1970s Kitchen Revival: Trends Designers Don’t Want You To Know

Do you want to step back to a decade of bold colors, funky patterns, and iconic design? The 1970s kitchen is a nostalgic haven, where harvest gold regin and avocado green dominate, and the heart of the home beats with a retro theme. 

Retro aesthetics are returning today, and many homeowners are looking back to the 70s kitchen decor for inspiration.

The 1970s kitchen was more than just a place to cook; it was a vibrant, colorful heart of the home where families gathered, trends were born, and bold design choices dominated.

Let’s explore the timeless appeal of the 1970s kitchen and get inspired to bring this retro charm into your own home.

What Were The Kitchen Trends in The 1970s?

The 1970s was a transformative era for kitchen design. Gone were the days of kitchens hidden from view—open concepts and family-friendly layouts took center stage. Kitchens in the ’70s became more than functional spaces; they were rooms for living where form met bold style.

Kitchens Became Family-Friendly in the ’70s

Before the ’70s, kitchens were primarily workspaces, but as open-plan living became popular, kitchens became communal areas where families could spend time together. Kitchens were designed with ample seating, cozy breakfast nooks, and kitchen islands to make the space more functional for family life.

Groovy Kitchens: A Trip Down Memory Lane

From linoleum floors to avocado green appliances, ’70s kitchens were a groovy mix of vibrant colors, playful patterns, and earthy textures. This unique combination made them cozy, functional, and full of personality. The boldness of the designs reflected the decade’s desire to push boundaries and break away from the minimalist aesthetics of previous years.

The 1970s Kitchen: A Decade of Bold Choices

Kitchens in the ’70s were all about making a statement. Whether with bright colors or innovative new appliances, every kitchen element stood out. 

Think of this as a kitchen revolution, where old-world practicality met futuristic innovation.

What Makes a 1970s Kitchen Unique?

A 1970s kitchen stood out not just because of its distinctive color palette but also because of its unique layout, design, and appliances. Here’s what defined these retro spaces.

1970’s Kitchen Color Palette

The color choices of the 1970s kitchen were unmistakable. Homes across America were bursting with vibrant and earthy tones, and the kitchen was no exception.

• Avocado Green

The iconic avocado green refrigerator symbolized 1970s kitchens.

• Harvest Gold

 Warm and welcoming, this golden hue was a staple for appliances and accessories.

• Groovy Orange

 A splash of orange added energy to countertops and cabinets.

• Earthy Browns

Dark wood cabinets and floors grounded the colorful interiors, adding a touch of nature to the kitchen space.

Decor Pieces for a 1970s Kitchen

If you want to capture the spirit of the ’70s kitchen, the décor is equally important as the color palette.

1970s kitchen cabinets

Dark wood cabinets, often with grain patterns, added an earthy touch to the otherwise bold kitchen.

1970s Kitchen Appliances

Large, colorful appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers in avocado green and harvest gold were essential to the retro vibe.

Add the Following Items and Trends To Transform Your Kitchen into a Retro Haven

A Modern 70’s Color Palette

You can update the classic tones with fresh alternatives to bring a modern twist to the 1970s color palette. While the original era favored bold shades like avocado green and harvest gold, contemporary kitchens can incorporate similar vibrancy with colors like deep reds or soft blues.

Picture a mint green stove, a retro-style microwave in matte black, or even a bright red refrigerator to blend vintage flair with modern design. This approach retains the essence of ’70s charm while giving your kitchen a more refined and updated look.

Patterns Galore: From Funky to Far Out

Patterns were everywhere in the 1970s, from floral wallpaper to geometric tiles. To achieve a full retro aesthetic, you can add these groovy designs to your kitchen backsplash, flooring, or even dishtowelsetic.

Layout and Design: Open Concept Living

The ’70s marked the rise of open-plan kitchens. Remove barriers between the kitchen and living spaces to create a seamless flow, making the kitchen a communal hub again.

The Rise of the Kitchen Island

A kitchen island adds counter space and is a focal point for socializing. In a ’70s-inspired kitchen, an island with a laminate countertop or wood paneling would fit right in.

Breakfast Nooks: Cozy Corners for Family Meals

Breakfast nooks were a key feature of ’70s kitchens. To recreate this family-friendly feature, create a cozy space with cushioned benches and a small table.

The Dining Room Merge: Blurring the Lines

The ’70s kitchen often blurred the lines between cooking and dining spaces. Extend your kitchen into your dining area with open shelving, retro dinnerware, and bold table settings.

Materials and Finishes: A Touch of Texture

Textures were a big part of the 1970s kitchen aesthetic, emphasizing earthy, natural materials like wood and linoleum.

• Linoleum Flooring

 Linoleum floors were a popular choice because they were durable, colorful, and easy to clean. Today, they are making a retro comeback.

• Wallpaper Wonders

Bold, printed wallpaper in floral or geometric designs added a fun, personalized touch.

• Wood Paneling

 Dark wood paneling brought warmth and nature indoors, a vital theme of the ’70s design.

• Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops were stylish and practical, easy to clean, and available in various colors.

