resources for decorating '1970s style?'

14 years ago

Recently purchased a 1970's ranch style house, in Florida, on an acre. We are totally renovating, putting wood floors and a new kitchen. I was despondant over the high price of granite, when someone pointed out to me that this is a house built in 1976. No houses built at that time had granite...do you really want a kitchen renovation that in a few years screams "I was done in the 90's or 2000's?"

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This got me thinking...I grew up in a 1970's ranch, (I am now 40)complete with the avocado appliances, wood paneling, shaggy orange rug, etc. While I certainly do not want to go that route, I also want to be true to the era that the house was built in. I am looking for resources on the internet that show some 70's inspired decor done tastefully and somewhat up to date. I have been googling but so far have only found extreme, almost comical examples!

Please share some sites, and any tips or opinions are welcome.

Thanks!

Comments (18)

paint_chips
14 years ago
Hmmm... I could point you to a library that specializes in 1970's.

I don't think it is necessary to go all Marty McFly on your house just because it is older. It can still be current. 70's ranch can say angular and contemporary too.

I did some searches using words like: cool, California, modern, and retro. I loved this site and thought it might get some creative juices going for you. Be sure to check out the bottom row, third from left.

Here is a link that might be useful: Really boxy and hip
anele_gw
14 years ago
How about going the MCM (Mid-Century Modern) route? A little earlier, but maybe it's a good compromise between the style of today and the 70s . . .

I am no expert about this, just that I started appreciating the style more after being on this forum! It seems like it would fit into your house style.

