Bring Back the 70s Vibe: Cool Exterior Ideas for a Retro Home Look
Remember the 1970s? It was an era of bell-bottoms, shag carpets, and a groovy, laid-back attitude that celebrated individuality and a connection to nature. That unforgettable vibe is making a huge comeback, and it’s not just in fashion; it’s taking over home design in the best way possible.
People are craving authenticity and warmth, and the 70s aesthetic delivers exactly that. We’re not talking about a museum replica, but about capturing that free-spirited essence and applying it to your home’s curb appeal. Let’s dive into some far-out ideas to help you create the perfect 70s home exterior.
Understanding the Core 70s Home Exterior Aesthetic
Before you start picking out paint chips, it helps to understand the philosophy behind the look. The 70s home exterior was all about blending in with the natural environment. Think organic forms, a sense of honesty in materials, and a design that felt grounded and real.
This style moved away from the rigid symmetry of previous decades. It embraced A-frame roofs, split-level layouts, and interesting angles that made each house feel unique. The goal was to create a home that felt like a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the world, a core principle for any aspiring 70s home exterior.
A huge part of this was the seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. Large windows, sliding glass doors, and integrated patios weren’t just features; they were essential elements. This design approach invited nature in and made the surrounding landscape a part of the home’s overall design, a key feature of the 70s home exterior.
The Groovy Color Palette: Painting Your Way to the 70s
Nothing screams 70s quite like its iconic color palette. The colors of the era were warm, earthy, and deeply inspired by the natural world. Choosing the right color combination is the fastest and most impactful way to start crafting your 70s home exterior.
These weren’t shy, muted colors; they had depth and personality. They were meant to feel comforting, cozy, and a little bit bold all at once. Getting the color right sets the entire mood for your retro renovation.
Don’t be afraid to lean into this palette, as it’s the foundation of the entire look. A well-chosen color scheme can instantly transport your home back in time. This is a crucial step in designing an authentic 70s home exterior.
Earthy Tones are Your Best Friend
The absolute bedrock of the 70s color scheme is a rich collection of earthy tones. Think of colors you’d find on a walk through an autumn forest. This is the heart and soul of the authentic 70s home exterior.
You can’t go wrong with shades like burnt orange, avocado green, and harvest gold. Deep chocolate browns, mustard yellows, and muted rust reds were also incredibly popular. These colors were used generously as the main body color for the house, creating a grounded, welcoming presence.
These hues work beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone, which we’ll get to later. They create a harmonious look that feels both intentional and completely organic. A commitment to these earthy tones is what makes a 70s home exterior truly stand out.
Bold Accents for That Pop of Funk
While the base of the 70s home exterior was earthy, the era was also known for its playful and funky side. This is where bold accent colors come into play. They provide contrast and inject a dose of personality into the overall design.
Consider painting your front door a vibrant, eye-catching color. A sunny yellow, a bright turquoise, or even a bold orange can create a fantastic focal point. This single pop of color can make a huge statement.
These accents weren’t limited to just the front door. Window trims, garage doors, or even decorative fascia boards could be painted in a contrasting color. This technique adds visual interest and captures the fun-loving spirit of the 70s aesthetic.
Combining Colors without Going Overboard
The key to a successful 70s home exterior color scheme is balance. You want it to look retro and cool, not chaotic or dated. A good rule of thumb is to stick with a simple, three-color palette.
Choose a dominant earthy tone for the main siding or body of your house. Next, select a secondary neutral or a slightly lighter/darker shade of your main color for the trim. Finally, pick a single, bold accent color for the front door and maybe one or two other small details.
This approach ensures your home has that groovy 70s vibe without overwhelming the eye. It honors the era’s love for color while maintaining a sense of curated design. This thoughtful balance is what elevates a good 70s home exterior to a great one.
Key Architectural Elements of a 70s Home Exterior
Beyond color, the actual structure and materials used are what truly define the 70s home exterior. The era celebrated natural textures and architectural forms that broke from tradition. Incorporating some of these key elements will give your home an authentic retro foundation.
These features were all about character and substance. The materials were often left in their natural state to showcase their inherent beauty. This focus on texture and form is a hallmark of the period’s design.
From the siding on the walls to the shape of the windows, every element played a part in creating a cohesive and nature-inspired look. Paying attention to these architectural details will make your 70s home exterior feel complete. The right materials are fundamental to achieving the desired look.
Embrace Natural Materials
The 1970s saw a major shift towards using natural, textured materials on home facades. Wood siding was incredibly popular, often installed vertically or diagonally to create visual interest. Cedar and redwood were common choices, prized for their durability and warm, rich color.
