We all know that trends come back and maybe you’ve noticed that this summer had a lot of elements from the 1970s, at least when it came to fashion: platforms, flared pants, flower-head bands and so on. So, in their honor, we thought we’d write about what defined interior design in those 1970s years, especially since we are talking about a decade that really influenced the latter evolution of architecture, design and furniture or accessories design.
If we were to think about a single word that best describes that era, contrast would probably fit it best, since the 1970s were divided between futuristic visions and going back to nature and basic elements, between dull earthy shades and vibrant colors, between wood and plastics, between stuffy carpeting, doubled by claustrophobic walls covered with wooden panels or wallpaper with tiresome patterns and large windows, clear, liberating, shedding a powerful light on large open spaces.
If we were to think about furniture in particular, we have to say that the absolute stars of the hippie decade were the chairs and it’s no wonder since it was the time when huge design progress was achieved on their niche and also for modular office furniture. Furthermore, we are talking about the dawn of the ergonomic era for furniture. Also, those were years of innovation for plastics and other high-tech materials, boldly mixed with glass, metal and wood (especially teak and pine). Geometric shapes and lines contoured a lot of the creative works of any kind, contrasting with floral patterns on the walls or the many bulky pieces of hardwood furniture.
Of course, those were times with a special kind of spirit and it was unavoidable for that spirit to influence every other aspect of life. It was an era of free expression and brave experiments, even in the design area, so there’s no doubt in our minds that the world of today would be a whole lot more boring if we wouldn’t have lived through the 1970s.
