The 1970s Kitchen Design Trend We're Glad Made A Comeback

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In the 1970s, kitchens weren't just culinary workhorses, but bold, trendy, artsy enclaves showcasing personality and style. A major design element of the era is one we're thrilled to see returning: geometric patterns. These statement-making circles, hexagons, stripes, and diamonds can be seen on kitchen walls, backsplashes, and curtains, often in earthy or saturated tones like avocado green, mustard yellow, burnt orange, or chocolate brown. They also fit right in with other trending materials of that time, including laminate counters, rich wood veneers, and patterned linoleum floors.

The groovy prints and colors primarily appeared on wallpaper, a throwback decorating medium for making plain walls come alive with art — in this case, elevating kitchens from mundane to visually dense and expressive. Mid-century geometric designs and color tones also cropped up on ceramic tiles, particularly for backsplashes but sometimes spreading across entire floors or countertops. Sturdy tile-embedded hot pads and trivets brought the fun patterns from kitchen to dining room, where table coverings and cloth napkins often matched for continuity. Even appliances in the '70s came in colors like gold and avocado green, blending with the bold patterns.

With 21st-century design trends leaning toward minimalism and uncluttered spaces, it's somewhat surprising to see these busy geometric patterns claiming precious eyeball-space in kitchens. But there are differences in these new renditions, some more subtle than others. 

When incorporated into today's kitchens, mid-century geometric patterns are often more subdued, moving past in-your-face boldness. They're definitely making a presence in kitchens, but not necessarily dominating the entire room. For example, geometric designs may appear only on a single wall panel, balanced by other areas of contemporary simplicity. This is a good way to mix modern and vintage in your kitchen. You can also buy peel-and-stick 70s patterns to strategically cut and place in small areas, nodding to the era without overwhelming the space. 

These bold, geometric patterns are right in line with a current trend known as nostalgia decor. It's a broader approach in which interior objects or decorative schemes are rooted in emotion and personal memory. Rather than aiming to exactly replicate a past era, in this case the '70s, nostalgia decor chooses items that spark meaningful recollections or comfort vibes — which could include wallpaper or tiles reminiscent of family meals in grandma's kitchen. It's about familiarity, but also the art of mixing long-lost styles with modern aesthetics. Your kitchen would therefore never be the same as another person's decorative interpretation.

In the end, whether it's a nostalgia-decor approach — or you just simply love those far-out patterns — there are no rules for transforming your kitchen with retro flair. It's your pad, so find your groove and don't look back. For a deeper dive on retro kitchens, check out these kitchen decor elements from the '70s and some cool wallpaper designs to give your kitchen a retro feel.