Kitchen Appliances of the 1970s: The Heart of That Era

No 1970s kitchen was complete without its iconic appliances. These bold, colorful pieces were both functional and fashionable.

The Appliance Revolution

Appliances were colorful and bold in the ’70s. Consider investing in modern versions of these iconic colors, or find refurbished originals to transport your kitchen back in time.

The Iconic Retro Refrigerator

Nothing says the ’70s quite like an avocado green fridge. Today, you can find modern refrigerators in this retro hue to keep your kitchen on-trend.

Harvest Gold Stoves: Warming Up the Room

Harvest gold stoves added warmth to the kitchen, literally and visually, and are another essential retro element.

Dishwashers: A Modern Convenience

The ’70s also saw the widespread use of dishwashers. To complete your vintage-inspired kitchen, opt for a retro-style dishwasher.

The Microwave Oven: A Space-Age Addition

The microwave was a novelty in the 1970s, bringing a futuristic feel to kitchens. Adding a vintage-style microwave to your space can offer a playful nod to this era.

Lighting and Décor: Setting the Mood

Lighting played a crucial role in setting the ambiance of a ’70s kitchen.

Pendant Lights: Illuminating the Era

Pendant lighting became popular in the 1970s kitchens, with hanging lights over islands or dining areas.

Macramé Madness: Hanging Planters and Wall Art

We’ve all seen plants hanging on macramé hangers in front of kitchen walls in old Hollywood movies and homes. For an authentic retro touch, hang macramé planters filled with spider plants or create a macramé wall hanging.

Funky Fridge Magnets: Expressing Your Personality

Fridge magnets were a playful way to express personality in the kitchen. Find or make magnets with a vintage feel to add a touch of whimsy to your space.

The 1970s Kitchen Legacy

The charm of a 1970s kitchen lies in its bold design choices, vibrant colors, and welcoming, family-friendly layout. Here’s why the style still resonates today.

Reviving the Feeling of the 1970s

Retro kitchens are making a comeback, with modern homeowners longing for the warmth and personality of the past.

Mixing Old and New: Incorporating Vintage Elements

You don’t have to go all-in on a full retro kitchen. Mixing ’70s elements with contemporary design can create a fresh yet nostalgic space.

Lessons Learned: Timeless Design Principles from the 1970s

The open-concept layouts and bold color choices from the ’70s remain timeless design principles that influence modern kitchens.

Things You’d See in a 1970s Kitchen

A 1970s kitchen wasn’t just about color schemes and layouts. Several iconic items would instantly transport you back to that era. Here are some must-have retro elements you can incorporate into your kitchen.

The Original Crockpot

Introduced in the ’70s, the Crockpot became a staple in every household, making slow-cooking a convenient solution for busy families. For a natural vintage touch, find a retro-styled Crockpot or display an original model for an authentic ’70s vibe.

Wall-Mounted Rotary Phone

Every kitchen had a wall-mounted rotary phone, often in bright colors like orange or green. If you’re nostalgic, consider installing a vintage phone for that retro look.

The Jug That Everyone Had

A shared kitchen item in the ’70s was the large jug serving water, lemonade, or iced tea. It was practical yet stylish, typically made from glass or plastic, often featuring floral or geometric designs with a button for unknown reasons on the top.

Electric Skillet

The electric skillet was essential for everything from frying to slow-cooking meals. If you want to create an authentic retro cooking experience, look for a vintage version.

Clunky Oak Table and Chairs

Dining in the kitchen often occurred at large, sturdy oak tables surrounded by matching clunky chairs. These were designed for durability and family gatherings, providing nostalgia for any 1970s-style kitchen.

Ugly, Dirty Cookbooks

Cookbooks with food-stained pages were a regular sight on countertops, showcasing their use in family kitchens. Displaying vintage cookbooks can add a charming, lived-in feel to your kitchen.

Collectible Spoons

Many kitchens featured racks of collectible spoons hung proudly as part of the décor. Incorporating vintage kitchenware or collectible displays can be a fun nod to the ’70s trends.

TV Dinners

The rise of frozen TV dinners in the ’70s signaled the modern convenience of pre-packaged meals. While you may not serve TV dinners regularly, incorporating retro-style packaging or trays into your décor can give your kitchen that unmistakable ’70s feel.

Electric Knife

The electric knife was a futuristic appliance in the 1970s, ideal for slicing everything from roasts to bread. Having one in your kitchen adds both functionality and a throwback aesthetic.

Avocado Green Appliances

As mentioned earlier, avocado green was the color of choice for refrigerators and stoves. Modern replicas or vintage finds can incorporate this color to maintain the authenticity of the era.

Electric Can Opener

The electric can opener was a cutting-edge appliance in the ’70s. To maintain its practicality and design, you can find a vintage model or opt for a retro-inspired version.

Giant Coffee Maker

Larger coffee makers were introduced in the 1970s, ideal for serving an entire family or group of friends. You can display a large, retro-style coffee maker on your kitchen countertop.

Pyrex Bowls

Pyrex bowls, often in vibrant colors and patterns, were a mainstay in ’70s kitchens. Their durable and versatile nature makes them great for cooking and serving, and incorporating them into your kitchen design adds utility and style.

