A generation may have passed since the iconic 1970s, but there are still fashion and décor trends from the era that we recognise and have relevance today. Whether it’s all down to nostalgia or a genuine passion for a touch of retro, the 70s with it’s larger than life mantra had a design motif unlike any other. From funky shag carpeting and groovy lava lamps to wild fabrics with geometric patterns, the look was in tune with the time for disco divas everywhere!

To bring colour and vibrancy to your bedroom try adding some of that disco friendly flare to your room space with vintage 1970s style décor. Even on a tight budget, with a bit of dextrous shopping around you can breathe new life into the bedroom with a mix of retro inspired furniture and features.

Furniture choice as always sets the scene and popular choices of the time featured wooden beds and furniture in dark stains or black finishes. Metal bed designs would have had a contemporary flavour and silver, back and pewter finishes were all in vogue. For a retro art deco feel, chrome bedsteads might tick the box, and contrasting colour options are also authentic choices such as dark browns and pale yellows, so painted wood pieces could be another appealing option. For a more feminine flavour or for a country inspired bedroom, consider wicker, particularly when coupled with upholstered pieces in vibrant contrasting colours. Papasan bowl shaped chairs scream 70s like little else. In velour fabrics with chrome legs they are the perfect addition to any 1970s retro bedroom. Hunt originals down at antique markets or trawl the internet for modern reproductions.

Perhaps just as important as the furniture in the bedroom would have been the accessories that brought the room together. No self-respecting 70s bedroom would be complete without a soft shag-textured rug and bed throw and brightly coloured alarm clocks and lurid conventional bedside table lamps were de-riguer.  Lava lamps were a staple feature of the era with their distinctive coloured oil globules, whilst iconic prints and textures would have provided a gregarious backdrop. Bold geometric designs such as stripes, waves or checker patterns would have been the norm, whilst for a more reserved look small repeating floral patterns were an option. Brightly coloured flowers on fabrics, wall murals or appliques in oversized shapes will add a touch of vintage flair to the 70s bedroom theme, whilst bold background colours in contrasting shades will add authentic appeal.  For example, deep orange, yellow and mango pink would be true to the era and these colours would be seen in wall treatments, bedding, rugs, window dressings and as furniture accents. To bring this look into a more contemporary context you can use splashes of these colours with more neutral shades such as white, black or beige for a 70s feel that is a little less vocal and easy on the eye…

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

Bring a splash of exotica into the bedroom with a bold new look with an inspired makeover, Indian style and banish those plain-Jane looks to the history books… Allow brilliant jewel tones, ornate trims and lavish textiles to transform your bedroom into a space worthy of an Indian palace. One of the best aspects of decorating India style is that it is so easy to incorporate flea market finds, heirlooms and handicrafts from world travels into the design scheme for an eclectic glamorous look that has loads of visual interest stimulating the senses on all levels.

Set the bedroom tone with a brilliant colour scheme. Jewel tones such as ruby, emerald, sapphire and amethyst always work well as do saturated hues of cobalt, burgundy, turquoise and purple. Earth tones tend to be too drab for walls and textiles, but brighter or deeper nature inspired shades such as saffron, tamarind, forest green and terracotta will ensure a dramatic backdrop.

Embellish your paint scheme with Indian inspired detailing. Paisley stencils allow you to apply accents to wall trim, furniture or wall shelves and use gold or copper shades for an extra splash of verve, whilst for a child’s bedroom,glitter paint might add just the right amount of pizazz.

Incorporate artisan furniture pieces within the scheme for an authentic feel which is timeless and welcoming. Dark and medium toned wooden furniture might feature engraved or embossed trim or hand painted scenes on cabinet doors. For a flavour of the British colonies an imposing wooden bedstead in true Victorian spirit is sure to form the perfect room focal point from which the space as a whole draws inspiration. Darker woods are to be favoured here for a moody, inviting presence and you might like to incorporate complementary pieces that feature hammered panels, ornate tilework, chunky metal hardware or mirror insets on cabinets, headboards, dressers, desks and bedside tables.

Soften the look with plush and patterned textiles such as a vintage beaded sari to cover the wooden bed, accent a wall, or serve as a window dressing. Scatter pillows and cushions in contrasting colours and patterns in a quiet corner or under a window will create a casual lounging or reading area whilst a mosquito net or lightweight sheer canopy above the traditional bedstead creates instant mood and a romantic hideaway.

Tie the whole scheme together with a unifying colour theme for all the various elements which will avoid the danger of a mishmash market bazaar flavour, and include plenty of textile trim to turn up the glam temperature. Pompoms, fringing, beading, embroidery, patches, small mirror detailing, or tassels on blankets, throws, upholstery and drapes will all come together to achieve fabulous results in this respect for a room theme that is gregarious and exotic in true Indian style…

Beds | Mattresses | Linens

The Hollywood Regency design style, as you might guess is all about glamour…in abundance! A décor theme from the early 60s with its roots earlier still, this style has the minimalist credentials of modern contemporary design infused with ornate and classical details that ooze romance. If you are drawn to the minimal but love decorative scroll work , shiny metals and mirror finishes then maybe this is one bedroom look that might be just perfect for whenever the glamour route is top of the décor wish-list!

Start the theme with an assertive colour palette. Hollywood Regency is all about bold features and contrast. The basic and most usual colour choices are black and white or perhaps cream and brown, or all white or all cream, or perhaps all black for a particularly bold statement. These colour tones are then broken up with punches of colour such as crimson, pink, purple or yellow.

Almost anything goes here but contrast is the key… so select upholstered furniture with rich fabrics in bold colours and interesting textures. Shiny fabrics or those with a sheen such as silk, satin and velvet will never go amiss for a truly decadent flavour. Upholstered furniture such as sofas, love seats, chaises longues  or indeed an upholstered bed, also need to exhibit a lot of detailing such as tufting, nail heads and piping in a contrast colour. Nail heads would invariably be bronzed or chromed and might carry the theme throughout the room in the form of a lavish chromed metal bedstead or romantic antiqued brass bedstead in ornate assured design styles.

Use mirrors in abundance on the walls and as furniture detailing. Mirrors are an essential part of the Hollywood regency design theme and mirrored furniture was particularly popular in bedroom design. If these seem like a step too far, use just one or a few mirrored features against a backdrop of black, white or brown. Integrate shiny hardware on your other furniture; nightstands, dressing tables or chests of drawers to tie the mirrored mood together. Hanging mirrors would be framed in dark wood, a rich gloss patina finish or perhaps gilt as part of the highly decorative nature of this evocative style.

Anchor seating, the metal bed or define a space with area rugs or bed throws. Animal print was always popular so experiment with a faux animal skin on the floor or thrown over the bed or a lounging sofa. Furry rugs are another less gregarious alternative and place glass or crystal lighting within the room to cast a romantic glow upon the glamour mood as a whole. Ceiling chandeliers or crystal wall sconces will achieve the perfect effect and shiny black lamp shades are Hollywood Regency to a tee…

Complete the look with accessories. Add ornate or zebra print pillows to sofas and chairs and choose artwork that is bold and colourful. Use any number of metallic finishes to define the style. Brass, bronze, chrome and metallic blacks are all in keeping. Gold etched bowls or a silver candy dish are right on the mark here for the perfect finishing touches in true Hollywood glam style…