1. Colored Glassware
Colored glassware, once a hallmark of 1970s dinner parties, is making a comeback in today’s dining and decor scenes. The vibrant hues of amber, green, blue, and red bring a nostalgic flair to modern table settings, making them a popular choice for both casual and formal dining. These jewel-toned glasses are often paired with minimalist tableware, creating a striking contrast between old and new elements. The beauty of colored glassware, like the vintage piece you can find on Little Hippie, lies not only in its bold aesthetic but also in the way it captures and reflects light, adding a playful, whimsical touch to any table.
Whether it’s used for casual gatherings or special occasions, this retro-inspired glassware adds personality and warmth to the dining experience. As sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers, many manufacturers are offering eco-friendly, handmade glass options. In addition to glassware, colored glass is now being used in vases, lamps, and other decorative pieces, providing a fresh and vibrant twist on retro decor. Colored glassware is a perfect way to add a pop of color to your home while embracing the charm of past decades.
2. Macramé Decor
Macramé, a staple of 1970s bohemian homes, is enjoying a strong resurgence as a chic and sustainable design element in contemporary interiors. The handcrafted, knotting technique lends itself beautifully to creating intricate and textured designs that appeal to those seeking an artisanal touch. Macramé wall hangings (like the ones made at Fringe & Free), plant holders, and decorative accessories bring warmth and personality to any space. Modern iterations of this retro trend focus on neutral tones, earthy colors, and refined, more delicate patterns that blend seamlessly with minimalist aesthetics.
This updated style adds a subtle, yet captivating charm that fits well in today’s eco-conscious and style-savvy households. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, macramé is also celebrated for being a sustainable choice, often crafted from natural fibers like cotton, hemp, or jute. As it continues to gain popularity, designers are finding new and creative ways to incorporate this vintage trend into modern interiors. Whether it’s used for a statement piece or smaller decorative touches, macramé offers a stylish, handmade alternative to mass-produced decor.
3. Rattan Furniture
Rattan furniture, long associated with vintage sunrooms and tropical-inspired spaces, is now a trendy choice for both indoor and outdoor areas. Its lightweight, flexible structure makes it a practical and eco-friendly option, while its natural texture and neutral tones bring warmth and character to any room. Popular rattan pieces include accent chairs, coffee tables, and headboards, which are now available with a fresh, retro-inspired twist. As Decorative Collective notes, modern designs integrate rattan into contemporary furniture pieces, blending seamlessly with a variety of styles, from boho-chic to coastal-inspired.
Rattan is known for its durability and versatility, making it perfect for everything from cozy living rooms to breezy patios. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, rattan is a sustainable material, often sourced from fast-growing plants that require minimal water. As this trend continues to grow, designers are incorporating rattan into more creative and unexpected pieces, like bar carts and light fixtures. Whether you’re decorating a sunroom or revamping your living room, rattan furniture provides a timeless, relaxed vibe.
4. Bold Wallpaper
Bold wallpaper, a beloved trend from the 1970s, is back with a modern twist. Just take a look at some of HappyWall’s 70s-inspired picks. Today’s wallpaper designs include oversized florals, geometric patterns, and vibrant tropical motifs that make a bold statement in any room. Unlike the wallpaper of the past, many modern wallpapers are removable, allowing for easy experimentation with different styles without the commitment. This flexibility has made wallpaper a popular choice for renters and homeowners alike, providing an opportunity to refresh a space with minimal effort.
The new generation of wallpaper designs incorporates updated color palettes and high-quality materials that enhance the visual impact of any wall. Whether it’s used in a powder room, an accent wall, or a full room makeover, bold wallpaper adds personality and flair to any interior. The return of this retro trend is an excellent way to infuse color and life into otherwise neutral spaces. With endless patterns and textures available, wallpaper is an easy way to elevate the look and feel of any room.
