The '70s Design Trends That Got Their Grooves Back

You might want to take design notes on your next visit to Grandma's house because what's old is new again. From macramé to velvet to even disco balls, these modern looks feature a dose of '70s nostalgia.

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July 30, 2018

By: Laura James

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Macramé

In case you haven't heard, crafting is cool again, and the art of macramé, which was popular in the '70s, has had a huge revival in recent years. From hanging wall art to planters, we say yes way to macramé as a throwback trend.

MORE: Meet the Creative Genius Behind Modern Macramé

From: Jette Creative

Disco Balls

The most '70s of '70s design trends: disco balls! Bring this nostalgic decor piece from the dance floor to the family den to add a little glimmer to your space. Even when not displayed prominently, disco balls make for a really cool lighting effect, perfect for taking whimsical interior photos.

MORE: How to Turn a Disco Ball Into a Planter

Brass Animal Accents

A perfect item to scoop up at antique stores, brass and gold accent animals, especially birds or flowers, channel the '70s. Designer Raegan Ford paired delicate gold swans with rougher materials, like geodes and glass beads, to style this coffee table.

From: Raegan Ford

Terrazzo

Terrazzo was a popular flooring material in the 1970s, and today, the material is gaining popularity as countertops, furniture and decor accents. This trend-forward London kitchen designed by Play Associates features emerald green cabinets, metallic gold accents and Dzek's white Marmoreal, a large aggregate terrazzo designed by Max Lamb.

MORE: Hello, Terrazzo! This Throwback Trend Is Back in a Big Way

Wood Walls

If you're renovating a '70s ranch, you should know that wood walls are definitely in. So maybe put down the paintbrush, and consider how furniture and the colors of the ceiling and floor can bring the dated style up to the present.

From: Natalie Myers

Shag Rugs

While we don't expect wall-to-wall shag carpet to make a full comeback, we do see how shag rugs and carpet can add a cozy touch to less-trafficked areas where dirt is less likely to be an issue. This cream-colored shag rug brings inviting texture to a midcentury modern living room.

From: Lindye Galloway

Rattan

One of the more popular comeback trends in this gallery, rattan is everywhere right now. The boho material gives a natural, laidback look to any space. From peacock chairs to patio furniture, rattan is one of the things we always look for at antique stores and estate sales.

Crochet Blankets

Crochet blankets don't have to scream "granny's house." Fit for a flower child, this crochet blanket adds a handmade touch to this bright, eclectic bedroom.

From: JAC Interiors

Agate Accents

Organic materials like stones and crystals are in again, and we love the visual interest they add. A gorgeous geode table like this one is the perfect place to perch some books or a drink.

MORE: 10 Agate Accessories to Buy

Vintage Rugs

Consider yourself lucky if your family members saved their Persian-style rugs from the '70s because vintage rugs of every color are very popular again. This foyer, featuring a red vintage rug, beautifully establishes the casually elegant tone of the rest of the house.

From: Natalie Myers

Palm Fronds

Throwback decor accents that we're definitely into again are giant palm fronds, ferns and other featherlike stems.

From: Sarah Stacey Interior Design

Velvet

Velvet, especially in rich warm tones, dominated furniture styles in the 1970s, and we're pretty excited the inviting, luxe material is so popular again. A velvet sectional makes a statement in this stylish living room designed by Atlanta-based Abbi Williams. She says her new favorite style of pared-back design is about "rich wood tones, decadent fabrics (velvets and silks)" and "beautiful ornamentation and details."

MORE: The New Traditional: Why Clean-Meets-Luxe Is Dominating Design

Marigold

Could there be a more '70s color than marigold? These warm yellow-orange chairs give a retro vibe to a renovated farmhouse in the Catskills Mountains.

From: Art Home Garden

Embroidery

Along with macramé, embroidery is another comeback craft we're seeing in design. From the runway to the living room, the handmade, crafted look of embroidery is definitely in.

MORE: Meet Creative Genius Arounna Khounnoraj of Bookhou

Fringe and Fiber Art

Groovy fringe isn't limited to fashion. The frayed look from the '70s is another element of the modern boho look we love today. Combining blankets with fringe and hanging fiber art with rattan furniture creates a laidback music festival vibe in this sitting area.

From: D2 Interieurs

Tie-Dye Fabrics

If you've ever dressed as a hippie for Halloween, along with bell-bottomed pants, a peace sign necklace and a flower crown, a tie-dyed t-shirt was probably involved. From fashion to interior design, dyed fabrics, especially blue shibori-style ones are popular in design today. Blue tie-dye curtains inject playfulness into this formal dining area.

MORE: How to Make Your Own Shibori-Style Tie-Dye Napkins

From: Blackband Design

Faux Furs and Animal Hides

Furs and animal hides are common in both Southwestern and Scandinavian design styles, so it's no surprise we're seeing these soft textures pop up again in designs from rugs to wall hangings to furniture accents to blankets.

From: Lucy Penfield

Kilim Pillows

Another element of the boho look that's made a comeback is kilim pillows. We love the warm tones and Southwestern vibe they add to any space. This back porch features a pair of swinging daybeds topped with kilim pillows that add a playful, laid-back feel to the space creating the perfect spot for relaxing.

From: BOXHILL

Latch Hook Art

While the macramé revival may be more popular, we've also spotted some latch hook hangings in design. We love this bright, modern take on the old-school craft from Studio DIY's Jeff and Kelly Mindel's rainbow nursery.

Cork Floors

Cork floors were common in the 50s, 60s and 70s but have had a resurgence due to being a neutral and sustainable flooring option. A cork table and cork flooring bring an organic element to this open living space.

From: Jamie House

Palm Prints and Jungle Vibes

Nodding to the 1970s, jungle vibes are going strong in design again. Palm prints like the wallpaper in this bedroom perfectly pair with the rattan, wicker and natural materials that also just keep on trending.

MORE: Trend Alert: Palm Prints and Patterns

From: Mollie Openshaw