Here is a link that might be useful: MCM Interiors
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Madelyna and olychic, then you know what im up against here! Daisy, leafy, pirula (is that a type of cookie?) Thank you for suggesting the pure style home blog, it's exactly the sort of thing that I was asking about! I will spend some time this evening browsing through it and the site you posted Awm, and the northcrest site, thank you palimpsest. Patty cakes, I have searched for 70s contemporary and 70s remodel on houzz, but had few hits, I'll follow your search suggestion and broaden my search a bit. Mj lb, my house is a two story with a walk out basement (so effectively three stories from the back) with some lovely : / diagonal cedar siding on part of the front with a small, slightly inset front stoop. I'm just flummoxed about where to go from here.
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Ouch, tough room. I assume you are not willing to take down the walls between the kitchen and laundry room and configure both spaces? I'm going to assume no and give you suggestions - if you come back and say yes, though, that may open a lot more possibilities, so be sure to let us know. Also, if you can repost with more and clearer measurements, I might be able to draw a layout for you. I am having a very hard time reading your measurements, and some are missing - lengths of all the walls, cabinetry runs, widths of doorways, etc. Regarding the distance issue, I can't read your measurements but you can refer to this NKBA Guideline: "Distance between Work Centers (Kitchen Triangle).. In a kitchen with three work centers the sum of the three traveled distances should total no more than 26' with no single leg of the triangle measuring less than 4 feet nor more than 9 feet." Do you meet that, or are you close to it? The second issue I see is that you have next to no actual prep space - if you added a prep sink to that run by the banquette that would help, but it's around the corner from the range and it would be better to consolidate your space. What I would really suggest is putting a little prep sink on your peninsula, right up against the fridge. It looks like you have maybe 45" on that space, and if you make the opening low enough so the counter can run right over it and into the DR a little, you will have a nice, deep (deep is important) prep space. Something like mamadadapaige's peninsula: She had a very tough layout and had to accommodate laundry in the space too - PLUS a chimney. Her space is not the same as yours but her layout is interesting and may spark ideas nonetheless. Alternatively, or in addition to doing that, you can deepen the sink/DW run by 6" to make that viable prep space. You can do this inexpensively by simply building a 2x6" frame, installing the cabinets against it, and running the counter over both. Or, you can do this less frugally by getting custom depth cabinetry. The reason I am harping on deeper counters, by the way, is that they are very superior for prep work. That is why so many put in islands and peninsulas, even without seating. I grew up in a home with a super tiny kitchen, but I didn't notice and cooking was always a pleasure. When we moved to a home with a technically larger kitchen, the standard depth counters, PLUS uppers in my face, made cooking much less nice. I basically stopped cooking! The third issue your planned prep space, where the old stove/oven space for prep. I see two problems with that. One is that you have no water source there, so you will not actually end up using it to prep. Again, that could be fixed by putting a small prep sink there. However, the second issue is that keeping cabinetry there makes the banquette area pretty useless and inaccessible. There is simply not room to fit a table because you have that run on the left squeezes the space too much - 5'9" (i can read that one) for a table plus room to squeeze by and get into the laundry room, all while carrying fully laundry baskets? No, especially if there are chairs on the other side of the table. You need to get rid of that run. I would end the stove run to be even with the wall and wouldn't turn the corner with it. Again, please post a layout with clearer and complete measurements, and let us know if you can move or remove any walls, or move any doorways - and which ones those might be. I have some ideas I would like to draw up for you. Here is a link that might be useful: NKBA's Thirty-One Kitchen Design Rules, Illustrated
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There is something very cozy about your room..feels like home. And it should, rental or not. My advice, coming from somebody who rented a lot, moved a lot, etc-buy art that you love..that, you'll be always able to take with you and find a place for it. Think of it like people think of books and travels..something that stays with you regardless where you are. Don't look for themed..:) Never ever. Look for whatever you love whether you can explain it to yourself right away or not. If it will have a theme the theme will emerge spontaneously, don't worry..we are the ones who unify our art..:) We're drawn to it for some reason. That reason, whether very on the surface or deeply hidden, will tie your art together, without you making any additional efforts (except for falling in love with it of course) Check local art and craft festivals, street fairs, and all the usual on-line suspects-eBay, Etsy, etc for original works or prints bought from artists (if say the original is too expensive or is sold out, but you love it and can't stop thinking about it) You can add lights (which can be bought very cheap if you go the vintage route, and can be very interesting too) and still be able to incorporate them in your future place. Chandeliers are tricky, but table lamps, floor lamps, and plug in sconces are easy to find and to incorporate later into many schemes. As long as you know what style speaks to you. Or what styles speak to you-can be plural. Lights are easy to mix and match. You can add fabrics. Throws, pillows..change the rug that bothers you for one that makes your living easier. Again, if you're not against owning second hand-check eBay, Chairish, Etsy, Everything But The House. If you'd rather buy new-look into ecarpetgallery (great prices, and terms, even on hand knotted wool ones), or check inside-ouside rugs, these are great for withstanding the spills and are cheaper and look better and better as demand for them probably grows. Fabrics-you can make them work too later. If not in the future living then say in one of the bedrooms. You can add plants of course. You can add a bigger tray for your ottoman. Few things are as useful as trays, in my opinion. You can add a small end table that youl'll be able to take with you anywhere The only rule: shouldn't be a placeholder. Something you really like. And it might cost 20 bucks on yard sale, that's not the point. The point is-something you can envision liking for longer. Unfortunately I can't see the whole room..is it a desk, or the dining table, that is seen on the last photo? Would you like specific suggestions on something like a rug? Don't let the fact that you rent stop you too much from making it comfortable for you. Some people never have their own place. These who fall into this "everything is temporary anyway" mode are usually unhappier. I made this mistake once. It didn't help anything. Houses should uplift us and cocoon us, whether we pay rent or mortgage(lol).
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With the proximity of the breakfast bar you'll probably be limited as to any built-ins. Floating shelves like this on the left only would be nice. Looking at your decor, it looks like you and your husband are possibly a little more eclectic than just farmhouse design. Do you want to bring some of that uniqueness into the house? (I hope so!) I'm thinking of the llama planter on the table and the clock on the wall and wondering if you'll be satisfied with watered-down trendy modern farmhouse!
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Circus Peanut
14 years ago
MCM might be a little early for your ranch (too pink/turquoise/sputnik) -- try searching for "Danish Modern" to find lots of very nice organic shapes, woods, some still very contemporary designs, avocado and burnt orange and mustard color schemes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Danish Modern furnishings on eBay
live_wire_oak
14 years ago
I think MCM with the avocado and orange (very today colors yet again!) would work well.
threedgrad
14 years ago
I would rather see a kitchen that is timeless, simple in design, not too traditional or modern and definitely not 1970's orange. If you keep a classic look, maybe a nice shaker door with a contemporary handle, you will be happy and if you ever sell it, your potential customers will not shake their heads, saying what was she thinking when she did this kitchen renovation?
anele_gw
14 years ago
threedgrad-- I was going to suggest "timeless" too but then I remembered the thread about that recently, and the consensus seemed to be that there is no such thing as "timeless."