Stone was another go-to material, used to create dramatic accent walls, chimneys, or foundational skirting. Fieldstone and flagstone provided a rugged, organic texture that contrasted beautifully with smooth wood siding. This interplay of textures is a defining characteristic of a classic 70s home exterior.
Brick, especially in earthy red and brown tones, was also a staple. It was used for entire facades or as a complementary element alongside wood and stone. The goal was always to create a rich, tactile experience that felt connected to the earth, a core concept for the 70s home exterior.
Windows and Doors: The Soul of Your Retro Facade
Windows and doors in the 70s were more than just functional; they were major design statements. They were instrumental in achieving the era’s goal of blending indoor and outdoor living. The right windows and front door are an essential part of your 70s home exterior project.
Functionally, they were designed to let in as much natural light as possible. Aesthetically, their shape, size, and placement were carefully considered to complement the home’s often-asymmetrical design. They truly acted as the eyes of the home.
Choosing styles that reflect this design ethos will have a massive impact. This is an area where you can make a significant change that honors the retro spirit. It’s a crucial component for any compelling 70s home exterior.
Large, Geometric Windows
One of the most recognizable features of a 70s home exterior is the use of large panes of glass. Expansive picture windows in living areas were common, designed to frame the view of the outdoors like a piece of living art. Sliding glass doors leading out to patios or decks were also a must-have.
The era also played with geometric and unusual window shapes. You might find circular, arched, or triangular windows used as high-up accent pieces or clerestory windows placed just below the roofline to let in more light. These unique shapes added a touch of custom, architectural flair.
The window frames themselves were often simple and unobtrusive. Dark bronze or black aluminum frames were popular, as were natural wood frames. The focus was always on the view and the light, not on ornate trim.
The Statement Front Door
The front door on a 70s home exterior was a chance to make a bold first impression. Forget plain, boring doors; this was a place for personality to shine. It was often the spot for that pop of funky accent color we talked about earlier.
Many 70s front doors were made of solid, heavy wood, sometimes with intricate carved geometric patterns. Double doors were also a popular feature for a grander entrance. The hardware was equally important, with chunky, oversized handles in brass or antiqued metal finishes.
Sidelights—narrow vertical windows flanking the front door—were another common feature. They often featured textured or colored glass for privacy while still allowing light to filter into the entryway. A carefully chosen front door is a powerful tool for establishing your home’s retro credential, making it a perfect final touch for your 70s home exterior.
Landscaping and Outdoor Living: Completing the Vibe
You can’t have a perfect 70s home exterior without considering the yard. The landscaping of the era was designed to feel natural and low-maintenance, as if the house had sprouted right from the ground. It was an extension of the home itself, not just a manicured afterthought.
The philosophy was to work with the land, not against it. This meant embracing native plants, natural stone, and organic layouts. The result was a yard that felt like a private, peaceful sanctuary.
Outdoor living spaces were also key. Decks, patios, and even sunken conversation pits were designed to be used. They were social hubs that further blurred the line between inside and out, a crucial part of the 70s home exterior lifestyle. This is how you truly finish the look.
The plants chosen for a 70s home exterior were often textural and a bit wild. Think ornamental grasses, ferns, and sprawling groundcovers. Manicured, formal flower beds were out; natural, free-flowing planting areas were in.
Large, natural stones or railroad ties were often used to create retaining walls and garden borders. Mulch made from wood chips or bark was common, reinforcing the earthy, natural aesthetic. The goal was to create a landscape that looked beautiful but didn’t require constant, fussy maintenance.
For outdoor living, wood decks were incredibly popular, often multi-leveled to follow the contours of the land. Concrete patios were also common, sometimes with aggregate finishes for extra texture. A key feature of an authentic 70s home exterior is a space that encourages you to get outside and enjoy nature.
Think about creating a small, cozy seating area with some retro outdoor furniture. A built-in planter box or a strategically placed large pot can add a touch of green. Completing the landscape is what ties your entire 70s home exterior together into one cohesive, groovy package.
Conclusion: Your Home, Your 70s Story
Bringing the 70s vibe to your home’s curb appeal is all about embracing warmth, nature, and a touch of funky personality. It’s a style that feels more relevant than ever in our search for comfortable and authentic living spaces. The perfect 70s home exterior is one that reflects these values.
From the rich, earthy color palette to the use of natural wood and stone, every element works together to create a look that is both nostalgic and timeless. Remember to focus on large windows that connect you to the outdoors and a landscape that feels like a natural retreat. A well-executed 70s home exterior is a celebration of relaxed living.
Ultimately, the best part of this style is its versatility and emphasis on individuality. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas to create a look that’s uniquely you. So go ahead, turn up the Fleetwood Mac, and start designing a groovy 70s home exterior that you’ll love coming home to for years to come.
