8 surprisingly chic ideas we are stealing from the kitchens of the 1970s

It’s safe to say the 1970s kitchen is making a comeback. Yes, in terms of functionality, kitchens might have come a long way since the 1970s, but when it comes to aesthetics, it seems we can’t help looking back, and we promise there's more to learn than you might think.

Conjuring disco glamour and boho chic to space age and psychedelic, the 1970s was a flamboyant era that encompassed an array of different looks, and they weren’t for the minimalist. Bold colors, avocado geometric prints, rich wood veneers, and lots of linoleum, the 1970s were awash with groovy decorating ideas, many of which are keeping into today’s interiors.

If you’re a nostalgic soul looking to infuse your project with a little 1970s kitsch, then these ideas to steal from 1970s kitchens are for you. We’ve taken a trip down memory lane to look back at authentic kitchens of the 1970s to uncover the trends to tap into. Plus, we’ve gathered examples of modern kitchens with a 1970s feel to show how these once outdated kitchen design trends are being integrated into modern homes.

Of course, there are some trends from the 1970s that we don’t mind staying well and truly in the past – shag pile carpets being one of them – but there are lots of design features which can sit happily within the modern kitchen. Whether you want to be fully transported back in time, or simply bring a subtle dose of kitsch, these retro kitchen ideas are guaranteed to inspire.

1. Go for bold earthy colors – think brown, orange and avocado

Looking back, it seems the 1970s was an era of maximalism, and we weren’t afraid of embracing color. Many kitchens of this period were a burst of energy and featured boldly colored laminate and Formica cabinet doors, which wouldn’t look out of place today.

‘When thinking of '70s kitchens, one immediately thinks of color – yellow, orange, avocado green, even blues, reds, and purples,’ explains Estelle Bilson, author of '70s House. ‘Kitchen manufacturers realized they could market different "fashion" colors to consumers for the first time, especially as the "fitted" kitchen was a relatively new concept.’

'I think people were more open to brighter kitchen color ideas and didn't play things safe like today, where white, gray and black dominate the kitchen offering. Other design aspects would include either cork or patterned tiled floors and brightly patterned wall tiles.'

Above is Estelle’s colorful kitchen – an authentic 1970s design that she purchased second-hand and fitted into her own home. ‘I found it on a Facebook group. I'd been looking for a suitable vintage kitchen for nearly 10 years. This one came up, and it was the right size, in good condition, and fairly local. I paid £250 and had to dismantle it myself (with help from a friend) and put it into storage before fitting it in our home.’

If you’re looking to install a vintage kitchen, then 'buy one with more cabinets than you think you will need,' advises Estelle, 'that way you have flexibility, which is really important, as it's problem solving.'

'Flexibility is key, and don't be too precious,' she adds. 'It's an old kitchen, (mine is 50 years old) so it's never going to be pristine; however, everyone who worked on it remarked how good the condition was for its age, a modern kitchen wouldn't look that good after 40 plus years.'

2. Introduce groovy geometric patterns on tiles and wallpaper

Abstract, geometric prints were commonplace in 1970s interiors, with curvaceous, psychedelic designs particularly popular. For a subtle way to introduce them, why not try a splashback of funky tiles? For original 1970s tiles, try the Vintage Tile shop. Alternatively, Zia Tile has a range of cement tiles featuring bold 1970s-inspired designs.

If you’re daring, you could go add an ode to the '70s with a groovy wallpaper. Little Greene’s Starflower design is perfect for channelling the 1970s aesthetic.

3. Embrace wood veneers

Alongside colorful high-pressure laminate cabinet doors, veneered wood furniture and kitchen cabinets were commonplace in the 1970s as they offered an affordable way to capture the look of expensive hardwoods and were often seen in walnut, redwood, rosewood or oak.

In this mid-century home in South Carolina, architecture and interior studio Ario Studio were enlisted to modernize the interiors and create a space that paid homage to the mid-century architecture. For the kitchen, they drew on design from the mid-century modern period, opting for a mix of walnut and colorful custom cabinets with exposed plywood edges.

‘It was extremely important to keep the design and the finish selections as well as the layout choices in keeping with the architectural style,’ says Brittany Arnold, owner, architect, and interior designer. ‘Curated mid-century colors and materials throughout the home support the interior design and layout to create a cohesive concept.'

'The kitchen is a really special place in the house, it is oriented to maximize the views outside. Walnut, orange, and blue come together to create a warm yet dynamic atmosphere. The beauty of design lies in the details, and we love how these tones bring both energy and balance to the space,' adds Brittany Arnold.

