8 Upgrades That Instantly Remind You of the ’70s

The 1970s brought plenty of design trends that made homes feel fresh and modern back then. Looking back, these upgrades are unforgettable—even if they wouldn’t exactly fly in today’s houses. If you see any of these, you know you’re looking at a house that hasn’t been touched since disco ruled the airwaves.

Shag Carpet

Nothing says ’70s like thick, shag carpet in bright colors.

Parents loved the texture and comfort, but it trapped dirt and was almost impossible to vacuum. It came in avocado green, mustard yellow, and burnt orange—the hallmark palette of the time. You can still find remnants of it in basements or dens, and it immediately transports you back to the era.

Wood Paneling

Walls covered in dark wood paneling were a staple of the decade.

It made rooms feel cozy, but also heavy and dated. Many homes still have basements that look stuck in the ’70s thanks to paneling. At the time, though, it was affordable and stylish, and every parent thought it made their home look finished and polished.

Avocado Appliances

Kitchen appliances in avocado green were everywhere.

Refrigerators, stoves, even blenders came in the color. Parents thought they were chic, but today they scream retro. While a few collectors love them now, most homeowners replaced them with stainless steel as soon as they could.

Sunburst Clocks

Every kitchen or living room seemed to have a sunburst clock.

With metal rays stretching out from a center face, it was as much decoration as it was functional. It’s one of those pieces that immediately dates a home, though some people have brought them back as vintage accents.

Patterned Linoleum Floors

Linoleum was a budget-friendly flooring option.

Parents often picked wild patterns—checkerboards, florals, or swirls—that gave kitchens and bathrooms plenty of personality. The problem was that the material didn’t age well, and the patterns quickly fell out of style.

Conversation Pits

Some homes went all-in on sunken seating areas.

They were designed for entertaining, with wraparound sofas built into a lowered section of the living room. At the time, it felt futuristic, but today it feels impractical. You don’t see them often anymore, but when you do, it’s a direct nod to the ’70s.

Beaded Curtains

Beaded curtains were popular as room dividers or closet doors.

They added texture and movement, but also tangled easily and drove parents crazy. For kids, though, walking through them felt fun. They’re one of those quirky touches that instantly transport you back.

Earth-Tone Bathrooms

Bathrooms in brown, gold, or avocado tile were the norm.

Parents thought the earthy palette was calming, but the look became outdated fast. Step into a ’70s-era bathroom today, and you’ll know immediately what decade it belongs to.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.