5. Shag Rugs
Shag rugs, a nostalgic feature of 1970s living rooms, are making a comeback, offering both plush comfort and stylish appeal. According to Houzz, these cozy rugs provide a luxurious texture that adds warmth and interest to a variety of interiors. While earlier versions featured bold colors like orange and green, today’s shag rugs often focus on subtle shades like cream, gray, or pastel hues, fitting effortlessly into modern minimalist spaces. The soft, thick texture of shag rugs creates a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, making them perfect for bedrooms and living rooms alike.
As the demand for eco-friendly decor continues to rise, many manufacturers are now creating shag rugs from sustainable materials like wool or recycled fibers. Whether they’re used in a contemporary home or a boho-inspired space, shag rugs add a tactile, inviting element that enhances the overall design of the room. Their ability to absorb sound and add a plush layer to the floor makes them both practical and stylish. The resurgence of shag rugs is a great way to introduce a touch of retro charm while maintaining a fresh, updated look.
6. Velvet Furniture
Velvet furniture, a luxurious trend of the 1970s, has returned with a modern edge. Sofas, armchairs, and ottomans in rich, jewel tones like emerald green, navy, and mustard yellow are particularly popular today – just ask House Beautiful. Velvet’s sumptuous texture and vibrant hues instantly elevate the sophistication and comfort of any living space. Modern velvet furniture often features sleek, clean lines that blend well with both contemporary and traditional interiors.
This material’s plush softness and luxurious appearance make it a favorite for creating cozy, stylish living areas. Velvet’s ability to absorb light adds depth and visual interest, making it a statement piece in any room. In addition to its beauty, velvet is a versatile fabric that works well with a variety of design elements, including wood, metal, and glass. Whether it’s a velvet sofa that anchors the room or velvet throw pillows that add a pop of color, this material is a timeless and elegant addition to any space.
7. Hanging Egg Chairs
Hanging egg chairs, a signature piece from the 1970s, are back in style and are now a statement feature in both indoor and outdoor settings. Known for their unique, cocoon-like design, these chairs provide a cozy, suspended seating option that’s perfect for relaxing. Modern iterations of the hanging egg chair are made from durable, weather-resistant materials, making them suitable for use both inside and on patios. The sleek, minimalist frames and soft cushions of today’s hanging egg chairs enhance their comfort while maintaining their iconic look.
These chairs offer an element of fun and whimsy, providing a perfect spot for lounging or reading in style. Whether hung in a sunroom, on a porch, or in a living room, hanging egg chairs are versatile and visually striking. Their retro design pairs beautifully with modern decor, making them a unique yet timeless addition to any space. The resurgence of hanging egg chairs is a wonderful way to combine nostalgia with modern comfort. Elle Decor loves them just as much as we do.
8. Houseplants in Retro Planters
The 1970s houseplant craze has returned with a modern twist. Large, leafy plants like monsteras and fiddle-leaf figs are back in homes, providing a lush and vibrant contrast to contemporary interiors. These plants are often paired with retro-style planters in materials like ceramic, wicker, or macramé, adding a vintage touch to the greenery. The combination of large plants and vintage-inspired planters creates a fresh yet nostalgic vibe, perfect for adding life to any space.
Houseplants are not only a design element but also purify the air, making them a practical and aesthetic choice for the home. The popularity of houseplants has surged as urban gardeners and plant enthusiasts embrace this blend of greenery and retro decor. Incorporating plants into your home is an easy way to connect with nature while enhancing the visual appeal of the space. The resurgence of retro planters adds a unique, stylish element to the indoor garden. Need some inspo? Garden Design has a great list of their favorite houseplants.
9. Sunburst Mirrors
Sunburst mirrors, an iconic design element of the 1970s, are back in a big way as both a statement piece and a chic accent. The bold, geometric design of these mirrors makes them a timeless addition to any wall, whether in a living room, hallway, or entryway. The modern versions of sunburst mirrors often feature metallic finishes, like gold or brass, which complement a variety of contemporary interior styles.
