How to create a modern 70s design

I loved creating this 1970s inspired design it was so fun to play around with the bold colours and patterns. All the products used in the design are listed below if anything pulls on those heart strings. The 70s was branded the "The decade that taste forgot" where extravagance was paramount, think shag rugs, op-art, brass and marble all in one bundle. 70s interior style is not for the faint hearted but you can modernise the trend if you're not looking to go right back in time. I've noticed a real shift online with the uprising of the 70s in people's homes and how best to nod to the trend without jumping in a time machine.

West elm sphere and stem floor lamp, from John Lewis
Hendricks Sofa in orange, from Habitat
Nereus Rug, from Made
Natural walnut wood panel, from The wood veneer hub
Rico Lounge Chair, from ferm living
Collet Dome Table Lamp, from Made
Hide Side Table, from Hem
Highs and lows stripe poster, from Circa78Designs on Etsy
Desert Dawn Poster, from Juniqe
Berlin 69 Framed Poster, from Juniqe

Style Breakdown

1. Pattern

I think we can all agree we don't want to go back to patterned linoleum. To create a modern 70s theme, you want to layer up bold colours and patterns but also make sure there is some negative space in the room to keep from overdoing the design.
One way to execute this would be by keeping the walls blank and bringing pattern into the room through op art and soft furnishings. Alternatively, you could create feature walls and pair back the rest of the space. Check out this amazing space and mural created by Racheal Jackson.

Image: banyanbridges

2. Retro colour scheme

Moving away from the 1960s psychedelic colours the 70s took on a more natural colour pallet. When doing up your own space you want to use vibrant earthy colours think ochres, tans, browns, greens and oranges. You could try painting boarders around your room with these colours, if you're not ready to paint the entire space, as the interior queen Emma Jane Palin has done in her rented abode.

Image: Emma Jane Palin

3. Sculptural Furniture

A work of art to look at, comfortable and cosy to sit in. This was the decade that brought us bulkier and bigger furniture. Think low lying sofas and egg chairs. The seating areas where meant for socialising so furniture needed to be enticing and cosy to entertain in.

Image: oursroux

4. Wood Paneling

Wood panelling was popular for its inexpensive price in the 1970s but quickly fell out of fashion as tacky for a few decades. If you want to embrace natural materials as the 70s did, wood panelling is incredibly versatile and can be used anywhere, on the ceiling, the walls, the bedhead etc. To modernise the design you might want to try a slightly lighter wood than they did in the 70s to keep the space light but it really depends on the look you are going for. Check out Whinnie Williams 70s themed house it is truly incredible.

Image: Whinnie Williams

Let me know if you create your own 70s inspired space!