Some like to call it the decade that time forgot, but we're here to tell you that the 1970s are back. No, that doesn't mean you have to dig out your best polyester slacks, we're talking interiors inspiration along the lines of natural materials, geometric patterns and a 70s-inspired colour palette.
Thankfully, the 2022 approach to retro style isn't all avocado bathroom suites, lava lamps and shag pile. Instead, one of the key trends for 2022 sees us taking a leaf out of the hippies' book by being altogether gutsier in our approach to decorating.
Here, we take a look at the Seventies retro revival and explore how you can rock this look in your home 😎
STEP BACK IN TIME
So why are 70s vibes entering our interior decisions in 2022? Well, some of it's down to cultural influences such as TV shows like BBC1's The Serpent and Netflix's Halston. Then there's the fashion world which has seen a huge boom in the popularity of jumpsuits, flares and bold patterns. And, as we all know, where the catwalk goes, interiors usually follow 💃
"The 70s influence is going to be massive in 2022 and we're going to be seeing a lot more terracottas and dark plaster pinks," says COAT's Colour Lead, Aaron Markwell. "These shades have brown undertones, just like lots of the popular colours in the 70s, which makes them really warm and inviting to use in your home.
"Our new golden yellow House Points also ties in perfectly with the 70s aesthetic, as does our vivid lime green Plant Power which links to those lovely retro olive and chartreuse greens."
The vintage look also chimes with the growing popularity of sustainable homewares. Those cool 70s cats were making, re-using and recycling way before we learnt to lurve our planet. Think macramé plant pot holders, fringed lampshades and rustic pottery. Big respect to the hippies! 🙌
RETRO RUSTIC TEXTURES
Rustic, natural materials were all the rage back in the 70s. Rattan, cane and wicker are big news for 2022, too. Bring a bit of nostalgic style into your home with accessories such as the Raffia Ruff table lamp from Rose & Grey and Natural Pampas Grass Stems from Rockett St. George 🌱
And while it was perfectly acceptable to turn you front room into a ski chalet back in 1972, the new way to create wood cladding is with contemporary, slatted panelling from Acupanel. Available in a range of finishes such as oak and walnut, these super cool wall panels are the perfect way to update the 70s look in your home.
Melanie used '2am' to create depth in her spare bedroom. @my_grey_place
"Another growing movement in interior design is that of biophilic design, or bringing a connection to nature into our homes," says interior designer Nicola Holden. "A lot of the 70s trends incorporate this, such as wood panelling, shag pile carpets, fringing, the use of natural materials, texture and curved shapes."
Hop on the biophilic band wagon by bringing 70s-style greenery into your home in the form of pot plants (no, not those kind of pot plants ) such as spider plants, rubber plants or Boston ferns. They're almost impossible to kill, and the latter have long, ruffled fronds which will cascade beautifully down the sides of your macramé plant pot holder 🌿
FUNKY PATTERNS ARE GO!
Along with flared trousers and mahoosive collars, those 70s folks loved nothing more than a bold, geometric pattern. And while we're not quite ready to go totally psychedelic with our home furnishings, there are some gorgeous looks around at the moment which make a nod to the 70s but in an oh-so-tasteful way.
Our first crush when it comes to bold patterns is Cole & Son's slightly crazy Luxor wallpaper featuring a graphic trellis design in a striking pink and orange colour way. It would make an amazing statement on a chimney breast or alcove when paired with our newly-launched pale pink Percy 💕
Cole & Son Luxor Wallpaper. It's a show stopper.
The tile magicians at Bert & May have come up with a 70s-inspired design called
Ric Rac which brings delicious wobbly lines to your bathroom walls or kitchen splashback. The tiles can be used in a myriad of different combos to create some really funky designs ✨
We also love the Absida Rainbow Rug from Ruggable with its pleasing retro palette of mustard, orange and brown. This geometric pattern would look amazing alongside the bouclé Sennen Curved Sofa from Sedilia.
COOL COLOUR COMBOS
The original 70s colours of oranges, browns and sludgy greens have given way to a slightly more appealing reinterpretation this time around. Earthy colours are still the way to go, but 2022 will see the rise of gentler terracottas and taupes which help give a cocooning, restful feel to a space.
Look out for our new range of terracotta and taupe shades due to launch very soon as part of COAT's shiny new colour collection. There's also going to be a cracker of a punchy new yellow shade which will be spot-on for nailing that Seventies vibe 💛
When it comes to retro colour choices, it's also worth checking out our heritage range developed in collaboration with iconic retailer Heal's. This collection of six exclusive shades has a selection of neutrals, blues and greens to help you create your very own nostalgic oasis. Peace out, man! ✌
@️coloursofnumberone transforming her bathroom space using Heals x Coat 'Dodie'
GIVE YOUR BATHROOM A GLOW UP
Those 70s cool cats sure knew how to liven up a bathroom. Boring white tubs were ripped out to make way for colourful lavs in avocado, turquoise and even burgundy 😱 And while we're not suggesting a return to an avo suite complete with a fluffy toilet seat cover, we are all for the new trend for coloured bathroom ceramics.
This fresh take on retro bathroom styling brings vibrant pops of contemporary colour to the smallest room in the house. We can't get enough of Kast Concrete Basins' Iva ribbed design which comes in delicious duck egg and coral shades. And this white-and-yellow basin from Aston Matthews is also pretty dreamy and would provide the perfect pop of colour for the downstairs loo 🌈
Want to step back in time to get that 70s vibe? Check out our range of quality, eco-friendly, on-trend paint colours