And if you do go with MCM (I didn't know this automatically meant pink!) I would go with something earthy looking. The MCM homes (at least that's what they've been labeled; I'm NOT an expert at all) that I prefer seem sort of like the next progression of FLW, where the outdoors are connected to the interior.
htnspz
14 years ago
I like the idea of what I will call "1970's modern" based on mid century and Danish modern that have been suggested by Anele and circus peanut. I totally think you can put granite in there! The idea is to while honoring the architecture, to bring something modern to update the space. You might try googling "1970's inspired modern interior.

Here's one link that is what they are calling "pioneer modern" but you can definitely feel the 1970's and mid century. The organic lines definitely echo danish modern as well. They even rocked some paneling in there! I think it's a good example of how you can honor the 1970's but make it today.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pioneer Modern
walkin_yesindeed
14 years ago
House Beautiful recently ran a series of pictures highlighting decorating trends from the '50s through today. THe photographs weren't heavy on trend, though: each had timeless or universal aspects that made the room look livable and pretty even to today's eye. Maybe the '70s room will inspire you?

Here is a link that might be useful: House Beautiful apartment series
jakabedy
14 years ago
I think something to keep in mind, too, is what the standard is in your neighborhood or other comparable neighborhoods in town. While it might not seem "right" to put granite in the home, is that what will nonetheless be expected when you go to sell it?

I think I lived in that same house in Florida growing up. My parents built it in 1977. One bathroom sort of pale harvest gold, the other avocado. Golden shag carpet and harvest gold appliances and countertop. While there may be some die-hard folks out there still working their Farrah Flips, I don't think an "original" from 1976/1977 would have a lot of takers.

My current house was built in 1977, but from an older, more true MCM plan (post and beam, glass, interior garden, etc.) My thought process was this: If this house were built today, considering the changes in technology and availability, what finishes would be used today? Just because laminate was the rage then doesn't mean you have to be a slave to it. But I also felt granite was not quite right. Quartz is what we are going with. When pulling out wall-to-wall carpet and some vinyl, we decided to go with glue-down cork. The cork has some historical context with the style, and we thought it made sense as an "update" from what was there originally.

All that being said, I think the 1960s-70s ranches lend themselves well to a sort of soft contemporary, Candice Olsen look (you can find her stuff on the HGTV site). The houses themselves (unless yours has a particular Spanish or tudor vibe) tend to be blank canvases waiting for paint. This is one style of house that doesn't really pull you in one direction or another when decorating.
desertsteph
14 years ago
i didn't see any kitchens in house beautiful that look like any I saw or was in during the 70's. many I should get out my photo album? lol! butcher block laminate was big tho. I loved that - almost got some but decided to move before I finished the kitchen up. I left it with the red 50's style counter top.
I don't think you need to go back to what was actually in the 70's. just go with what you like - other than making it a Jetson's kitchen.

Here is a link that might be useful: House Beautiful 70's kitchens
dirtymartini
Original Author
14 years ago
WOW! I am so excited to check out all the links provided!

I just want to make a few comments that reference some of your posts and comments.

