This week our guest blogger is Jackie Armour, Founder and President of JMA Interior Decoration and Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers. Located in Jupiter, Florida, Jackie serves high-end residential clients throughout South Florida. With 15 years of experience, Jackie and her team work closely with each client to create classic, timeless interiors. Jackie produces the firm's blog, JMA Design Notes, and she serves as Executive Publisher of the online magazine, Florida Designer Homes.
Jackie Armour
The 70's are back. In fashion, certainly. I've seen many a wide-leg pant out on the street these days. Floppy straw hats, fringe, espadrilles, round tortoise-shell sunglasses, you name it. There's no denying the influence is out there. And as often happens, I expect interior design to follow suit. But cringe not! No one is suggesting that we all go out and buy shag carpets, macrame plant holders and wood paneling for our homes.
There are, however, certain aspects of 1970's design aesthetic that we think are worth revisiting. Interior design today is all about pastiche, an incorporation and melding of all styles, eras and pieces into one unified aesthetic. And there's not reason the 70's can't be invited back into the mix!
Never Forget Pucci
What can I say? I'm still obsessed with Emilio Pucci. The Pucci accents in the following images add an element of vivid excess that harkens back to 70's design, a real contrast in these contemporary, muted interiors.
ELLE DECOR
Pucci pillows on the floor add a casual touch to this Shelter Island, NY home.
iVillage
A Cappellini chair, an early collaboration of Pucci's, in the home of D.C. Real Housewife Mary Schmidt Amons.
Matters of Style
And here, another easy use of Pucci.
Bright Separates
Nothing was held back in 70's interiors. "Understated" wasn't exactly a part of the era's design mentality. This no-holds-barred attitude makes 70's design dangerous, risky and exciting, which is certainly admirable in interior design. There's nothing wrong with mixing lots of bright colors in one space, but there are limitations. I think we're now learning how to temper those bursts.
ELLE DECOR
From the cover of the most recent issue of ELLE DECOR: this room is buzzing with bold colors and, when mixed with simple lines of furniture, create a really modern look.
Source
Yikes! This the 70's we don't want to remember. From the magazine, "Home Planning and Design," 1973.
Apartment Therapy
Here, a contemporary use of lime green.
Flower Power
Floral prints in the 70's were huge and I see them here and there in truly unique reincarnations.
Shopbop
Alice + Olivia, creators of this gorgeous floral dress, are known for their retro designs.
Source
Here's the 70's version. I think this deserves another yikes!
Robert Allen @Home's Rowlily, in Caribe. It reminds me of a couch in my grandparent's house that was straight from the 70's. It's japonais-inspired and totally chic.
How about this one, Robert Allen's Flower Daze in Lava? Even the name -- Flower Daze -- evokes a 70's feel. This print however, is well-balanced and toned down from its 70's roots.
Inspiration comes from many different sources, even from design eras that have been overlooked.