Design Through the Decades: 9 Retro Interior Elements from the 1970s & 1980s 

Experts share how to bring 1970s and 1980s retro home decor into today’s spaces with natural textures, earthy tones, and bold statement pieces.

The 1970s and 1980s were all about creating cozy, grounded interiors with personality. Think terracotta tones, exposed brick, conversation pits, and bold floral patterns. Homes from this era favored cozy materials, sculptural furniture, and design that didn’t shy away from personality. And today, these retro elements are making a strong comeback—often reimagined in ways that feel fresh and timeless. 

Whether you’re updating a split-level Miami house in the suburbs or giving your New York City apartment loft a vintage twist, this era offers plenty of inspiration. We asked design experts to share their favorite ways to bring the best of 1970s and 1980s home decor into the present day—while keeping it timeless.

1. Create a cozy ’70s living room with a modern conversation pit

“My favorite part about ’70s and ’80s decor was the bright warm tones, mixed patterns, and funky design style, says Sofie Berarducci, Owner of Sofiest Designs. Sophie also shares her favorite trend from the era – “The sunken family rooms—otherwise known as conversation pits. If I could design my dream 1970s/1980s living room, I’d include a sunken living space, a curved velvet couch, a bright Preway fireplace, a funky chandelier, and wood paneling throughout.”

2. Add subtle retro glow with reimagined neon

Summer at lamomo neon recommends, “Today, I’d blend that retro glow with modernity by using neon in subtle, custom designs (think minimalist shapes or soft monochrome hues) rather than overwhelming brightness, placing them in unexpected spaces like kitchens or cozy reading nooks. Paired with sleek furniture or neutral walls, these vintage-inspired lights add a nostalgic edge without kitsch. My favorite throwback? Reimagined neon art—it instantly energizes a room, bridging decades with a wink of retro-futurism.”

3. Mix retro accents with clean lines 

“We’ve always loved the bold patterns, warm wood tones, and funky lighting from the ’70s and ’80s—they bring so much charm. One of our go-to design tricks is mixing a sculptural vintage light or retro accent with modern, clean lines. It adds personality without overwhelming the space,” says the Ever Lasting team.

4. Use bold color and slatted wood for texture and warmth

 “A sleek, minimalist chandelier paired with a geometric rug in subdued tones creates a striking yet contemporary balance,” says Freddy Acevedo from Groovy Boardz. “The era’s signature color palette—vibrant oranges, mustards, and teals—can be tastefully woven into modern spaces through a single statement piece, such as a mustard-yellow sofa or a teal lacquered cabinet, offset by neutral walls for a fresh, sophisticated look. One of the most timeless design elements is vertical wood slat paneling; when updated with a light stain and illuminated with accent lighting, it adds warmth and texture, grounding the space while bridging vintage character with contemporary refinement.”

5. Bring in florals with modern flair

“What we love most about 1970s and 1980s style is the bold and contrasting aesthetics—bright colors, geometric shapes, psychedelic swirls, and funky florals,” mentions Krissy Rowe, Founder and Lead Designer, Aurora Interiors. “We love florals and incorporate them as much as we can in today’s design—sometimes vintage-inspired, but usually with a modern touch. While some of the styles from that era were very bold, many were also sophisticated. They complement modern-day interiors by adding a cultural shift and bringing in a piece of the past.”

6. Embrace bold colors and playful shapes

Hayley Gilmore, Founder of Ladies Who Design shares, “My favorite part of 1970s–1980s design is the unapologetic use of bold colors and playful shapes. It gave interiors so much character and energy. I love bringing that vibe into modern spaces through curved furniture, rich wood tones, and a bold statement piece or fixture to keep it feeling intentional and not overdone.”

7. Add warmth with texture, lighting, and nature

“The bold design elements of the 1970s and 1980s continue to inspire modern interiors with their playful energy and texture.” Laura Tylerb from Gilchrist & Company Real Estate says, “I love incorporating statement lighting, like Sputnik chandeliers or arc floor lamps, to introduce unexpected shapes in a clean, uncluttered way. Natural materials such as rattan furniture, wood accents, and houseplants bring warmth and a connection to nature when paired with sleek, modern furnishings. Terrazzo flooring is also making a stylish comeback, now reimagined in fresh, contemporary color palettes for timeless appeal and durability.”

8. Bring back bold ’70s interiors with a modern ranch twist

 “Some of my favorite interior design features from the 1970s include bold colors, lounge furniture, and brass elements—all of which are making a comeback,” shares Olivia from Sara Hillery Interior Design. “Architecturally, there was a push for more modern ranch-style houses, which is also seeing a resurgence today in the form of updated ‘ranch style’ and even ‘cottagecore’ decor. These styles merge vintage inspiration with a fresh, modern twist that fits today’s homes.”

9. Introduce drama with unexpected materials and intentional curves 

Mischa Sedova, Founder & Creative Director at MISCH studio, says this era was, “A time of confident design, and I love seeing more of that energy return. In my work, I reintroduce that drama through unexpected materials and intentional curves, bringing warmth and dimension to even the most minimalist interiors. These elements layer effortlessly into modern spaces, enriching the storytelling that resonates with clients looking for something curated—not cookie-cutter. I often turn to cantilevered floor lamps or orb pendants, updated with modern finishes, to bridge the eras. These pieces create visual rhythm and offer a subtle nod to design history without overwhelming a contemporary space.”

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