While resale is always something to think about, this is our "Ã¯t" house for the next 15 years, at least. Of course many people say "what if you lose your jobs, get transferred, etc" but my DH and I are both native to SoFla, both have all our families here...no transfer possibities...blah blah blah. Plus, we bought this house extremely cheap...hence the need for major renovations!!

I have decided to do butcher block contertops throughtout the kitchen. They will be waterloxed...we will not cut on them. I just feel that was more '70's than granite, plus, truth be told, they are cheaper and my DH can do the install himself.

That said, we are set on SS appliances...and I NEVER saw a SS appliance growing up in the 70's!!! So I guess I am kind of contradicting myself right there. I do like "Ã«clectic" and the juxtaposition of wood and stainless....rough textures with refined, etc.

My house does have a slight spanish flair to it (ourtside, before you reach the front door, you step into a porch area that is arched, the exterior is a light mustardy yellow ad the roof is a terracotta colored barrel tile.) So I do want to carry that inside a wee bit.

I keep hearing the name "Candace Olsen" and I know nothing of her work, so I will have to look into her a little further.

We are putting strand bamboo throught the house...and I know strandbamboo wasn't around in the 70s! But it does look just like hardwood, and that'the look we are going for.

I am saving these links to enjoy later (perhaps with a glass of chardonnay?) but right now my poor hubby is working so hard on the landscaping outside I feel guilty sitting here in the A/C on the computer.

Thanks again...I really appreciate the feeback. I just love this forum, and between this one and the kitchen forum I have learned so much in a short amount of time.
suero
14 years ago
For me, the epitome of 1970's style was Bloomingdale's decorating. There's an out-of print book, 1973 Bloomingdale's Book of Home Decorating by Barbara D'Arcy. She was the head of their design department.
natal
14 years ago
Doesn't sound like you want to recreate the 70s look, so much as just define your own. Have you looked through the Finished Kitchens Blog over on the Kitchen Forum? I haven't looked through it in a couple years, but there's one I still remember. Check out Pammo's beautiful wood countertops.

Pammo's kitchen

Here is a link that might be useful: Finished Kitchens Blog
luckygal
14 years ago
We had our first house built in 1970 and I was very much interested in home decor so can tell you there were many variations of what was "in style" in the 70's. In fact our entire house then would not look out of place now except for the harvest gold rampant in my kitchen. To this day I cannot face the color gold. Of course I've never bot into the mid-century or modern styles of any decade. Mostly I chose traditional style and based very much on what I saw in home decor magazines then.

You might check out this link to Sarah Richardson's site. While she is a very popular designer of our current time I'm always amazed at how her furniture style is almost identical to what a decorator did with my DM's LR in the mid-60's.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sarah Richardson
bronwynsmom
14 years ago
Lots of good advice here.

For some really well-done '70s style (I was furnishing my first places in the '70s, too), go to the library or a used book store and see if you can find any of the original Conran books on style and decorating. Lots of choices, from Swedish spa to swinging London. Some things that play well nowadays are the great Scandinavian designs, plus lots of ethnic/tribal textiles.
walkin_yesindeed
14 years ago
Jakabedy, lol on the Farrah Flip... I was born in the wrong era, b/c that's what my hair naturally wants to do, and I have to expend a lot of mousse and blowdrying to get it to go in the other direction!
suero
14 years ago
More books
http://cgi.ebay.com/70s-MODERN-DECORATING-DESIGN-DECOR-BK-EAMES-DAVID-HICKS_W0QQitemZ170346654902QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090620?IMSfp=TL090620141003r2993

http://cgi.ebay.com/70s-MODERN-RICH-HIPPIE-BOHO-DECORATING-PANTON-COLOMBO_W0QQitemZ190315182641QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090619?IMSfp=TL090619172003r23228

Picture from above book:

{{!gwi}}
anele_gw
14 years ago
dirtymartini: I suspect you already know what you are doing-- at least I know I really like the choices you've made so far! I imagine your home will be gorgeous when you are done! (OK, who's ever done, but you know what I mean . . .)

resources for decorating '1970s style?'

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