Experts share how to bring retro home decor from the 1970s and 1980s into today’s space with natural textures, rustic tones and fragments of bold statements.
The 1970s and 1980s were about creating cozy, grounded interiors with personality. Think of patterns of terracotta tones, exposed bricks, conversation pits, and bold flowers. Homes of this era favored cozy materials, sculpture furniture, and designs that did not shun personality. And today, these retro elements are making a strong comeback. It is often rethinked in a fresh, timeless way.
Whether you’re updating your suburban split-level Miami house or adding a vintage twist to your New York City apartment loft, this era offers plenty of inspiration. We asked design experts to share our favorite ways to bring the best home decor of the 1970s and 1980s to today.
1. Create a cozy 70’s living room with modern conversation pits
“My favorite parts of decor in the 70s and 80s were the bright warm tones, mixed patterns and funky design styles. Sophie Beraldocci, owner of Sophie Design, says. If you can design your 1970s/1980s living room dreams, it includes sinking living spaces, curved velvet sofas, bright preway fireplaces, funky chandeliers and timber panels.”
2. Add subtle retrologue with reimagined neon
Lamomo Neon’s Summer is about: “Today, I use neon in its retro glow and subtle custom designs (think minimalist shapes and soft monochrome shades) to blend modernity in unexpected spaces such as overwhelming brightness and cozy reading corners. Throwback?
3. Mix retro accents with clean lines
“We have always loved bold patterns, warm wood tones and funky lighting from the 70s and 80s. They are extremely appealing. One of our go-to design tricks is to mix sculpture vintage lights or retro accents with modern, clean lines.
4. Use bold colors and slat material for texture and warmth
“The combination of sophisticated minimalist chandeliers and calm tone geometric rugs create an impressive yet contemporary balance,” says Freddy Acevedo of Groovy Boardz. “The signature colour palette of the era (vibrant orange, mustard, tial) can be elegantly weaved into modern spaces through single statement pieces, such as a mustard yellow sofa or teal lacquer cabinet, offset by neutral walls for a fresh, refined look. Warmth and texture. Ground the space while bridging vintage characters with modern refinement.”
5. Modern talent brings flowers into it
“What we like most about the styles of the 1970s and 1980s is the bold and contrasting aesthetic. They are bright colors, geometric shapes, psychedelic swirls, funky florals.” “We love florals and incorporate them as much as we can in today’s designs. Sometimes inspired by vintage, but usually a modern touch. Some of the styles of that era were very bold, but many were refined.
6. Adopt bold colors and playful shapes
“My favorite part of the design of the 1970s-1980s is the unimplicit use of bold colours and playful shapes. It gave the interior so much character and energy. I love bringing that vibe to modern spaces, through curved furniture, rich wooden tones and bold statements, and making sure it’s not intentional.”
7. Add warmth with texture, lighting and nature
“The bold design elements of the 1970s and 1980s continue to inspire modern interiors with playful energy and textures,” said Laura Tylerb of Gilchrist & Company Real Estate. “I love to incorporate statement lighting like Sputnik Chandeliers and Arc Floor lamps. They introduce unexpected shapes in an organized way. They’ve been rethinked with a fresh, contemporary colour palette for timeless charm and durability.”
8. Bring home a bold 70s interior with a modern-day ranch twist
“My favorite interior design features of the 1970s include bold colours, lounge furniture and brass elements, all of which are coming back,” says Olivia of Sarahilary Interior Design. “Architecturally, it promoted a more modern ranch style home, which today sees a revival in the form of updated “ranch style” and “cottage” decorations. These styles add a fresh, modern twist to suit today’s home. ”
9. Introducing the drama with unexpected material and intentional curves
Misha Sedova, founder and creative director of Misch Studio, said this era is “a time of confident design, and I love that its energy revives more energy. In my work, I reintroduce that drama through unexpected materials and intentional curves, bringing warmth and dimensions to the most minimalist interiors. Updated with modern finishes, a cantilevered floor lamp or orb pendant creates visual rhythms and provides a subtle nod to design history without overwhelming modern spaces.
