How to Restore and Modernize a 1970s Home Exterior
Homes built in the 1970s possess a unique architectural character that is often misunderstood. Defined by earthy tones, bold lines, and a connection to nature, these structures can be true gems. However, decades of wear and changing design trends can leave them looking dated and in need of a refresh.
Restoring and modernizing a 70s home exterior is a rewarding project that blends vintage charm with contemporary style. The key is to understand the home’s original design language while making thoughtful updates that improve both aesthetics and function. This guide provides an informative roadmap for transforming your property into a stunning modern classic.
Understanding the Unique Characteristics of a 70s Home Exterior
Before beginning any renovation, it is crucial to recognize the defining features of your home. A typical 70s home exterior was not a monolith but rather a collection of styles that shared common themes. These homes were a departure from the uniformity of previous decades, embracing individuality and a more rugged aesthetic.
The most common architectural styles of the era include the ranch, the split-level, and the shed style. Ranch homes continued their mid-century popularity with long, low profiles, while split-levels offered dynamic interior spaces reflected in their staggered exteriors. The shed style, with its multiple, angular rooflines and diagonal wood siding, is perhaps the most quintessentially 1970s look.
Materials were chosen for their natural and textured appearance. A classic 70s home exterior often features dark or painted brick, vertical or diagonal wood siding (like cedar or redwood), and sometimes stucco. These elements were combined to create visual interest and a sense of organic connection to the landscape.
Another hallmark of the 70s home exterior is its distinct architectural details. You will often find asymmetrical facades, large picture windows or clerestory windows to bring in natural light, and deeply recessed entryways. The original color palettes leaned heavily on earth tones such as avocado green, harvest gold, and rustic brown, which are often the first elements homeowners choose to update. Understanding these foundational characteristics is the first step in a successful modernization of your 70s home exterior.
Initial Assessment and Planning Your Restoration
A successful renovation begins with a thorough assessment and a well-defined plan. This phase is about looking past the cosmetic issues to understand the structural health of your home. It ensures your investment is sound and your design choices are built on a solid foundation.
Before you dream of color palettes and new siding, it is essential to evaluate the core components of the building. This inspection will inform your budget, timeline, and the overall scope of the project. A careful assessment prevents unexpected costs and ensures the longevity of your updates to the 70s home exterior.
Inspecting the Foundation and Structural Integrity
Your home’s foundation is its most critical element. Look for visible cracks in the concrete or brickwork, especially those that are horizontal or wider than a quarter of an inch. Also, check for signs of moisture in the basement or crawl space, as this can indicate drainage issues that need to be addressed.
Addressing structural problems is a non-negotiable first step in any major renovation. Hiring a structural engineer for a professional evaluation can provide peace of mind and a clear path forward. Ensuring the structural integrity of your unique 70s home exterior is paramount.
Evaluating Siding, Roofing, and Windows
The primary protectors of your home—the siding, roof, and windows—require careful inspection. Look for rotting wood siding, cracked or warped vinyl, and crumbling mortar in brickwork. The condition of these materials will heavily influence your decision to repair, restore, or replace them.
Your roof should be checked for missing or damaged shingles, leaks, and proper ventilation. Windows on a 70s home exterior are often single-pane and inefficient by today’s standards. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient windows can significantly reduce utility bills and improve indoor comfort.
Creating a Cohesive Design Plan and Budget
With a clear understanding of your home’s condition, you can begin the creative phase. Decide on your desired aesthetic. Do you want to lean into a refreshed mid-century modern look, or are you aiming for a more contemporary or modern farmhouse style?
Gather inspiration from magazines, websites, and your neighborhood to create a vision board. This will help you and any potential contractors stay aligned on the final look for your 70s home exterior. At this stage, create a detailed budget that accounts for materials, labor, and a contingency fund of 10-15% for unexpected issues.
Key Areas for Modernization and Restoration
Once your planning is complete, you can focus on the specific elements that will have the most significant impact. The goal is to make targeted changes that honor the home’s original lines while bringing it firmly into the 21st century. Transforming a 70s home exterior often involves a few key areas that deliver maximum visual return.
These updates range from large-scale changes like new siding to more subtle yet powerful adjustments in color and lighting. Each decision should contribute to a cohesive and intentional design. The following sections will break down the most effective strategies for revitalizing your 70s home exterior.
Updating Siding and Cladding
The siding is one of the most prominent features of a 70s home exterior, and updating it offers a dramatic transformation. If your original wood siding is in good condition, a thorough cleaning and a fresh coat of solid stain or paint can work wonders. This approach preserves the authentic texture while introducing a modern color scheme.
For siding that is beyond repair, replacement is the best option. Modern materials like fiber cement siding (such as HardiePlank) offer the look of wood with far greater durability and lower maintenance. Combining different materials, such as horizontal lap siding with vertical board-and-batten or sleek metal panels, can add architectural interest and break up large, monotonous walls. This multi-material approach is an excellent way to modernize the look of a 70s home exterior.
If you have the iconic diagonal wood siding, you have a unique opportunity. Painting it a dark, moody color like charcoal or deep navy can turn it from a dated element into a striking textural feature. Pairing it with natural wood accents on a porch soffit or around the entryway can create a beautiful, high-contrast look that celebrates the home’s origins. Refreshing the cladding is a vital step in reinventing your 70s home exterior.
Revitalizing the Color Palette
Color is arguably the most powerful tool for modernizing a home’s exterior. The heavy, earthy tones of the 1970s can make a house feel dark and dated. A new color palette can instantly lift the entire property, highlighting its best architectural features.
