Retro Designs that Deserve the Spotlight

 Looking back at how design was in the 60s/70s/80s, most people are immediately disgusted. While some of the design decisions are questionable, I feel like there are a few staple design elements that get grouped in with the bad that deserve some appreciation. 

Conversation pits are one of my favorite living room designs to have ever existed. A large couch sunken into the floor for maximized comfort and relaxation. Although I wouldn’t opt for a bright purple velvet one, I still find that they are a unique addition and an underappreciated piece. More modern home designs could easily add them, making the house different from the rest in the cul de sac. 

                                                                  Photo by clickamericana.com

Another design from the 70s that is more appreciated now, but modernized is the iconic stripe. Usually consisting of 2-4 colors a large wavy line that would stretch between walls and sometimes rooms in the average 70s home. The original stripe used muted colors such as mauve and brown with the accent of more vibrant colors like a blue or purple. They created a simplistic pop in a room and still do as more people have started appreciating them, although changing the original colorway, still has the 70s spirit. 

Photo by clickamericana.com

Photo by oleanderandpalm.com

The next thing that I believe should be spotlighted is an architectural nightmare to build, but has a spot in my heart, and is arches or rounded doorways and walls. Seen in most homes throughout the 70s and 80s the archways and rounded doorways create a calm and collected feel within a home, no harsh edges. The arches were even extended into the décor of the home, circular bookshelves, circular shaped furniture, and many other round designs. 

Photo by ultraswank.net

Photo by essentialhome.eu

I hope that 70s interior design comes back like it has with clothing styles because it is truly my favorite architectural and design era.

Thank you for reading! Come back next week for another take on the world of Architecture and Design :)