They're Baaack: 7 Retro Design Features Making a Comeback
You may have thought (hoped?) you'd never see them again, but these design blasts from the past are better than ever
Samantha Schoech
December 3, 2012
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel and design. I just completed my first remodel, turning my crumbling 1941 kitchen into a beauty of grays, whites and natural wood. If I could, I'd sleep on the countertop. That's how much I love it.
You can also read my parenting blog on Baby Center http://blogs.babycenter.com/author/sschoech/
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel and design.... More
It's true that everything rolls around again. I sometimes wore my mother's old poodle skirts when I was in high school and, well, we've all seen the Flashdance look on today's middle schoolers.
There are some things that become symbols of an era's misguided choices, a shorthand for bad style. Avocado appliances immediately bring to mind '70s suburbia. And not in a good way. But even those things that end up as the butt of jokes about decor delusions can make a comeback. And even things you were happy to see go (forever, you thought) can have a rebirth that makes them beautiful. In the '80s Eichlers were considered cheap and boxy. Now they are vintage treasures selling for millions.
Here are seven design throwbacks that have made a triumphant return.
There are some things that become symbols of an era's misguided choices, a shorthand for bad style. Avocado appliances immediately bring to mind '70s suburbia. And not in a good way. But even those things that end up as the butt of jokes about decor delusions can make a comeback. And even things you were happy to see go (forever, you thought) can have a rebirth that makes them beautiful. In the '80s Eichlers were considered cheap and boxy. Now they are vintage treasures selling for millions.
Here are seven design throwbacks that have made a triumphant return.
Shag Rugs
You might not go wall to wall in green shag anymore, but a long-fiber shag is definitely in. This grass-green area rug is a stylish nod to the abomination of the '70s.
You might not go wall to wall in green shag anymore, but a long-fiber shag is definitely in. This grass-green area rug is a stylish nod to the abomination of the '70s.
A beautifully textured neutral shag is warm, stylish and modern in this room. No Brady Bunch here.
Wood Paneling
Not too long ago wood paneling was an automatic rip-down. It was dark and dated and screamed "1970s rec room." Not so fast. Wood-paneled accent walls are back. But this time they are lighter, often horizontal and real.
Not too long ago wood paneling was an automatic rip-down. It was dark and dated and screamed "1970s rec room." Not so fast. Wood-paneled accent walls are back. But this time they are lighter, often horizontal and real.
A modern horizontal wood accent wall.
The freestanding Malm Lancer fireplace. We had this in mustard yellow in the '70s. What I wouldn't give for one now.
Rotary Phones
What was once an obsolete piece of technology is now a retro design statement.
What was once an obsolete piece of technology is now a retro design statement.
The old-fashioned kitchen-wall rotary phone looks charming and vintage in this eclectic white room.
Flocked Wallpaper
Flocked wallpaper used to be the provenance of Elvis, Vegas and brothels. Tacky, tacky, tacky. Today's fresh and often ironic designs have brought it back. And really, what's so wrong about a little velvety texture on the walls?
Flocked wallpaper used to be the provenance of Elvis, Vegas and brothels. Tacky, tacky, tacky. Today's fresh and often ironic designs have brought it back. And really, what's so wrong about a little velvety texture on the walls?
A flocked damask. This would look amazing on an accent wall in a modern bedroom.
Rattan, Baby
Remember the rattan fan-back chair? Well, it's back.
Remember the rattan fan-back chair? Well, it's back.
Avocado Green
Call it wasabi green if you want, but we know the truth. Avocado is back. Maybe not for appliances, but these kitchen cabinets are getting awfully close.
Call it wasabi green if you want, but we know the truth. Avocado is back. Maybe not for appliances, but these kitchen cabinets are getting awfully close.
Beanbags
Again, what was once a rec room staple is now a living room feature. I can see why: They're so easy to move and so squishily comfy.
Again, what was once a rec room staple is now a living room feature. I can see why: They're so easy to move and so squishily comfy.
A white sheepskin beanbag in a modern eclectic Eichler. Very chic.
More: Tour a Groovy '70s Retro Pad in L.A.
More: Tour a Groovy '70s Retro Pad in L.A.
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Apple green (cheerful) isn't avocado green (dreary).
The "Avocado and yellow" will never remind me of anything other than "mouldy mustard". Yuk.