Choosing colors is about more than personal preference; it is about creating a harmonious relationship between the house, its materials, and its surroundings. The right combination can make your 70s home exterior look intentional, sophisticated, and inviting. This is often the most cost-effective way to achieve a high-impact update.
Choosing Modern Exterior Colors
Today’s trends for a 70s home exterior lean toward sophisticated and versatile palettes. Monochromatic schemes using varying shades of gray, greige, or warm white create a clean, contemporary canvas. This allows the home’s unique architectural lines and textures to stand out.
Another popular approach is a high-contrast palette. Pairing a dark main body color, like charcoal or black, with warm, natural wood accents (for the front door, garage door, or soffits) creates a stunning modern aesthetic. Do not be afraid of a pop of color, either; a brightly painted front door in a shade of teal, orange, or citron can add personality and a focal point to an otherwise neutral 70s home exterior.
The Role of Trim and Accent Colors
The trim is the unsung hero of an exterior color scheme. On a 70s home exterior, which often features low-slung rooflines and prominent eaves, the trim plays a crucial role. Painting the trim, fascia, and soffits in a crisp white or a bold black can define the home’s shape and make it feel more purposeful.
For a subtle, modern look, consider painting the trim the same color as the main body but in a different sheen (e.g., matte body and satin trim). Conversely, a contrasting trim color can emphasize the geometric forms of a shed-style or split-level home. Choosing the right accent colors is a critical detail in the overall success of your 70s home exterior project. Proper color selection can elevate the entire design.
Enhancing Doors, Windows, and Lighting
The details are what elevate a good renovation to a great one. The doors, windows, and lighting are the “jewelry” of your home’s exterior. Upgrading these elements enhances curb appeal, improves functionality, and completes the modern transformation of your 70s home exterior.
These features provide an opportunity to introduce modern materials, styles, and technology. A new front door can redefine the entryway, while updated lighting improves safety and adds ambiance. This focus on detail ensures the final result feels polished and complete.
The front door is a primary focal point. Replace a dated, ornate door with a new one that features clean lines, simple hardware, and perhaps a series of glass panels to let in light. A solid wood door adds natural warmth, while a fiberglass door painted in a bold, eye-catching color can express a modern sensibility. This single change can dramatically alter the first impression of your 70s home exterior.
Garage doors often occupy a significant portion of the facade on ranch and split-level homes. Swapping an old, plain garage door for a modern design can have a massive impact. Consider models with horizontal frosted glass panels for a mid-century feel or a faux-wood finish to add warmth and texture to the 70s home exterior.
Windows are another critical component. If your budget allows, replacing old single-pane windows with new, energy-efficient models is a wise investment. Opt for simple black or bronze frames to create a crisp, modern contrast against lighter siding colors. The clean lines of modern windows complement the strong geometry of a 70s home exterior.
Exterior lighting is both a functional necessity and a design element. Remove dated, rococo-style fixtures and install modern sconces with clean, geometric shapes. Use a combination of ambient lighting on porches, task lighting at doorways, and accent lighting to highlight architectural features or landscaping. Well-placed lighting can make your 70s home exterior feel safe, inviting, and architecturally dynamic after dark.
Finally, do not overlook the small hardware. New house numbers in a modern font, a sleek mailbox, and contemporary door handles are inexpensive upgrades that contribute to a cohesive, high-end look. These finishing touches signal that every aspect of the 70s home exterior renovation was thoughtfully considered. Tackling these features is a key part of the process.
Landscaping to Complement Your Modernized Home
The landscape surrounding your home is an extension of its architecture. Overgrown, shapeless shrubs and poorly defined garden beds can detract from even the most beautifully renovated exterior. Modernizing the landscaping is the final step in creating a cohesive and polished look for your 70s home exterior.
Modern landscape design often emphasizes clean lines, structural plants, and a more minimalist approach than the dense foundation plantings of the past. The goal is to create a setting that enhances, rather than hides, the home’s architecture. This is a crucial element of the update for any 70s home exterior.
Start by removing any overgrown or unhealthy plants that are crowding the foundation or obscuring windows. This will immediately make the house feel larger and more open. Consider creating well-defined garden beds with clean edges using metal or stone borders.
Choose a mix of plants that offer year-round interest. Structural plants like ornamental grasses, boxwoods, and yuccas provide form and texture. Layer in perennials for seasonal color and groundcovers to reduce weed growth and maintenance. Grouping plants in masses of three or five creates a more intentional and impactful look than planting single specimens.
Hardscaping is just as important as the plants themselves. A new walkway made of large-format concrete pavers or natural stone can create a welcoming and modern path to your new front door. A minimalist patio or deck can extend your living space outdoors, reinforcing the connection to nature that was so important to the design of the original 70s home exterior.
Incorporate landscape lighting to highlight specimen trees, illuminate pathways, and graze textured walls with light. Low-voltage LED lighting is energy-efficient and can be easily installed to add drama and sophistication to your property at night. A well-designed landscape provides the perfect frame for your newly restored and modernized 70s home exterior, truly completing the transformation. The synergy between the house and its garden is essential for the best possible version of a 70s home exterior.
Conclusion: Embracing the Past While Building for the Future
Restoring and modernizing a 70s home exterior is a project that celebrates architectural history while adapting it for contemporary life. By understanding the home’s original character, conducting a thorough assessment, and making strategic updates, you can unlock its hidden potential. From siding and color to landscaping and lighting, each choice contributes to a final product that is both stylish and timeless.
The true success of the project lies in finding the balance between preservation and progress. By honoring the strong lines, natural materials, and unique forms of the 1970s, you create a home that is not just a replica of current trends, but a unique and authentic reflection of its own story. The result is a revitalized 70s home exterior that you can be proud of for decades to come, a perfect blend of vintage soul and
modern sensibilities.