These mirrors add a touch of sophistication and glamour, reflecting light and brightening up any space. Sunburst mirrors are especially popular in mid-century modern, eclectic, and boho-chic interiors, where they serve as a focal point or a striking visual element. Whether used in a minimalist room or paired with bold colors and patterns, sunburst mirrors enhance the overall design of any room. Their geometric shapes and elegant finishes make them a timeless accessory that continues to resonate with modern decor trends.
10. Terrazzo Surfaces
Terrazzo, a composite material made from marble, quartz, and glass chips, was widely used in the 1970s and is now experiencing a major revival. Today, terrazzo surfaces are used in everything from countertops to flooring and decorative accents, offering a playful yet sophisticated aesthetic. Modern terrazzo designs often feature a wider range of colors, allowing them to complement a variety of contemporary interior styles. The durability of terrazzo makes it a practical choice for high-traffic areas, while its speckled appearance adds visual interest to any space.
Many manufacturers now offer terrazzo with enhanced durability and eco-friendly properties, making it an ideal material for the sustainable home. Whether in kitchens, bathrooms, or living rooms, terrazzo surfaces add both function and flair. The unique patterns created by the marble and glass chips make each piece one-of-a-kind, ensuring that your space remains distinctive. Terrazzo’s revival is a perfect example of how retro materials can be updated to fit modern tastes.
11. Avocado Green Accents
Once a defining color of 1970s kitchens and living spaces, avocado green is experiencing a subtle resurgence in contemporary design. The modern take on this earthy hue involves using it sparingly and strategically as an accent. Think cabinets, tiles, or upholstery featuring soft shades of avocado, which pair beautifully with natural wood tones and muted neutrals. The key is balance—by combining this nostalgic color with modern design elements, it creates a warm, grounded atmosphere without feeling dated.
Avocado green offers a refreshing twist to today’s interiors, capturing the retro charm of the past while adding a fresh, sustainable touch. For those looking to integrate this shade, pairing it with brass accents or matte finishes can elevate the design, making it feel sophisticated and timeless. According to Apartment Therapy, when combined with natural materials like stone or marble, avocado green becomes a stylish statement while remaining approachable and warm.
12. Beaded Curtains
Beaded curtains, a hallmark of 1970s interior design, are making a fun and quirky comeback, but with a modern flair. While once used as playful room dividers, today’s beaded curtains are more refined, adding texture and charm to various spaces. In contemporary homes, they are often used in doorways, as room separators, or even as bold wall art. Modern iterations of beaded curtains incorporate natural materials like bamboo, wood, or even metallic finishes, which give them an elegant update.
Whether hanging in a bohemian-inspired living room or as a unique statement piece in a minimalist space, beaded curtains offer a fresh take on a retro classic. Designers now often opt for longer, more delicate bead strands to create a flowing, soft aesthetic that blends seamlessly with modern interiors. As noted by Medium, beaded curtains can also serve as a stylish alternative to traditional window treatments, offering both form and function.
13. Sunken Living Rooms
The iconic “conversation pits” of the 1970s are making a stylish comeback, reimagined for modern open-plan homes. These unique, sunken seating areas were once a hallmark of retro design, and they are now being revived with a contemporary twist. Known for fostering cozy and intimate gatherings, conversation pits offer a designated space where people can relax and connect. In today’s homes, they serve as both a functional seating solution and a bold architectural statement. Designers are incorporating modern materials, sleek finishes, and plush furnishings to make these spaces feel fresh and inviting.
Conversation pits can anchor large open rooms, providing a sense of separation without disrupting the flow of the overall layout. They also bring a nostalgic charm, offering a nod to vintage design trends while meeting the demands of modern living. With their circular layouts and emphasis on togetherness, these areas create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for families and friends. Some homeowners are even using them as multipurpose spaces for reading, lounging, or hosting game nights. The resurgence of conversation pits highlights the enduring appeal of blending practicality with aesthetic innovation.