Fondue Sets

Fondue became wildly popular in the ’70s, and having a fondue set in your kitchen adds a playful, social element to your décor, especially if you love hosting parties.

Electric Popcorn Popper

An electric popcorn popper was a fun and popular appliance for family movie nights. Incorporating this into your kitchen as a retro décor and functional item can recreate that cozy family atmosphere.

Mushroom Motif Décor

Mushroom motifs were everywhere in the 1970s, from wallpaper to dish towels. Add some mushroom-inspired accents, whether through artwork or tableware, to capture the essence of the decade.

Owl Motif Décor

Owl motifs were another popular décor element featured on kitchen items like mugs, wall art, and clocks. Incorporating these motifs adds a whimsical and authentic ’70s vibe to your kitchen.

Formica Table Top Coming Apart

Formica tabletops were practical yet often prone to peeling after years of use. While you may not want to recreate the wear and tear, a refurbished Formica table can be a practical, stylish nod to the era.

Rattan Furniture

Rattan was an essential material for kitchen furniture in the ’70s. Imagine a rattan chair placed near the wall-mounted phone in your grandmother’s home.

Today, you can find modern versions that evoke the retro style while offering modern durability and comfort.

Floral Wallpaper

Floral wallpaper was bold and bright in the 1970s, and modern wallpapers that pay homage to the vintage style can still achieve this look today. Use floral patterns on an accent wall to give your kitchen a dramatic retro twist.

Colorful Linoleum Floors

Linoleum floors in the 1970s were known for their bold, often chaotic color schemes. Add retro-style linoleum flooring with geometric patterns or bright colors to maintain that vintage aesthetic.

Preserving the 1970s Kitchen: Essential Tips

If you’re preserving a 1970s kitchen, maintaining its retro charm while keeping it functional is vital. Here’s a practical guide to help you care for vintage elements efficiently.

Maintaining Vintage Appliances

Vintage appliances are iconic but need proper care to stay functional. Clean them regularly using appropriate products and service them as needed to avoid breakdowns.

Sourcing Replacement Parts

Finding parts for older appliances can be challenging. Specialized suppliers and online stores are good places to start. For necessary repairs, seek out local repair experts familiar with vintage models.

Restoration and Refurbishment

For appliances needing more than maintenance, restoration is the next step. Professionals specializing in vintage appliances can restore both their look and functionality.

Caring for Retro Materials

Unique 1970s materials like linoleum flooring and wood paneling require specific care to retain their original appeal.

• Linoleum Flooring: Clean with pH-neutral cleaners and apply protective wax to prevent wear.
• Wood Paneling: Dust regularly and avoid liquid cleaners. For damages, consult a wood restorer.
• Laminate Countertops: Wipe with mild detergent and use baking soda paste for tough stains. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Updating a 1970s Kitchen

Preserving the original style doesn’t mean you can’t update for modern functionality.

• Retro Elements: Incorporate bold colors or vintage-inspired appliances without overwhelming the space.

• Balancing Functionality: Modern energy-efficient appliances and new cabinetry can complement the vintage look, offering improved usability without losing the retro charm.

Color Palette Inspiration

Incorporate classic ’70s colors like avocado green or harvest gold sparingly through accent walls or appliances, giving your kitchen a refreshed retro look.

Why the ’70s Style Endures

1970s kitchens stand out for their bold design, mixing color, texture, and personality. This playful and expressive aesthetic makes a solid comeback in today’s homes.

Incorporating Retro Elements in Modern Kitchens

You don’t need a fully retro kitchen to embrace the ’70s style. Vintage-inspired appliances, funky wallpaper, or retro décor pieces can instantly create that nostalgic vibe in any space.

Emotional Connection to Vintage Kitchens

For many, a 1970s kitchen evokes nostalgia and personal memories. Whether you grew up with one or simply loved the era, preserving these kitchens maintains an emotional link to the past.

Changes in Kitchen Design Trends Over the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s

Kitchen design has evolved significantly over the decades, with each era leaving its distinct mark on home interiors. While the 1970s celebrated bold colors and patterns, later decades moved toward more minimalism and practicality.

The 1980s: Pastels and Simplicity

The 1980s saw a departure from the bold colors of the ’70s. Kitchens in this decade embraced pastel shades, white cabinetry, and a focus on sleek, simple designs. Microwaves and other modern conveniences became staples in homes.

1990s: Subdued and Functional

The 1990s kitchen favored more neutral tones and functional designs. Practicality and ease of maintenance became the priority, with the rise of granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances marking the decade’s trend.

2000s: Open-Concept and Tech-Forward

In the early 2000s, more advanced kitchen appliances and a furthering of the open-concept layout were introduced. Kitchens became high-tech hubs with smart refrigerators, energy-efficient appliances, and granite or quartz countertops.

Conclusion

A well-preserved 1970s kitchen adds unique charm to your home. You can enjoy a vintage space’s character and functionality by maintaining appliances, caring for retro materials, and carefully incorporating modern updates.