From interiors to fashion, 1970s style is trending again. Disco balls are everywhere. Flare pants are in. And there’s no shortage of geometric patterns and bold colors at every turn, including in your latest TV show obsessions like HBO’s Minx. Set in 1970s Los Angeles, the erotic comedy—which has been renewed for a second season—is an excellent source for inspo. Naturally, we tapped set decorator Douglas Mowat for tips on how to infuse your home with the best elements of the period.
“As in all eras, ‘70s decorating was multi-faceted,” Mowat explains. “You have the early more earthy ‘70s, and the later disco ‘70s of chrome and mirror, with all kinds of variations in between.”
A color palette with earth tones is a good start, including brown, avocado, orange, and gold. “There was also a wild mix then of reds, purples, and oranges (think David Hicks’s Salome Britwell living room, which I was lucky enough to visit in 1977 or ‘78 while studying in England)—a hangover from the psychedelic end of the ‘60s.”
Other touches include natural textures, wood, jute, fur, macrame, and pottery. “Don’t be afraid to mix in some antiques,” Mowat adds. “Use a bold graphic painting over a traditional console table, or flip the idea and pair a laminate Parsons dining table with country French chairs. The ‘70s were very experimental, too.”
In Minx, showing the multi-dimensional aspect of decorating in the ’70s was intentional—”from Joyce’s eclectic apartment, to Bambi’s Hippie chick bungalow, to Shelly’s uptight correct suburban home, to Maggie’s sophisticated New York apartment,” Mowat explains.
Whether you acquire cozy velvet floor pillows or adorn your dinner table with emerald green colored wine glasses, any of the pieces ahead—some of which are actually 1970s vintage selects—will liven up your home.
Display this orange ceramic lamp with blue and white floral motifs as is, or give it a custom touch by adding woven trim along the bottom of the white lampshade (as Mowat did on the pair of vintage orange ceramic lamps in Doug’s office!).
These macrame hangers are ideal for hosting beautiful pots with your favorite indoor plants in them. They’ll add a boho touch to any bedroom or kitchen.
Any living room can instantly become cozier with a few floor pillows, like these velvet ones available in various sizes and colors. Mowat recommends placing them “on a deep shag carpet around a low brass and glass coffee table.”
In Joyce’s apartment, there’s an elephant-shaped rattan table holding topped with a potted plant near her TV. Upgrade that concept with this basket, which you can place a plant on top of and use to store blankets and other accessories.
Despite its name, this avocado-colored paint is a pretty pick for creating a ’70s-inspired look in your home. Use it on everything from kitchen cabinets to an accent wall in your office.
With a crochet blanket like this one, you can infuse your home with vibrant colors and floral motifs—all in one cozy accent.
Crochet Granny Squares Throw Pillow
Or if a blanket covers too much ground, consider a throw pillow in the same vein. It’ll add pops of color without being too overwhelming.
Rust Dark Orange Shag Rug
The rich, rust color of this rug paired with its textured, shaggy material makes it the perfect warm accent piece.
1970s Mid-Century Patchwork Burl Dining Table by Drexel
One of the many pieces Mowat was excited to feature in Minx is the patchwork burl veneer Parsons dining table—found by his assistant set decorator/buyer Jennie Harris and seen in the New York apartment dinner scene. You can shop this very similar one from the 1970s on Chairish.
Emerald Green Stem Wineglasses, Set of 2
Also featured in the dining room scene are beautiful emerald green colored wine glasses. Add them to your own dining room tablescape with this similar eye-catching set from Estelle Colored Glass.
Made of felt, this four-pack of earth tone-colored coasters will make a delightful addition to any coffee table or nightstand.
Vintage 1970s Butterflies & Pussy Willow Embroidered Wall Decor
Featuring butterflies and pussy willow plants, this vintage framed embroidered piece offers subtle pops of color. It was once a gift for someone circa 1972, according to a note on the back of it. Not to mention, it’s on sale for more than 70 percent off.
Flowerpot Lacquered Metal Table Lamp
Mushroom lamps, and mushroom motifs in general, are having a moment. This metal, lacquered one is available in seven colors and would look good practically anywhere in your home.
The combination of earth tones and geometric patterns makes this wallpaper a groovy pick. Cover one wall with this pattern, or use it to fill an entire room.
The ’70s weren’t all about earth tones. The era’s disco moment offered plenty of chrome accents. Incorporate one classic disco ball, hang multiple in various sizes, or display disco ball-inspired shapes, like a cherry or mushroom.
1970s Mid-Century Rattan Étagère
With this vintage rattan bookshelf—which is similar to the one in Joyce’s apartment—you can upgrade your TV stand or bar area. Use the outer shelves to show off treasured books and decor objects.
Kelly Allen
Associate Shopping Editor
Kelly Allen is a writer and editor based in New York.
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