1970s Retro Patterns Make a Comeback

Designers explain how to incorporate these vintage designs in a modern way.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Nostalgia is having a moment in interior design, with retro trends like tiled countertops and pink kitchens becoming popular. Designers say the 1970s retro patterns trend is also making a comeback, as homeowners move away from minimalism and opt for more colorful and visually interesting interiors. Experts provide tips on how to incorporate these vintage geometric patterns and bold colors in a modern way, including choosing the right placement, balancing linear and curved lines, and updating the color palette.

Why it matters

As minimalism falls out of favor, the return of 1970s retro patterns signals a shift towards more maximalist and personality-driven home design. This trend allows homeowners to inject color, visual interest, and a sense of nostalgia into their spaces, moving away from the basic renovations and soulless interiors that have dominated in recent years.

The details

Designers say the 1970s retro patterns trend is driven by a desire to connect with nature through biophilic design, as well as a push for more bold, funky, and art-inspired decor. Geometric patterns like circles, squares, and triangles work best in areas where repetition is expected, like on tiled surfaces or upholstered furniture. Experts recommend balancing linear patterns with softer, curved lines, and updating the color palette to brighter, more modern shades. Subtler takes on the trend, like incorporating a classic flamestitch pattern, can also feel fresh and playful.

  • The 1970s were a very colorful era for home decor, known for the use of bright colors and geometric patterns.

The players

Courtnay Tartt Elias

A designer at Creative Tonic Design in Houston who explains how 1970s retro patterns connect to biophilic design trends.

Dani Dazey

A Los Angeles-based designer who says the retro revival is a "huge push away" from plain, soulless renovations.

Tara McCauley

A New York designer who recommends incorporating the historic yet playful flamestitch pattern as a more subtle take on the 1970s trend.

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What they’re saying

“The curve of a flower's petals, the reflection of light, and the concentric circles a drop makes on the surface of a pond. This connection to nature is a bit of what draws us in, as well as the whimsical and sometimes mind-bending illusion of the patterns themselves!”

— Courtnay Tartt Elias, Designer, Creative Tonic Design (Good Housekeeping)

“This decade in design was one of the most bold and funky, and really embraced art, color, and graphic design. It's such a far cry from the basic renovations we've seen in recent years and feels so refreshing to have life and personality in a space.”

— Dani Dazey, Designer (Good Housekeeping)

“It had a big moment in the 1970s, when its bold color shifts and graphic energy fit right in with the era's maximalism and I love it now for the same reasons. It's historic but playful, and in the right palette it feels very fresh and modern.”

— Tara McCauley, Designer (Good Housekeeping)

The takeaway

The return of 1970s retro patterns in home design allows homeowners to inject more color, personality, and a sense of nostalgia into their spaces, moving away from the minimalist and soulless interiors that have dominated in recent years. By balancing bold geometric patterns with softer lines and updated color palettes, designers can help incorporate this vintage trend in a fresh, modern way.