Hmmm... I could point you to a library that specializes in 1970's.

I don't think it is necessary to go all Marty McFly on your house just because it is older. It can still be current. 70's ranch can say angular and contemporary too.

I did some searches using words like: cool, California, modern, and retro. I loved this site and thought it might get some creative juices going for you. Be sure to check out the bottom row, third from left.

Here is a link that might be useful: Really boxy and hip

How about going the MCM (Mid-Century Modern) route? A little earlier, but maybe it's a good compromise between the style of today and the 70s . . .

I am no expert about this, just that I started appreciating the style more after being on this forum! It seems like it would fit into your house style.

Here is a link that might be useful: MCM Interiors

MCM might be a little early for your ranch (too pink/turquoise/sputnik) -- try searching for "Danish Modern" to find lots of very nice organic shapes, woods, some still very contemporary designs, avocado and burnt orange and mustard color schemes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Danish Modern furnishings on eBay

I think MCM with the avocado and orange (very today colors yet again!) would work well.

I would rather see a kitchen that is timeless, simple in design, not too traditional or modern and definitely not 1970's orange. If you keep a classic look, maybe a nice shaker door with a contemporary handle, you will be happy and if you ever sell it, your potential customers will not shake their heads, saying what was she thinking when she did this kitchen renovation?

threedgrad-- I was going to suggest "timeless" too but then I remembered the thread about that recently, and the consensus seemed to be that there is no such thing as "timeless."

And if you do go with MCM (I didn't know this automatically meant pink!) I would go with something earthy looking. The MCM homes (at least that's what they've been labeled; I'm NOT an expert at all) that I prefer seem sort of like the next progression of FLW, where the outdoors are connected to the interior.

I like the idea of what I will call "1970's modern" based on mid century and Danish modern that have been suggested by Anele and circus peanut. I totally think you can put granite in there! The idea is to while honoring the architecture, to bring something modern to update the space. You might try googling "1970's inspired modern interior.

Here's one link that is what they are calling "pioneer modern" but you can definitely feel the 1970's and mid century. The organic lines definitely echo danish modern as well. They even rocked some paneling in there! I think it's a good example of how you can honor the 1970's but make it today.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pioneer Modern

House Beautiful recently ran a series of pictures highlighting decorating trends from the '50s through today. THe photographs weren't heavy on trend, though: each had timeless or universal aspects that made the room look livable and pretty even to today's eye. Maybe the '70s room will inspire you?

Here is a link that might be useful: House Beautiful apartment series

I think something to keep in mind, too, is what the standard is in your neighborhood or other comparable neighborhoods in town. While it might not seem "right" to put granite in the home, is that what will nonetheless be expected when you go to sell it?

I think I lived in that same house in Florida growing up. My parents built it in 1977. One bathroom sort of pale harvest gold, the other avocado. Golden shag carpet and harvest gold appliances and countertop. While there may be some die-hard folks out there still working their Farrah Flips, I don't think an "original" from 1976/1977 would have a lot of takers.

My current house was built in 1977, but from an older, more true MCM plan (post and beam, glass, interior garden, etc.) My thought process was this: If this house were built today, considering the changes in technology and availability, what finishes would be used today? Just because laminate was the rage then doesn't mean you have to be a slave to it. But I also felt granite was not quite right. Quartz is what we are going with. When pulling out wall-to-wall carpet and some vinyl, we decided to go with glue-down cork. The cork has some historical context with the style, and we thought it made sense as an "update" from what was there originally.

All that being said, I think the 1960s-70s ranches lend themselves well to a sort of soft contemporary, Candice Olsen look (you can find her stuff on the HGTV site). The houses themselves (unless yours has a particular Spanish or tudor vibe) tend to be blank canvases waiting for paint. This is one style of house that doesn't really pull you in one direction or another when decorating.

i didn't see any kitchens in house beautiful that look like any I saw or was in during the 70's. many I should get out my photo album? lol! butcher block laminate was big tho. I loved that - almost got some but decided to move before I finished the kitchen up. I left it with the red 50's style counter top.
I don't think you need to go back to what was actually in the 70's. just go with what you like - other than making it a Jetson's kitchen.

