According to independent furniture retailer  Barker and Stonehouse, the 1970s is the most influential decade when it comes to interior design.

While some design fads from that period haven't come back into style, yes we mean carpeted bathrooms, there are other trends that we've been styling in our homes for years now, and in 2023, the ‘70s aesthetic is making a big comeback.

This 70s revival that we are currently experiencing is rooted in nostalgia with earthy tones, patterned wallpaper, geometric shapes, and the reintroduction of materials like velvet, bamboo and rattan.

The easiest way to embrace this trend is to introduce an eclectic mix of velvet armchairs, rattan furniture, mushroom lamps, quirky knick-knacks, and the all-important retro drinks trolley. Be sure not to forget the importance of the humble houseplant, which really rose in popularity in the 1970s: spider plants, ferns, ficus trees, and snake plants will all help you achieve a 70s vibe. If you want to go all out, invest in a dimmer switch, which will help recreate the mood lighting synonymous with the era.

Taylor Swift’s new album,  Midnights, which echoed a 70’s aesthetic, has boosted this revival of a relaxed and fun style, evocative of the free-spiritedness and optimism of the era. A 70’s style home exudes warmth, largely through its colour scheme. People are adding that 70’s  groove to their homes by incorporating earth browns, terracotta reds and oranges, opting for low lighting.

To incorporate ‘70s chic into your own home, focus on key materials and pieces of furniture that are reminiscent of that decade. Whether you are looking to fully embrace the style, or just introduce small doses of it into your space, there are three top ‘70s style icons that will help ensure you strike the right balance.

The 3 Top elements from ‘70s Home Decor

‘70sicon 1: Rattan

Thanks to its neutral tones, natural texture such as rattan has been a big hit in interiors. For indoor décor, think rattan light fittings, chairs, chest of drawers and storage baskets. Rattan is also perfect for outdoor, so if you want to continue the look into your outdoor space, consider investing in some rattan garden furniture.

‘70s icon 2: Velvet

Who doesn’t love a bit of velvet? It is soft, sumptuous and rich, with a luxurious feel that adds impact to any space. Velvet has been around forever, it was much loved in the ‘70s   and still is to this day. To add a pop of colour, go for millennial pink, or to warm things up, choose emerald green or golds. From the living room to the bedroom, velvet just works!

‘70s icon 3: Cantilever chairs

The L-shaped chair frame was huge in the ‘70s and continue to be a great option for both dining room and office seating today. Combine the trends by choosing a velvet upholstered cantilever chair, or one with rattan detailing.

Success in the field of interior design requires the right guidance by industry experts to help budding designers hone their individual talents. Look no further than Istituto Marangoni, a leading design school that has been training professionals for 85 years. The coupling of a well-established school and a modern vision has enabled Istituto Marangoni to become an industry leader that educates, guides and nurtures talent in all its forms, enabling its students to compete on an international stage. 

Interior Design at Istituto Marangoni.

At Istituto Marangoni, our design course provides a creative and complex mix of the latest trends, industry developments, accurate project management, functionality, and contemporary aesthetics. Depending on their chosen level of study, students work on projects that span residential, commercial or leisure sites, working on the design, or renovation, of the space in question. As well as coordinating furnishings, fixings, lighting and colour, participants are shown how to skilfully mix atmosphere, culture, and a creative vision, and consider new global issues in design wellbeing, the user experience, and sustainability. Client expectations and the study of brand identity add to the creative design mix, assisting in the creation of an emotional response through space. Pathways offer additional study options to further specialise in Interior Design.

We also offer a series of short courses, such as Interior Design & Lighting, Product design and Digital graphic design, the details of which can be found by clicking on the above link "short courses".

Elena Davsar is a successful graduate of Istituto Marangoni, and currently works as an interior designer in Milan, where she founded the design firm Davsar-Design, in 2010. Davsar designs high-quality interiors, with a focus on innovation and developing professional relations between Italy and Russia. She has developed her own method of optimising the design of environments to make sure they align with the desires of the client, and that method is registered under the trade name lifecoachdesign®.