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How To Make Your Home Look Stunningly '70s

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Those among you with more than a passing interest in perusing Pinterest, will have noticed that '70s-style interiors are back in a big way.

Technically, the look really stems from the late '60s. Think Laurel Canyon. Think Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, Carole King and Neil Young. As the '60s turned into the '70s, though, this macraméd, crocheted and sumptuous hippy look carried on.

Over the past few years, it's come back round again. So if you're bored of the stark minimalism of Scandi chic, here's a trend that allows clutter, and lots of it (amen to that).

Click through to find out how to get a little Laurel Canyon into your overpriced inner-city modern one-bed. Because, hey, a girl can dream right?

The wall hanging

Wall hangings and tapestries are key decor when it comes to nailing this look. Also, they're a totally excellent way to cover up the stains your landlord's too cheap to paint over.

Look to A New Tribe for some really excellent offerings. Our favourites are from California-based BFGF, and will give your '70s look a modern update.

BFGF Jungle Blanket, £195, available at A New Tribe, 92A Chatsworth Rd, E5 0LS and Trouva

The peacock chair

This chair is 900% the centrepiece of this look. Its history lies in 19th-century east Asia, where nobles most likely enjoyed the drama of the exaggerated peacock-like back. However, it had a comeback in the '60s and '70s when wicker and rattan was king.

If you can't afford a full-sized chair (they can be kind of expensive) or, indeed, if you don't have the space for one in your one-bedroom flat (there's no point forgoing a couch just to fit in a majestically ostentatious but inconvenient piece of furniture), then have a look at these miniature versions, which clever clogs have been using to display their '70s-esque spider plants, with excellent results.

The Vintage Dig Co. Miniature Wicker Peacock Chair, £14.50, available at Etsy

The glassware

Be it in the form of vases, mugs or cups, coloured glass is a big thing here. Sure, you could head to Etsy or eBay and find some original '70s pieces but if you're low on budget, there are other options.

HEMA, the Dutch interiors store, has a nice selection of coloured glassware. From these (admittedly plastic) green tumblers (handy if you've got pals who like to drink like it's the '70s) to this yellow vase, to this nice blue one. Mix and match colours and textures, and group together however you please.

HEMA Vases, from £4, available at HEMA

The textures

Think of this as an exercise in layering. There is no limit to the amount of textile-rific textures you can use here. From shag rugs to the aforementioned wall hangings, crochet everything, rich, sumptuous pillows and throws. Oh so many throws.

This lovely green throw is enough to bring some luxurious colour into a room likely dominated by neutral beiges, browns and oranges.

The Elephant Stamp Fringe Throw, £285, available at Not On The High Street

The smell

And no, not the scent of premium grass being passed back and forth between Joni Mitchell and Crosby, Stills and/or Nash. As nice as that might sound.

Instead, think of sandalwood and cedar. The smoky, leathery tones of Le Labo's Santal 26 are flipping incredible (side note: I let myself burn mine but once a week to make it last). It even (lol) comes in a battered tin can, if you really want to commit to the look.

Le Labo Santal 26 Candle, £51, available at Le Labo

The greenery

Think we were the first generation obsessed with greenery? Behave. The '70s nailed greenery in a way we haven't even come close to. Big orders of the day were spider plants, cacti, rubber plants, cheese plants, trailing ferns and, yes, palms of every shape and size.

One option, depending on how Laurel Canyon you want to go, is a big old massive cactus. Check out Abigail Ahern's excellent faux versions if you're not great at keeping plants alive. If that's a little bit out of your price range then visit your local garden centre for the real thing, as buying large cacti online isn't easy at all.

Abigail Ahern Faux Yuha Cactus, £155, available at Wyld Home at Trouva

The greenery part two

Yep, one cactus isn't going to cut it. Next you need to look for hanging planters for those trailing spider plants and ferns. There's a huge price variation when it comes to these but you don't have to spend loads. In fact, you could make your own macramé one – check out our tutorial here. Although you do need to make sure your plants have a place to drain, otherwise they'll be sitting in water and end up rotting.

Otherwise, check out Maisons du Monde for a few reasonably priced macramé numbers. And if plants IRL aren't your thing, check out this dreamy wall hanging.

White Island Ecru Jute and Macramé Hanging Planter, £15.59, available at Maisons du Monde
Livistona Humilis Palm Print, £35, available at Rose & Grey

The soft furnishings

You can never have too many cushions in this instance. Think twill and canvas and as many patterns you wish in neutrals, browns, beiges and oranges, mixed with brightly coloured flamboyant turquoise and patterned ones.

H&M has a great selection of neutral cushion covers  to make the base layer, then check out Central Saint Martins grads Bivain for some incredibly beautiful statement cushions to top off the look.

Bivain Aztec Large Cotton & Faux Leather Cushion, £105, available at Wolf and Badger
Bivain Azizi Cotton Cushion, £85, available at Wolf & Badger

The lighting

Go for wicker and rattan lampshades and stands to create an earthy, organic feel. Choose a warm bulb to add to the already warm glow that light on wood will create. This rattan lampshade from Rockett St. George is a great shout.

But there are cheaper options, too. You could, if you were feeling really brave, buy these instructions to weave your own (!) or just grab one from eBay.

Rockett St. George Rattan Lampshade, £160, available at Rockett St. George
Litecraft Wicker Lampshade, £19, available at eBay

Oh, and this vase

Because look at this vase. We all need this vase.

Made Pavel Vase, £29, available at Made

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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