Exploring 1970s Home Exterior Design: Key Features and Modern Updates
The 1970s represented a unique and often misunderstood chapter in residential architecture. Emerging from the sleek, minimalist lines of mid-century modernism, this decade embraced a more eclectic, earth-bound, and sometimes audacious design language. It was an era of transition, reflecting societal shifts towards environmentalism and a desire for individuality.
This article delves into the defining characteristics of the 70s home exterior, from its architectural styles to its distinctive materials and color palettes. We will explore the key features that make these homes unique and provide a comprehensive guide on how to sensitively update them for contemporary living. Understanding the soul of the 70s home exterior is the first step toward celebrating its legacy while adapting it for the 21st century.
The Architectural DNA of the 1970s
The design sensibilities of the 1970s did not emerge in a vacuum. They were a direct response to the cultural, economic, and environmental climate of the time. This context is crucial to understanding the aesthetics of the 70s home exterior.
The decade was marked by a growing environmental consciousness, which heavily influenced design choices. This “back-to-the-land” movement translated into a preference for natural materials, earthy colors, and homes that felt integrated with their surroundings. The result was a design ethos that valued warmth, texture, and a connection to nature over stark modernism.
Simultaneously, the 1970s energy crisis put a new emphasis on efficiency, though often interpreted through a 70s lens. Smaller windows, deep roof overhangs, and a focus on passive solar design began to appear in some architectural styles. This practical consideration, combined with a desire for expressive forms, created the complex character of the quintessential 70s home exterior.
Signature Styles of the 70s Home Exterior
While the decade was eclectic, several dominant architectural styles defined the suburban landscape. These forms ranged from evolved mid-century classics to bold new expressions of geometry and function. Each style contributed to the rich tapestry of the 70s home exterior.
The Enduring Split-Level and Ranch
The Ranch and Split-Level homes, darlings of the post-war boom, did not disappear in the 1970s; they evolved. These homes grew larger and incorporated more complex, asymmetrical floor plans. The straightforward simplicity of the 50s and 60s gave way to a more textured and angular aesthetic.
These updated versions often featured attached two-car garages that were prominently integrated into the main facade. The classic picture window was sometimes replaced with a series of smaller, vertical windows or a large bay window. This evolution created a more substantial and visually complex 70s home exterior compared to its predecessors.
Materials also saw a significant shift on these familiar forms. Smooth, painted wood siding was frequently replaced with rough-sawn cedar, textured brick in earthy tones, or decorative stone veneers. These elements added a layer of rustic charm that was central to the decade’s design philosophy.
The Rise of the Shed Style
Perhaps no style is more uniquely emblematic of the 1970s than the Shed Style. This architectural form is characterized by its dynamic composition of multiple, single-pitch rooflines sloping in different directions. The result is a dramatic, angular, and highly geometric facade.
The Shed Style rejected traditional symmetry in favor of a fragmented, almost sculptural appearance. The exterior was often clad in vertical or diagonal wood siding, which emphasized the home’s sharp angles and soaring lines. This bold approach created a powerful and unforgettable 70s home exterior.
Windows in Shed Style homes were typically small and asymmetrically placed to enhance the geometric complexity and create private interior spaces. Entryways were often recessed and understated, drawing focus to the building’s dramatic form. This style perfectly captured the decade’s spirit of unconventional self-expression.
A-Frame and Chalet Influences
The 1970s saw a surge in the popularity of vacation home styles for primary residences. A-Frames and Swiss-inspired Chalets became common in suburban developments, bringing a touch of mountain-resort living to everyday life. These styles were prized for their dramatic rooflines and connection to the outdoors.
The defining feature of these homes is a steeply pitched roof that often extends nearly to the ground, forming two of the home’s main walls. This created stunning, cathedral-like ceilings on the interior and a striking presence from the street. The facade was typically dominated by large, triangular-shaped windows that flooded the living spaces with natural light.
This style of 70s home exterior heavily emphasized natural wood, both for the structure and the siding. Decks and balconies were common features, further blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. This cozy, rustic aesthetic resonated deeply with the era’s back-to-nature ethos.
Key Materials and Color Palettes of the Era
Beyond architectural form, the identity of the 70s home exterior is defined by its specific palette of materials and colors. These choices were deliberate, reflecting a desire for warmth, texture, and harmony with the natural environment. The combination of these elements created a look that is instantly recognizable today.
The overarching theme was a move away from the manufactured and towards the organic. Materials were chosen for their tactile qualities and their ability to age and weather gracefully. This celebration of the natural world is a core tenet of the 70s home exterior.
An Earthy and Natural Material Palette
Wood was arguably the most dominant material of the 1970s. Rough-sawn cedar, redwood, and pine were used extensively for siding, often applied vertically, horizontally, or even diagonally to create visual interest. This raw, unfinished look was a stark departure from the neatly painted siding of previous decades.
Brick was another staple, but the bright reds of the past were replaced with muted earth tones. Hues of a brown, tan, orange, and even charcoal were popular, often with a rough, textured finish. Many homes featured a combination of brick and wood, creating a layered and texturally rich 70s home exterior.
Stone, particularly rugged and irregular fieldstone or lava rock, was frequently used as an accent. It appeared on entryway columns, chimney exteriors, and low retaining walls in the landscaping. This use of heavy, natural stone further grounded the homes in their landscape, reinforcing the organic aesthetic of the 70s home exterior.