4. Introduce industrial touches

During the 1970s, there was a fascination with space exploration and new technology, which filtered into interiors and manifested itself in sleek design features, metal finishes, and futuristic design concepts.

In this 1970s kitchen, a stainless steel countertop and splashback are paired with metal pendant lamps to give the space an industrial edge. If you are looking to bring a '70s touch into your current kitchen, this would be an easy way to do so. After a long love affair with warm metallics, chrome decor has made a huge comeback this year, so plenty of brands feature it in their latest collections. Or you could, of course, get thrifting for something original.

5. Add a home bar

Entertaining at home became more popular in the 1970s, and a home bar was a sought-after addition. The perfect place to prepare a Tequila Sunrise for guests before they sit down to their prawn cocktail, this 1970s style mini bar designed by Exactly Design oozes 1970s style with its orange tiles and walnut cabinets.

‘Geometric patterns and earthy tones were prevalent in 1970s interior design, and I find that I gravitate towards both when designing spaces,’ says Elin Walters, founder and principal designer at the studio. ‘I love mid-century design because of its simplicity, geometry, color, use of natural materials, attention to bringing the outdoors inside, and focus on functional form.’

6. Take a cue from 1970s glamour

From disco fever to glam rock, the 1970s fashion and music scene wasn’t short of sequins and sparkle, and interiors followed suit with opulent glass chandeliers, metallic surfaces, and plush velvets all bringing a luxe feel. To inject a little 1970s chic into the kitchen, why not hang statement pendant lamps over a kitchen island as done in this kitchen by Creative Tonic?

‘In designing this kitchen update for our clients, we drew inspiration from French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent during his iconic 1970s era. The combination of brass and peacock blue evokes his fun paisley prints, while the statement pendant lights from Arteriors remind me of his stylized ’70s jewellery,’ says Courtnay Tartt Elias, founder and principal designer at Creative Tonic.

When thinking about kitchen lighting, make sure you get the right light fitting for the right tasks. ‘A long, sexy, chrome or glass cascading chandelier is an iconic '70s feature over a dining table, it creates a statement for sure,’ says Estelle Bilson. ‘In other areas of a kitchen, you need more directional/task lighting. I've used original 1970s Nokia track lighting.’

7. Channel boho chic with hanging houseplants

The 1970s weren't just about disco fever and space age design, a yearning for freedom and creativity led to the rise of boho interiors imbued with a relaxed spirit and natural materials. Rattan furniture, kilim carpets, and woven macramé wall hangings found favor, and a trend for indoor plants emerged.

'In the ’70s, house plants were the vibe. I’ve added lots of plants all over our home. I have collected handmade pottery to plant them in and have hung several with macrame to give a nod to our home’s history,' says Laura Olden of @SavageHouse1970.

'Our home was built in 1970, we try to honor the home’s history and the architect’s original intent. We love that 1970s design isn’t afraid to use color and bold patterns. We recently added high-pressure laminate countertops back to the kitchen in a color that matches the original harvest gold ones,' adds Laura Olden of her 1970s-inspired kitchen.

For a quick and easy way to embrace boho kitchen decor, hang an array of house plants in macramé pot hangers or invest in some rattan or cane bar stools or home accessories.

8. Add colorful appliances

In the 1970s, the market for kitchen appliances grew hugely, and colored designs provided a great opportunity for self-expression in kitchens, which had not long since been viewed as purely practical spaces.

‘Changes in the way we worked and shopped meant that for the first time in history women were starting to work whilst married and raising children, this saw a boom in the sales of labor saving devices such as fridge freezers, front loading washing machines and even the start of dishwasher and microwave ownership if you had the funds,’ says Estelle Bilson.

Today it seems our appetite for colorful appliances has come full circle with companies such as Smeg, KitchenAid, and Lacanche all offering an array of bold appliances with retro styling.

While some design features will undoubtedly conjure the 1970s kitchen look, such as high-pressure laminate kitchen cabinets and bold orange and harvest yellow, there are no strict rules on how to capture the 1970s look in a kitchen. 'The 1970s was an era of diverse fashions and trends with no one defining look,' explains Estelle.

'Culturally, it's a really diverse and interesting era, and what I like to think of as the start of modern living. I love the diversity of style within the 10-year period, within that short time you have everything from the left over style of hippie and space age from the '60s right through glam rock, art deco revival, disco, punk and what would be called "cottage core" now with Gunn Sax and Laura Ashley.'