The 1970s were a time of bell bottoms, disco fever, and unique interior design trends. Many homes from this era had a distinct style that set them apart. While some elements have made a comeback, there are certain features that were once ubiquitous in ’70s homes that have largely disappeared today. Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and explore seven things every house in the 70s had that no one sees in modern homes.
1. Shag Carpeting
One of the most iconic elements of 1970s decor was the shag carpet. These deep-pile, plush carpets came in vibrant colors like avocado green, burnt orange, and mustard yellow. Walking barefoot on a shag carpet was a sensory experience unlike any other. However, today, shag carpeting has largely fallen out of favor, replaced by sleek hardwood floors or low-pile carpets.
2. Wood Paneling
Step into a home from the 1970s, and you were likely greeted by walls covered in wood paneling. This faux wood treatment could be found in living rooms, dens, and even bedrooms. While it added a cozy, rustic charm to interiors back then, nowadays, wood paneling is often seen as outdated. Many homeowners now opt for lighter, brighter wall colors or minimalist designs.
3. Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings, also known as cottage cheese ceilings, were all the rage in the 1970s. This textured finish was a popular choice for its ability to hide imperfections and dampen sound. However, due to their difficult maintenance and association with an older aesthetic, popcorn ceilings have become a rare sight in modern homes. Many homeowners have opted to remove or cover them for a cleaner look.
4. Avocado Green Kitchen Appliances
In the 1970s, kitchen appliances came in a range of bold colors, with avocado green being one of the most popular choices. From refrigerators to stoves and even dishwashers, these appliances added a retro flair to kitchens across the country. Fast forward to today, and stainless steel or matte black appliances dominate the market, making avocado green relics of the past.
5. Sunken Living Rooms
Sunken living rooms were a trendy architectural feature of many 1970s homes. These conversation pits, typically located a few steps down from the rest of the living space, created a cozy, intimate area for gatherings. However, the impracticality of these designs, along with safety concerns, has led to their decline in modern home construction. Today, open floor plans and level living spaces are more common.
6. Hanging Macramé Plant Holders
No 1970s home was complete without a few hanging macramé plant holders. These intricate, knotted designs added a bohemian touch to interiors and were often filled with lush, trailing plants like spider plants or pothos. While macramé itself has seen a resurgence in recent years, the hanging plant holders of the past are now considered a vintage novelty rather than a staple decor item.
7. Lava Lamps
Last but not least, who could forget the mesmerizing glow of a lava lamp? A quintessential symbol of the psychedelic ’70s, these lamps featured colorful blobs of wax floating in a liquid-filled glass container, illuminated from below. While they were once a must-have item for creating a groovy ambiance, lava lamps have largely faded from modern decor schemes, replaced by more contemporary lighting options.
As we look back on these nostalgic elements of 1970s home decor, it’s clear that they were products of their time. While some have made comebacks in retro-chic revivals, others have faded into obscurity. Whether you fondly remember the shag carpets of your childhood home or are grateful that avocado green appliances are a thing of the past, these relics of ’70s design continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.