18 70s Kitchen Ideas
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Ready to bring back the warm, funky charm of the 70s into your kitchen? These 18 70s kitchen ideas will help you create a retro space that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Let’s look at how you can add some groovy vibes to your cooking area!
Avocado Green Appliances
Nothing says 70s kitchen like avocado green appliances!
You can go all-out with a matching refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, or just add one green piece as a focal point.
Modern brands now offer retro-styled appliances in this iconic shade, giving you the look without giving up modern features.
Wood Paneling
Wood paneling brings instant 70s warmth to your kitchen.
You can panel an entire wall, the sides of cabinets, or just the breakfast bar area.
Today’s options include peel-and-stick panels for an easy weekend update.
Choose medium to dark tones for the most authentic look.
Orange and Brown Color Scheme
This bold color combo defined 70s kitchens.
Paint your walls a warm orange and pair with chocolate brown cabinets.
Or flip it with brown walls and orange accents.
Add cream or beige to balance the look.
These warm tones make your kitchen feel cozy year-round.
Sunflower and Mushroom Patterns
Playful patterns like sunflowers and mushrooms were kitchen staples.
Add these through curtains, dish towels, canisters, or wall art.
The most authentic colors are yellows, oranges, and browns.
You can find vintage pieces online or new items made with retro patterns.
Hanging Plants
Plants were everywhere in 70s kitchens, especially hanging from the ceiling!
Spider plants, pothos, and ferns look perfect in macramé hangers.
Hang them near windows or in corners.
The greenery adds life while the macramé brings texture that’s totally 70s.
Wicker and Rattan Accents
Natural materials like wicker and rattan were huge in 70s design.
Try rattan bar stools, wicker fruit baskets, or even a hanging rattan light fixture.
These pieces add warmth and texture to your kitchen while keeping the vibe casual and earthy.
Vinyl Flooring with Bold Patterns
Vinyl floors with big, bold patterns were 70s kitchen must-haves.
Look for geometric shapes, flowers, or faux brick patterns.
Modern vinyl is durable and easy to clean while giving you that retro look.
Browns, oranges, and golds were the most common colors.
Fondue Sets on Display
Fondue was the height of 70s entertaining!
Display a vintage fondue pot on your counter or open shelving.
Orange, harvest gold, or avocado green pots are most authentic.
Bonus points for finding one with the colorful fondue forks that came with many sets.
Wood Grain Laminate Countertops
Wood-look laminate countertops were in nearly every 70s kitchen.
Today’s versions are more durable while keeping that retro look.
Choose warm brown tones with visible grain patterns.
They pair well with both wood cabinets and colorful ones for that authentic 70s mix.
Open Shelving with Colorful Dishes
Show off your colorful dishes on open shelves!
Look for vintage Pyrex in harvest gold, orange, or green.
Add amber glassware and ceramic canisters in earth tones.
Open shelving lets you display these collections while making your kitchen feel more open.
Vintage Wallpaper
Bold wallpaper makes a big statement in your 70s kitchen.
Look for large floral patterns, geometric designs, or fruit motifs.
The colors should be vibrant – oranges, yellows, and browns work best.
Try it on one wall if you’re not ready to paper the whole room.
Harvest Gold Cabinets
Harvest gold was as popular as avocado green in 70s kitchens.
Paint your cabinets this warm yellow-gold for instant retro appeal.
Pair with brown countertops and matching gold handles.
The color brings sunshine into your space all year long.
Knotty Pine Cabinets
Knotty pine cabinets bring natural charm to your 70s kitchen.
The visible knots and grain give character that smooth woods lack.
Keep them in their natural state or add a light stain.
They pair well with colorful countertops and accessories for balance.
Amber Glass Light Fixtures
Amber glass pendants or globe lights add warm, moody lighting to your 70s kitchen.
Hang them over your table, island, or sink.
The golden glow they cast makes everyone look good and adds to the cozy feeling that 70s design is known for.
Earth-Toned Tile Backsplash
Square tiles in brown, orange, gold, or avocado green make a classic 70s backsplash.
You can arrange them in simple patterns or go with a solid color.
Today’s tiles are easier to clean while keeping that vintage look.
Pair with contrasting grout for extra pop.
Crock Pots and Slow Cookers
Slow cookers were new and exciting in the 70s!
Display a retro-styled crock pot in harvest gold or avocado green on your counter.
Modern versions come in these vintage colors but with updated features.
They’re both useful and perfect for your 70s look.
Terrazzo Countertops
Terrazzo was big in the 70s and is making a comeback.
These speckled surfaces mix stone chips in concrete for a playful, colorful look.
Choose warm-toned terrazzo with orange, brown, and gold flecks for the most authentic 70s feel.
They’re durable and unique!
Shag Rugs or Carpeting
Yes, 70s kitchens often had carpet!
Add a small shag rug under your table or in front of the sink.
Burnt orange, gold, or avocado green shag rugs bring color and comfort.
Today’s versions are more stain-resistant while keeping that groovy, deep-pile look.
