Embracing The ’70s Revival In Luxury Home Design
It may be true that minimalism will always be in vogue — after all, it’s the very definition of a safe choice. But today, many luxury designers and architects are no longer interested in merely playing it safe, and maximalism has become the style du jour.
Neutral palettes and decluttered surfaces will always have a place in home decor. But living spaces also have the power to spark creativity, fuel conversation, and energize occupants, whether they’re entertaining friends and family or enjoying their own company.
So it’s only natural that retro style homes inspire modern luxury home design, and throwbacks to ‘70s architecture trends abound. This was an era when decor pulsed with pizzazz, and architecture emphasized comfort, connectivity, and social engagement. For anyone aspiring to animate their living space with more personality, these four homes demonstrate how the color and character of vintage home decor can be beautifully adapted for a contemporary context.
Layouts That Laugh at Convention
Sotheby’s International Realty – Brentwood Brokerage
The ’70s was an era of radical expression in which norms were challenged, freedoms were fought for, and all things liberty — and often, libertine — were championed. The resurgence of its aesthetics at a time when hyper-personalization is highly prized should come as no surprise.
Conspicuously original homes, like this modern masterpiece, uphold the legacy of the ’70s. Dynamic split-level architecture allows for unique spaces and unusual dimensions to unfold within the home; they can be styled as self-contained havens or curated alongside one another in compelling continuities. Bold hues and mixed materials pay additional homage to the “‘Me Decade.”
Geometry That Makes a Statement
Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage
What else do the 2020s and 1970s have in common? They’ve both borne witness to an Art Deco Revival. In the ’70s, the publication of Art Deco of the 20s and 30s in 1968 and the release of The Great Gatsby in 1974 are what popularized the look. And approximately 100 years after its inception, this iconic style is once again being reimagined as luxury designers, decorators, and homeowners lean into an aesthetic of opulence and jubilance.
It’s also worth noting that the ’70s was a time of lighting innovations that went well beyond its famous lava lamps. As such, this lavish mansion — with a 44-foot chandelier in its grand foyer and additional glass lighting fixtures adorning its capacious lounges — is a paragon of some of the period’s most celebrated styles. It also preserves the social spirit of the ’70s, being built to provide five-star hospitality for large numbers of guests.
Floor Plans That Facilitate Dialogue
Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty – Central Houston Brokerage
The homes of the ’70s emphasized conviviality and coming together, and nothing embodied this ethos quite like the sunken living room. Also known as a “conversation pit”, these recessed seating areas tended to be plushly accessorized so people had a cozy place to talk, laugh, and relax. Throw in a shag carpet, and there couldn’t be a more quintessential ’70s space.
This high-end vintage home elevates this hallmark to new heights. Constructed in 1970, it’s a true exemplar of the era’s architecture with its own elegantly appointed conversation pit, an open concept arrangement, and the arrays of floor-to-ceiling windows that enhance its already expansive atmosphere.
Textured Materials That Tell a Story
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Hardwood, quarried stone, raw fibers and tanned leather — the ’70s had a love affair with natural elements. This held true not only for furnishing the home, but for the custom built-ins, such as seating and bookshelves, that came to define the era. Paneling with walnut, oak, and other earthy, warm-toned woods helped establish the decade’s visual vibe and continue to be synonymous with luxury retro interiors today.
From the remarkable primary suite to the deluxe pool pavilion, this private island residence is a study in the thoughtful application of natural materials to enrich interiors and exteriors simultaneously. It’s evident in the vibrantly hued timber infrastructure that brings the entire property together, and especially impressive in the stone fireplace that spans two floors.
The ’70s aesthetic can be described in many ways, but it can never be called demure or self-effacing. It’s a style that, when incorporated into retro luxury homes, speaks volumes; it speaks for itself, and for anyone with the vision and vigor to incorporate it into their home.
This article was originally published in Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Insight The Art of Living Blog in July 2024