Here is a link that might be useful: House Beautiful 70's kitchens

WOW! I am so excited to check out all the links provided!

I just want to make a few comments that reference some of your posts and comments.

While resale is always something to think about, this is our "ït" house for the next 15 years, at least. Of course many people say "what if you lose your jobs, get transferred, etc" but my DH and I are both native to SoFla, both have all our families here...no transfer possibities...blah blah blah. Plus, we bought this house extremely cheap...hence the need for major renovations!!

I have decided to do butcher block contertops throughtout the kitchen. They will be waterloxed...we will not cut on them. I just feel that was more '70's than granite, plus, truth be told, they are cheaper and my DH can do the install himself.

That said, we are set on SS appliances...and I NEVER saw a SS appliance growing up in the 70's!!! So I guess I am kind of contradicting myself right there. I do like "ëclectic" and the juxtaposition of wood and stainless....rough textures with refined, etc.

My house does have a slight spanish flair to it (ourtside, before you reach the front door, you step into a porch area that is arched, the exterior is a light mustardy yellow ad the roof is a terracotta colored barrel tile.) So I do want to carry that inside a wee bit.

I keep hearing the name "Candace Olsen" and I know nothing of her work, so I will have to look into her a little further.

We are putting strand bamboo throught the house...and I know strandbamboo wasn't around in the 70s! But it does look just like hardwood, and that'the look we are going for.

I am saving these links to enjoy later (perhaps with a glass of chardonnay?) but right now my poor hubby is working so hard on the landscaping outside I feel guilty sitting here in the A/C on the computer.

Thanks again...I really appreciate the feeback. I just love this forum, and between this one and the kitchen forum I have learned so much in a short amount of time.

For me, the epitome of 1970's style was Bloomingdale's decorating. There's an out-of print book, 1973 Bloomingdale's Book of Home Decorating by Barbara D'Arcy. She was the head of their design department.

Doesn't sound like you want to recreate the 70s look, so much as just define your own. Have you looked through the Finished Kitchens Blog over on the Kitchen Forum? I haven't looked through it in a couple years, but there's one I still remember. Check out Pammo's beautiful wood countertops.

Pammo's kitchen

Here is a link that might be useful: Finished Kitchens Blog

We had our first house built in 1970 and I was very much interested in home decor so can tell you there were many variations of what was "in style" in the 70's. In fact our entire house then would not look out of place now except for the harvest gold rampant in my kitchen. To this day I cannot face the color gold. Of course I've never bot into the mid-century or modern styles of any decade. Mostly I chose traditional style and based very much on what I saw in home decor magazines then.

You might check out this link to Sarah Richardson's site. While she is a very popular designer of our current time I'm always amazed at how her furniture style is almost identical to what a decorator did with my DM's LR in the mid-60's.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sarah Richardson

Lots of good advice here.

For some really well-done '70s style (I was furnishing my first places in the '70s, too), go to the library or a used book store and see if you can find any of the original Conran books on style and decorating. Lots of choices, from Swedish spa to swinging London. Some things that play well nowadays are the great Scandinavian designs, plus lots of ethnic/tribal textiles.

Jakabedy, lol on the Farrah Flip... I was born in the wrong era, b/c that's what my hair naturally wants to do, and I have to expend a lot of mousse and blowdrying to get it to go in the other direction!

More books
http://cgi.ebay.com/70s-MODERN-DECORATING-DESIGN-DECOR-BK-EAMES-DAVID-HICKS_W0QQitemZ170346654902QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090620?IMSfp=TL090620141003r2993

http://cgi.ebay.com/70s-MODERN-RICH-HIPPIE-BOHO-DECORATING-PANTON-COLOMBO_W0QQitemZ190315182641QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090619?IMSfp=TL090619172003r23228

Picture from above book:

{{!gwi}}

dirtymartini: I suspect you already know what you are doing-- at least I know I really like the choices you've made so far! I imagine your home will be gorgeous when you are done! (OK, who's ever done, but you know what I mean . . .)