1970s inspired interiors are the retro fuelled trend taking over our homes this year

1970s interiors are on track to be one of the biggest interior design trends this year, with sales of retro design favorites rocketing.   

According to Habitat, searches for rattan, an iconic seventies staple, have recently jumped by +3000%, while the desire for bamboo has risen 50% in the last month. 

'We often see fashion trends filtering into interiors. This season's hero materials channel the retro charm currently seen all over the catwalk and in fashionable shows like BBC One's The Serpent,' shared Rachael Fell, Buying Manager, Furniture at Habitat (opens in new tab).

Throughout January, Habitat also saw a demand for 'textured upholstery such as bouclé, corduroy, and quilting. We're expecting high demand throughout spring as these tactile materials convey casual comfort, playing into the increasingly popular interiors trend,' Rachel added. 

In a response to this nostalgic trend, luxury furniture designers Arlo and Jacob (opens in new tab)recently released a seventies-infused collection that brings this cosmopolitan era to our contemporary living rooms. The brand similarly emphasized the growing admiration for retro fashions, suggesting that consumers are turning to bold colors to signify a brighter future as the pandemic progresses. 

The idea of spending time with long-lost friends, family members, and neighbors is, according to Arlo and Jacob, shifting our modern interior habits. With the hope that we can socialize in the future, we are looking back to the 1970s- the era of angular-shaped furniture which offers a deep-seating and lots of space to socialize. Sunny yellow tones from this decade particularly reflect a 'pop-tinged playfulness' and, above all else, a sense of optimism for 2021. 

'Homeowners are coming out of their cocoons and starting to make their living rooms feel more sociable,' explained Laura Barnard, the Buying and Merchandising Manager at Arlo and Jacob. 

She continued: 'This is being expressed in strong sales for rich ochres, yellows, and green hues that feel very party friendly and 1970s.'

Looking for another nostalgic trend to introduce into your home this year? The mushroom lamp is the enchanting retro trend you need on your bedside table this year.