10 pieces that can turn your home into a charming seventies inspired retreat

Ever since I first saw the Smalley House, the modernist beauty designed in 1973 by the legendary A. Quincy Jones and brilliantly renovated decades later by Pamella Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri, I understood why I love the seventies. The Los Angeles based designer of Persian descent restored the interior of the original Holmby Hills home while honoring the significance of its history. Known for her eclectic approach to interiors, she preserved original elements such as the hollow concrete flooring while introducing contemporary artworks and designer pieces, creating a harmonious blend of past and present influences. Looking at her work, I thought to myself: I want my house to look exactly like that.

There is something about the seventies that feels particularly feminine. Whether we talk about fashion, film or aesthetics in general, and in this case interiors, that decade seems relaxed and full of energy. Warm color palettes and organic forms create a sense of comfort while adding a touch of glamour and playfulness that makes the seventies so distinctive. Just as Shamshiri remarked while working on the Smalley House project: “We love homes from the seventies because they were designed around light, nature and a more laid back way of living. They have a sense of openness and optimism that still feels relevant today.” If there is one reason I appreciate the way trends return in cycles, it is the retro revival of the seventies.

Courtesy of Studio Shamshiri

Let it be soft and inviting

While writing recently about the return of the conversation pit, I realized how well the seventies fit into the contemporary moment. As Shamshiri demonstrated, this is the decade of warm toned sofas, lounge chairs and wooden consoles that anchor the living room, while geometric patterns and gentle curves bring energy into the space. The key is to balance retro elements with modern minimalism so that the interior does not feel cluttered or outdated. Earthy tones such as brown, orange, mustard yellow and olive green were signature colors of the seventies. Today they are returning in combination with neutral beige and cream shades, giving the space a retro yet refined look.

Courtesy of Studio Shamshiri

Wood, veneer and rattan were essential materials of that era, and today they are paired with metal details or glass, creating a balance between nostalgia and contemporary style. Statement pieces include iconic armchairs, generous sofas or sputnik style chandeliers, gently sending us back to that golden age of design. At a time when we seek comfort and authenticity, the return of this style feels like a natural choice.

Courtesy of Studio Shamshiri

Thanks to both inspiration and the renewed production of vintage pieces, many brands are now dedicated to this very aesthetic. The Italian brand Minotti offers pieces like the Laurel and Patty sofas, defined by clean lines and luxurious materials that align with the style of the seventies. The Danish brand Gubi is known for its lighting and furniture that combine modern design with retro influences, often emphasizing geometric shapes and rich textures. Knoll is one of the key American furniture brands that shaped modernist design and is now synonymous with heritage modernism. They continue to produce classics such as Saarinen’s Tulip table, Bertoia’s Diamond chair and Mies’s Barcelona chair, preserving the recognizable aura of the seventies while interpreting it through a contemporary lifestyle.

Courtesy of Studio Shamshiri

Below is a selection of ten pieces that will turn your home into a charming seventies inspired retreat.

For more inspiration on decorating your home in a seventies spirit, or in any other style, visit the Et Cetera showroom in Zagreb or Split, or explore their selection in the new webshop.