When it comes to exterior design, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each house has unique features that require a personalized touch to shine genuinely. And if you’re dealing with a 1970s-style home, that statement couldn’t be more accurate.
During this era, there was a significant shift in design preferences. Minimalism and maximalism were popular styles, leaving homeowners with difficulty finding a balance. But fear not, as in this guide, we’ll show you how to achieve the perfect mix of both for your ’70s house exterior.
Understanding the ’70s Aesthetic
It’s essential to understand the aesthetics of the 70s house exterior. This decade was all about bold and vibrant colors, geometric shapes, and mixing different materials. It’s also known for its experimental and playful approach to design.
At first glance, these elements may seem overwhelming or clash. However, with the right balance and execution, they can create a unique and eye-catching exterior for your home.
Notably, the ’70s house exterior was not limited to colors and shapes – it extended to textures. Plush shag rugs and wallpaper with tactile appeal were all the rage on the exterior, brick facades, wood paneling, and concrete structures created a varied and visually exciting panorama. The goal was not just to look good but also to engage our tactile senses.
The Maximalist Approach
If you want to embrace the bold and vibrant side of ’70s design, then maximalism is for you. This style encourages the use of multiple colors, textures, patterns, and shapes seamlessly.
Consider incorporating different materials. This includes using brick, wood, and concrete for your exterior to create depth and contrast.
You can also add pops of color through your front door, window frames, or trim. Don’t be afraid to use bold and unconventional colors like mustard yellow, avocado green, or burnt orange. These were all popular hues during this era.
Another way to embrace maximalism is by adding patterns through accessories. This includes outdoor rugs, throw pillows, or even a unique mailbox. If you need help, you can visit Cleanville Carpet Cleaning to make sure your home accessories, like carpets, stay clean.
Just remember to balance out the patterns with solid colors to avoid overwhelming the design.
The Minimalist Approach
A minimalist design of retro revival is your best bet if you prefer a cleaner and simple look for your home exterior. This style uses simplistic shapes, neutral colors, and minimal accessories.
For a ’70s house exterior, this could mean incorporating clean lines in the architecture. Choose a muted color palette with pops of earthy tones like brown or rust, and limit the use of accessories. This will create a modern yet timeless look that still captures the essence of the ’70s.
The minimalist approach doesn’t mean that your ’70s house exterior has to be boring or lack personality. It’s quite the opposite. Minimalism emphasizes the beauty of simplicity and the ‘less is more’ mentality.
You can achieve this by focusing on the architectural details of your home. Add visual interest through subtle textures like stucco, wood paneling, or a unique door design.
Finding Balance Between Maximalism and Minimalism
The key is to not go too extreme with either style. Instead, find a happy medium where both can coexist harmoniously.
One way to achieve this balance is by using maximalist elements in a minimalist way and vice versa. You can incorporate bold colors through a geometric accent wall but keep the rest of the exterior design clean and simple. Or, you can use a minimalistic color palette but add visual interest through different textures like shiplap or stone.
Another way to find balance is by incorporating both styles in different areas of your exterior. For instance, you can have a more maximalist approach for your front yard while keeping the backyard more minimalist.
This allows you to have fun with both styles without overwhelming the overall design of your home. Be sure to look for professional exterior contractors that can help you.
Utilizing Geometric Patterns
Patterns played a significant role in the ’70s design and are still relevant today. Incorporating geometric patterns in your exterior design is an excellent way to add visual interest while staying true to the era’s aesthetic.
You can achieve this by incorporating geometric shapes into your landscaping, using patterned tiles for your front porch or entryway, or even through unique window designs. Remember not to go overboard – stick to one or two patterns and balance them with solid colors.
Embracing Greenery
Don’t forget to incorporate greenery into your exterior design. This was a popular trend in the ’70s and is still relevant for its ability to add life and color to any space.
You can incorporate greenery by adding plants in pots or planters throughout your front yard or by creating a small garden in your backyard. Don’t be afraid to mix different textures here as well. Opt for tall and short plants, leafy shrubs, and succulents for a varied and exciting look.
The Role of Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture plays a vital role in defining the exterior aesthetic of your ’70s home. Select pieces that represent the era and add a modern touch through their design or color.
Outdoor furniture is an integral part of exterior design, contributing to your outdoor space’s overall aesthetics and functionality. It is equally important in reflecting your style preferences, whether maximalist, minimalist, or a blend of both.
In the context of a ’70s house, consider choosing furniture pieces that echo the era’s design nuances. For instance, opt for furniture with bold geometric shapes or pieces made from materials like rattan and teak, which were popular during the ’70s.
Lighting for Your ’70s Exterior
Lighting is another essential aspect that can elevate the exterior renovations of your ’70s house. Considering the era’s aesthetic, consider incorporating statement lighting fixtures with unique shapes or colors.
For a maximalist approach, go for bold and eye-catching fixtures that add an element of drama to your outdoor space. Alternatively, minimalist design can be complemented by sleek and modern lighting options that add a subtle touch of elegance.
Designing Like a ’70s House Exterior
Finding balance and style for your ’70s house exterior is all about understanding the era’s aesthetic and incorporating it in a way that suits your preferences. Whether you choose to embrace maximalism or minimalism, remember to find a balance between the two styles. Incorporate elements like geometric patterns, greenery, outdoor furniture, and lighting to create a truly unique and captivating exterior for your home.
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