Your 70s Vintage Interior Design Guide

Dust off your bell-bottoms and tune into a new frequency, because the vibrant style of 1970s vintage interior design is back. Far from being a one-note aesthetic, the 70s were a decade of bold self-expression. It was a time of warmth, bohemian charm, and a deep connection to nature, infused with a futuristic flair. This guide will take you on a trip back in time, helping you master the key characteristics of 70s interior design, and revealing how features like sofas and barn doors can be groovy additions to your home.

What is Vintage Interior Design?

To truly capture the eclectic, free-spirited, ever-nostalgic vibe of the 70s, focus on these key characteristics:

• Earthy & warm color palette. The foundation of the 70s aesthetic is a rich, earthy color scheme. Think avocado green, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep brown. These colours were often paired with warmer neutrals like cream and beige, creating a grounded feel.
• Natural materials & textures. There was a strong emphasis on bringing the outdoors in. Natural materials like wood, rattan, wicker, bamboo, and cork were everywhere. Textures were highly celebrated, from plush shag carpets and velvet upholstery to macramé wall hangings and woven textiles.
• Bold patterns & prints. The 70s loved a good pattern. Geometric shapes, large floral prints, psychedelic swirls, and abstract designs were prominent all over, found on wallpaper, curtains, and upholstery.
• Mix of styles, e.g. Bohemian & Space Age. The design of the 70s was gloriously contradictory. On one hand, there was a bohemian, hippie-inspired trend with low seating, casual textiles, and handmade crafts. On the other, a futuristic, "space age" aesthetic embraced shiny plastics, chrome, and streamlined furniture. 
• Lounge-worthy furniture. Low-slung sofas, bean bags, modular sectionals, and conversational pits were popular. Chairs often featured woven cane or rattan backs, with plump, comfortable cushions.
• Plenty of plants. The 70s were a golden age for houseplants. Large ferns, spider plants, and macramé plant hangers were essential for creating a vibrant, natural feel.
• Lighting. Lava lamps and globe pendants are iconic. Arc lamps with a chrome finish bring in the "space age" vibe. Lamps with ceramic or wooden bases and funky shades are also a must for your throwback decor scheme.
• Feel free to accessorize. Don’t be afraid to deck out your shelves with ceramics in earthy tones. Display vintage posters with psychedelic fonts. Incorporate beaded curtains, and woven baskets. Don't forget mirrors with unique frames.

Following these principles will be a guiding light when it comes to setting up your retro Vintage Interior Design scheme. 

Vintage barn door installations for your 70s interior

While barn doors might seem like a more recent trend, their emphasis on natural wood, bold forms, and a customizable nature makes them a surprisingly perfect fit for a modern Vintage Interior Design scheme. The key is in embracing the 70s colour palette, celebrating natural wood, and choosing vintage barn door hardware that gets in on the groove.

Bold colors & patterns 

Vintage interior doors painted in a signature 70s color like avocado green or burnt orange can be a statement piece. It sets the tone for the room and provides a large canvas for a bold color choice. If you’re looking to embracing the pattern trend, consider a barn door with recessed panels. You can wallpaper these panels with a vintage-inspired geometric or floral print, turning the door into a work of art.

Natural wood & texture

A barn door made from knotty pine or a similarly textured wood, finished with a dark stain, perfectly captures the rustic side of the 70s aesthetic. This complements all the other natural materials in the room. For a more bohemian, free-spirited 70s vibe, a whitewashed or distressed barn door can provide a sense of sun-bleached, relaxed charm, pairing perfectly with macramé and woven textiles hung from the door.

Hardware with a vibe

Don't just use standard hardware—consider integrating some flare. Matte black hardware can provide a strong, modern contrast against an earthy wood door, which was a common of the time. To lean into the "space age" aesthetic, choose hardware in polished brass or chrome. A large, simple brass pull on a dark wood door can be incredibly chic and on-theme vintage interior door knob. Look for door pulls with a unique, sculptural shape or a mid-century modern influence.

Functionality in a groovy space

Barn doors are inherently space-saving, which is a practical benefit in any home, especially with a laid back 70s interior vibe. Use a barn door to separate a home office from a living area, allowing you to close off the space for focused work while maintaining a stylish, groovy aesthetic when open. For an open-plan kitchen, a 70s-inspired barn door can conceal a pantry or a small, messy utility area. A large double barn door can be used to delineate a lounge or conversational pit from the rest of the room.

Start creating your dream Vintage Interior Design scheme

The 1970s were a decade of design and cultural  liberation, celebrating natural textures, bold colors, and a free-spirited, bohemian charm that feels surprisingly relevant and comforting today. Reviving this style is about creating a home that is warm, inviting, and a true reflection of your nostalgic personality.

Your barn door can be an integral and unexpected element in this nostalgic revival. Whether through a coat of a signature 70s color, a natural wood finish that celebrates texture, or a set of hardware that gets in on the disco vibe, a barn door is a perfect canvas for this groovy aesthetic. 

If you’re interested in building your dream interior, visit our blog today! We offer all sorts of guides and advice on crafting interiors with barn doors, perfect for all sorts of tastes.