Our Favorite 1970s-Inspired Design Trends To Try In 2024

Interior designers say that 2024 home decor shows nods to the 70s. Here's how to embrace the trend.

The '70s are back! No need to break out your bell bottoms, though. Interior designers reveal that while '70s inspiration will be a major home decorating trend in 2024, we haven’t completely mastered time travel yet. Instead, homes across the South are embracing modern takes on '70s styles.

While designer Niki McNeill Brown theorizes that the return of the disco era at home may be due to homeowners’ craving for color, designer Jean Liu believes that this trend is inspired by nostalgia. Either way, while the pros love this trending blast from the past, they don’t recommend completely adopting every style from the 50-year time capsule.

“If you want to get on the '70s design train, then we suggest taking the ride by including one or a few elements and not diving in wholeheartedly,” says Liu. “Consider recovering a piece of furniture in a poppier color, getting a new piece of fiber art for one focal wall at home, incorporating a vintage brown piece of furniture in a room, or repainting a room chocolate brown. There’s no need to do all of it, for fear one’s home may look like the set of a '70s sitcom.”

Meet The Experts

• Niki McNeill Brown is the founder and principal interior designer of McNeill Brown Interior Design in Raleigh, North Carolina.

• Jean Liu is the principal designer of Jean Liu Design in Dallas, Texas.

We’ve gathered our favorite 1970s-inspired design ideas to fuel your colorful, nostalgic mood board. Rather than incorporating all of these vintage design cues, choose just a few for a stylish '70s flair that's far out without overshooting.

Floral Upholstery

Grandma's couch is decidedly back in style for 2024. Upholstered furniture in floral, fun, and funky patters are a welcome reappearance among solid colored sofas.

Wood Paneling

"Wood paneling was a huge trend in the '70s that can be incorporated into modern homes by selecting the right stain that matches the finishes you already have," says McNeill Brown.

Rattan

Popular in the '70s and the 2020s, bamboo and rattan furnishings can be incorporated into the home in many different ways. Browse our favorite home decorating ideas with rattan.

Hoya Houseplants

Grandmas across the South have loved this hardy houseplant since the '70s. This year, the rest of us are finally catching up.

Shag Carpets

Shag carpets were all the rage in the 1970s. In 2024, fluffy rugs have taken a bit more of a subdued appearance, adding style and comfort throughout the home.

Simple Bed Dressing

"Another trend [we're seeing] is this return to a '70s style of dressing a bed," Liu previously told Southern Living. "I’ve heard it referred to as a 'monastic bed-making style.' Our clients are definitely embracing this more simplistic bedroom look these days."

Colored Cabinets

"Another '70s-inspired update could be swapping out an all-white kitchen for colored cabinets," says McNeill Brown. Choose a '70s-inspired paint color for the full effect, like this avocado green kitchen.

70s Color Palette

Designers expect to see pale greens, mustard yellows, and rich browns making a major comeback in 2024.

"Think of the colors of fallen leaves in September, or the Pucci printed pant suits that were so popular during that time," says McNeill Brown. "I believe that we will see a lot of upholstery and wall paint colors that have these warm, saturated tones."

Liu agrees: "In general, we think primary colors in dusty hues are what will be trending in the new year. More specifically, we think earth tones will continue to be a big part of mood boards and color palettes throughout. We also believe brown is making a big come back—from lacquered walls, to upholstery colors, to furniture finishes," she says. "Billy Baldwin would be proud."

Velvet

There's nothing cozier than a velvet couch. Folks in the 1970s knew this well, and we're about to get a reminder in 2024.

Animal Print Rugs

Classy leopard print will never go out of style in the South. This was true for rugs in the '70s, and it holds true today.

Statement Stone Fireplaces

A grand, stone fireplace was a signature look of the '70s. We doubt this look will be going out of style any time soon.

Sunken Living Rooms

Every trend cycles back into style eventually, and 1970s sunken living rooms have once again proven this to be the case. Conversation pits are trending as a cozy, stylish way to break up an open living concept space.

Maximalist Wallpaper

In the '70s, geometric wallpaper and larger-than-life patterns were a household staple. Modern adaptations use bold patterns and colors to bring life to any room.

Floating Stairs

Infuse your stairway with subtle '70s style. Floating stairs are a stunning way to make the most of a space.

Rounded Furniture

Curved furnishings have been popping up all over the place these last few years, with origins dating back to the '70s. Designers expect to see these rounded styles prevail through 2024.

"We’re also embracing all these wonderfully rounded pieces of furniture and having a great time incorporating them into rooms everywhere," says Liu.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are oh-so-'70s. Make a statement with bold lighting above the kitchen island or in any room you please.

Exposed Brick

Let your brick shine. In recent years, white-washing brick has been extremely popular. In 2024 however, Southerners are paying homage to the '70s by letting their brick lay bare.

'70s Tech

Typewriters, retro phones, record players, and super 8s may not be the height of technology these days, but their cool nostalgia factor makes them great decor. Add a colorful piece of '70s tech memorabilia to any room as a conversation starter, or opt for inspired accessories like vinyl coasters.

Pottery

Ceramic decor was especially popular during the '70s and will be seeing a resurgence in 2024. Colorful pots, bowls, and vases will artfully decorate many shelves and tabletops throughout the year.

Macrame

"The '70s would not be complete without some shag carpet, brown or bulbous shaped pieces of furniture, sunken living rooms, macrame or artwork with rope or rope-like details, poppy colors, and wood walls," says Liu. "I think we will see any and all of these design features in the coming year."

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.