Have you heard the phrase "Everything old is new again"? Designers tell us that ‘70s-style interiors are making a big comeback. Part of the reason is that it is such a fun and relaxed decor style, evoking the optimism and non-conformism of the time. This free-spirited approach lets you introduce a varied mix of textures and patterns while leaning on the cozy and warm elements the style brings to your home. 

To welcome back the ‘70s, we set out to put a modern spin on retro trends with our handcrafted stainless steel flatware. The result was 4 fresh retro-inspired place settings that were fun to create.

Before we treat you to our throwback tablescapes, here are some essential components for achieving that ‘70s look when decorating your favorite spaces.

The classic elements of ‘70s design

For those planning to jump on board this old-meets-new design trend, here are a few classic elements that guarantee that fun, relaxed ‘70s vibe.

Wicker and rattan. The Peacock chair probably comes to mind when you think of elaborate rattan furnishings. It was around much earlier in the century but became popular in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Many music icons and movie stars sat in these wicker chairs posing for magazine cover photos, probably because of its throne-like quality.

Another popular rattan chair of the era was the Papasan chair, with its bowl-shaped frame and unique round cushion. However, you don’t have to include chairs to get the look. Many designers opt for a retro-light touch, including woven baskets, wicker light pendants, and rattan side tables.

Macramé, crochet and shag rugs. Want to add instant texture to a room and balance out any linear aspects? Add something macramé, like a wall hanging or plant hanger. Less is more for macramé and crochet, so think of decor accents like macramé cushion covers or a colorful crocheted throw or table runner. While wall-to-wall brown or orange shag was popular in the ‘70s, decorating with a shag area rug is a great way to invite warmth and coziness to today's spaces.

Metallic accents. Chrome, copper, and gold were top choices for color and hardware as they tied in with the many colors and patterns of the era. We discovered that no matter how colorful or patterned our retro-inspired place settings were, our stainless steel flatware, copper flatware, and gold flatware harmonized well with each look.

Natural elements. Do you love houseplants? An excess of houseplants to create that jungle look is very much a throwback to the ‘70s style. Other natural elements like stacked stone fireplaces and stone walls are all part of the back-to-nature style embraced in the ‘70s.  

Does the '70s style confuse you? It’s understandable! The design of that era was like a pendulum, swinging between a return to more organic, natural elements on one hand, and an over-the-top glamorous attitude with bold colors, excess, and an "anything goes" mindset on the other.

With that in mind, we invite you to check out our groovy, retro-inspired tables.

Flower power

Bright, neon colors, psychedelic art, and botanical patterns were popular in the ‘70s. This floral patterned plate conjures up plenty of flower power magic on its own. We added a textured citrus lime saucer, amber glass, and avocado green oval dish to up the energetic floral vibe. We completed this retro-inspired place setting with the beautiful Plateau gold flatware set. This handcrafted stainless steel flatware design features highly polished silver utensils. Finished in vintage gold, the square handles with beveled ends add a perfect lavish touch - a tribute to the era’s captivation with glamorous gold metallic accents. Can you dig it?

🌸 Flower power: The use of flowers as symbols of love and peace, often used at peace protests. American poet Allen Ginsberg coined the term and the idea soon blossomed into the hippie fashion of the time. In the late 1960s, bright florals and geometric patterns became popular in art and home decor.

Tangerine Tango

Shagadelic, baby! This brightly colored table setting has Austin Powers vibes. With dishware and glasses featuring ‘70s colors like tangerine tango and sunny yellow, it brightens the mood. Like a lithograph of the era, we chose to add black to this tablescape. The curvy organic handles of the Tedpole stainless steel flatware are the ultimate finish to this tangy tangerine table.

🍊 Tangerine tango, dazzling fuchsia, electric blues, and citrus limes were part of the high-energy colors of the ’70s. In the kitchen, avocado green and harvest gold were the ‘it’ colors for appliances.

A pop of polka dots

Dinner at 6, on the dot! This delightful dot table setting showcases a polka dot plate surrounded by avocado green and teal accents. While avocado green and harvest gold were popular appliance colors, in the late ‘70s, Coppertone became a popular appliance color. We chose our Sundance copper flatware for this place setting. One of our flagship stainless steel flatware designs, Sundance features round handles that widen slightly in a square base. The antique copper finish is the perfect complement to this place setting.   

🟢 🔴 ⚪ A popular 1960s fashion trend, polka dots appeared on baby doll dresses with white colors. Polka dots lost their symmetrical shape and became more mod in the 70s, with different shapes and sizes in bold colors.  

Retro-tastic red

Along with bold color, the ‘70s celebrated mixing bold patterns and rich textures. Red and white color blocking and thick stripes were a popular trend at the time, and this sugar and creamer set and matching cup and saucer are the perfect color-blocked arrangement. A floral plate on a solid red plate embraces the true spirit of the era. The Jason stainless steel flatware design with its nascent steel square handles adds another rich textural layer to this retro-tastic red place setting.

Embracing the groovy 70s style

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to combine retro accents with modern features to create a fresh look that suits your style. The style of the 70s celebrated individuality and was itself a combination of different eras and styles. If you're unsure whether your retro vibe is more from the '50s, '60s, or '70s, just follow the lead of today's designers. They are mixing and matching these eras to create unique retro-inspired spaces.

Could your table settings use a refresh? Check out our handcrafted stainless steel flatware collection, featuring retro-inspired gold flatware and artisan-made designs with antique copper-finished handles.