Adding A 70’s Kick | Part I

Now that we’ve solidified the ‘bones of the house’ (you can read about that here if you missed it!) it’s time to sprinkle in a few ‘Easter Eggs’ if you will. This is a particularly fun project because the 70s had so many wild materials, finishes and spectacular furniture so there is a myriad of options when it comes to giving this place a 70s ambiance. I’m honestly having to temper myself a bit knowing that I can’t go too crazy with anything permanent because not everyone has the same affinity for this era and aggressive terrazzo as I do. A good edit and show of restraint is what creates distinct atmosphere with approachability. Let’s dig in…

I’m not going to share all of the little touches - have to save some for the final reveal - but here are a few of the key elements i’m researching to help create that 70s vibe and a bit about where I would potentially use them:

Terrazzo - the wild kind!

There is something so beautiful about the Palladiana style terrazzo that was used often in the 60s and 70s, especially in Italy. The curation and juxtaposition of the colors and shapes creates such a unique rich finish. Here’s a small glimpse into my colorful terrazzo archive…

Now, where would we ever be able to get away with using something like this? For me, and for this project, I see something like this used for a coffee table or dining table top primarily. It’s not permanent to the house and its changeable if you get sick of it after years and years.

For this specific project I have a few ideas for some custom pieces but another great option is to buy an old vintage table (or new cheap table that has a glass top) and swap out the top. Some stores, like Room and Board for example, sell their table tops separate from their bases. They would be a great resource for a simple table base. Many coffee tables have lift-off or screw-on marble or glass tops that can easily be swapped out. Its a great way to amp up a space without a major commitment.

I’ve ordered a ton of terrazzo samples to get a feel for the scale, colors and options available. I do plan to try it out on a bathroom countertop render but not sure I’ll be able to fully take the plunge. More on the custom furniture and bathroom designs to come!

white-on-white terrazzo or flagstone

White-on-White terrazzo or flagstone would add the texture, movement and energy the loud, colorful terrazzo brings to the space without overpowering it. Back in the 60s and 70s, many entries were flagstone…

Obviously, this is not at all the clean fresh look i’m going for but I do love the texture and the practicality of having something like this as your entry material. I think a crisp white flagstone could actually look very serene and act as a modern reinterpretation of the entries of this era. Here are a few inspo images I’m using as a reference point:

For the application I’m considering, its crucial the grout white is extremely close to the main white tone of the stone pieces to ensure it feels clean and modern.

What do you think about how we’re planning to use some ‘wild’ 70s materials in a fresh way to bring that 70’s ambiance to the space?

Check back tomorrow for Part II where I dig into furniture and lighting.