacting to the streamlined, neutral interiors that dominated the earlier years of the 21st century.
And just as the gloomy economic climate of the 1970s created a desire for exuberant colour choices, today’s economic malaise is fostering a renewed appreciation for happy hues in our homes.
TELL US
Are you a child of the 1970s? How are you liking the style revival? Share in the Comments!
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How to Decorate in ‘70s Chic
TELL US
Are you a child of the 1970s? How are you liking the style revival? Share in the Comments!
MORE
How to Decorate in ‘70s Chic
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