The Quintessential 70s Color Scheme
The color palette is perhaps the most famous—and sometimes infamous—aspect of 1970s design. Driven by the “earth tone” trend, the colors used on a 70s home exterior were warm, muted, and pulled directly from nature. This scheme was a complete rejection of the pastels of the 50s and the bright primaries of the 60s.
These colors were meant to be comforting, cozy, and unassuming. The goal was to create a home that felt like a natural extension of the surrounding environment. This philosophy guided the selection of every exterior paint color, from the main body to the trim and front door.
Dominant Earth Tones
The foundation of the 70s color palette was a deep and varied range of browns. shades like chocolate, rust, ochre, and sand were used extensively as the main body color for houses. These colors paired beautifully with natural wood siding and earth-toned brick.
Beige, tan, and muted off-whites were also common choices, serving as a slightly lighter base that still maintained the overall earthy feel. These neutral tones provided a perfect backdrop for the bolder accent colors of the era. This commitment to earth tones is a hallmark of the authentic 70s home exterior.
Bold Accent Colors
While the base colors were muted, the 70s were not devoid of color. The accents used on trim, shutters, and front doors were often bold and distinctive. These colors added a pop of personality to the otherwise subdued 70s home exterior.
Avocado Green is one of the most iconic colors of the era, frequently used on front doors and window trim. Harvest Gold, a deep and warm yellow, served a similar purpose, adding a cheerful touch to the earthy palette. Burnt Orange and deep reds were also popular, providing a vibrant contrast that still felt grounded and natural.
Modernizing the 70s Home Exterior: A Guide to Sensitive Updates
Many homeowners today are looking to update their 70s home exterior while preserving its unique character. The key is to make thoughtful changes that respect the home’s original architecture rather than attempting to completely erase its identity. A successful renovation celebrates the best of the 70s while bringing the home into the modern era.
The goal should be a refreshment, not a total transformation. Focus on key areas like color, materials, and landscaping to make the biggest impact. By working with the home’s inherent strengths, you can create a stunning and contemporary version of the classic 70s home exterior.
The first step is a thorough assessment of your home’s condition. Identify what needs to be repaired or replaced versus what can be refreshed with a simple cosmetic update. This strategic approach will save money and lead to a more cohesive final design.
A fresh coat of paint is the single most effective way to transform a dated 70s home exterior. Today’s trends lean towards more sophisticated and nuanced color palettes. Instead of the original deep brown, consider a rich charcoal, a warm gray, or a deep navy blue for the main body.
For a lighter look, creamy whites or soft, smoky greens can beautifully modernize the home while still nodding to the original earthy vibe. The key is to choose a color that complements the home’s existing materials, such as its brick or stone accents. A modern color scheme can instantly elevate the entire 70s home exterior.
When choosing accent colors for the trim and door, move away from the classic Avocado and Harvest Gold. A crisp black or bright white trim can create a sharp, modern contrast that highlights the home’s unique architectural lines. For the front door, a bold but contemporary color like teal, sunny yellow, or even a rich eggplant can serve as a stylish focal point.
If the original wood siding is in poor condition, replacing it is a major but worthwhile investment. Consider modern materials like fiber cement siding, which offers the look of wood with superior durability and less maintenance. Opt for clean, horizontal lap siding for a more contemporary feel, or retain the original vertical or diagonal pattern for a more authentic restoration.
For homes with painted brick, consider stripping the paint to reveal the original texture, which can add immense character. If the brick itself is dated, a process called “German schmear” or a simple whitewash can dramatically lighten and modernize its appearance without completely hiding the texture. This approach honors the material integrity of the 70s home exterior.
Updating windows and the front door can have a huge impact on both aesthetics and energy efficiency. Replace old, small aluminum-frame windows with larger, black-framed windows to create a more modern look and let in more natural light. A new front door with clean lines and simple glass inserts can instantly update the entryway.
Landscaping plays a crucial role in framing the 70s home exterior. Remove overgrown, shapeless shrubs that may be hiding the home’s architecture. Instead, opt for structured, modern landscaping with a mix of grasses, architectural plants like yuccas, and simple, clean-lined garden beds.
A new, modern walkway made of large concrete pavers can create a more inviting entrance. Updated exterior lighting is another essential element. Swap out dated brass lanterns for sleek, minimalist fixtures in a black or bronze finish to complete the modern transformation of your 70s home exterior.
Many design elements of the 70s home exterior are once again in vogue. The focus on natural materials, the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, and the use of warm, earthy colors align perfectly with many contemporary design trends. Instead of fighting these elements, embrace them as part of your update.
The strong geometric lines of the Shed Style, for example, are inherently modern. By simply updating the color palette and landscaping, these homes can look incredibly current. Similarly, the vaulted ceilings and large windows of an A-Frame are timeless features that should be celebrated.
Remember that the goal is not to make your 70s house look like a new-build from today. The charm lies in its unique history and character. A successful modernization project will result in a home that feels fresh and current, yet still proudly displays the architectural soul of its era, creating a truly unique and appealing 70s home exterior.
Conclusion: Embracing the 70s Legacy
The 70s home exterior is a testament to an era of bold design and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Characterized by earthy materials, unique architectural styles like the Shed and A-Frame, and a distinctive color palette, these homes offer a unique canvas for homeowners today. They are a significant part of our architectural history.
Rather than viewing their features as dated, we can see them as opportunities for creative and sensitive modernization. By updating color schemes, refining materials, and rethinking landscaping, the classic 70s home exterior can be transformed into a stylish and contemporary residence. Embracing its legacy is the key to unlocking its full potential for a new generation.
