Dear Alice | Interior Design
Episode: 2025's Biggest Interior Design Revival: 70s Style Is Back
Date: August 21, 2025
Hosts: Jessica Bennett (A), Suzanne Hall (B), Corey (C)
Episode Overview
In this lively episode, the Dear Alice hosts celebrate the influential return of 1970s design, discussing how classic ‘70s elements—earthy tones, natural textures, and iconic silhouettes—are making a major comeback in both fashion and interiors. Jessica, Suzanne, and Corey break down the biggest trends, reference memorable moments from recent design projects and runway shows, and offer tangible advice for listeners wanting to bring that retro vibe home. With their signature wit and deep design knowledge, the team helps listeners see how ‘70s style can feel both nostalgic and unexpectedly fresh.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Rise of 70s Style: Why Now?
[00:27]
- The hosts agree the 1970s is "maybe one of the coolest decades ever" in design.
- Jessica notes that major publications like House Beautiful and Vogue are calling out the revival:
"We're seeing this from all of the magazines right now. House Beautiful just did a huge article on it... 70s are back." (A, [01:00])
- The return to warmth and earthiness is a response to the "icy" whites and blacks that dominated the post-COVID era.
"Everybody was doing gray houses, white houses with black windows. It’s been very soft." (A, [01:35])
2. Cultural and Fashion Parallels
[01:55]
- The resurgence is evident not just in interiors but in street style—think baby tees, platform clogs, the "no bra" look, mermaid waves, and center parts.
"Girls are not wearing bras again. That was a thing in the 70s." (A, [02:19])
- The 70s equaled freedom of expression and rules out the window:
"The 70s, like, the rules were out... It was just so about individual style." (B, [05:57])
3. Bringing 70s Into the Home: Color & Material Trends
A. Earthy Tones, Especially Yellow
[06:51]
- Mustard yellow and other shades—from butter to bright lemons—are everywhere, inspired by both fashion (Hermès, Gucci, Prada, Chloe, Louis Vuitton) and design installations.
- Avocado green and harvest gold are referenced as appliance colors from the 70s, now being revived by brands like Kohler with heritage lines.
"You can totally, like, match your paint to the toilet. 100, I would do it." (B, [08:44])
Runway Color Blocking:
"Mustard yellow is the king on the Runway... color blocky... pairing it with red." (A, [09:35])
"Chiffon yellow paired... with cherry cola glossy tile... so pretty with that buttery yellow." (A, [14:25])
- Advice: Try bold yellows for memory points (e.g., a mustard backsplash) or opt for subtler buttery hues for easy updates (e.g., wall paint rather than cabinetry).
B. Wood Drenching & Warm Woods
[18:36], [23:29]
-
Strong 70s interiors featured wood paneling and “wood drenching”—from simulated walnut to modern stained white oak.
"Back to the paneling you were talking about... feeling something holistically is just—such a mood. And the 70s was all about a mood." (B, [26:00])
-
Modern take: Caramel/Walnut stains on white oak provide depth and warmth, versus previous trends toward pale woods.
C. The Return of Burl
[24:04]
- Burlwood is coming back in a big way, featured in accessories, furniture, and cabinetry.
"Burl just gives... interest in every square inch of it." (C, [25:01])
"We did burl walnut... and I love it so much. And again, 1970s... I'm like, burl. Yeah, you should do Burl." (B, [24:51])
D. Iconic Shapes & Accents
- Organic, non-directional forms: mushroom stools, low-slung sectionals, animal prints, gold and metallic touches.
"It's, you know, it's a radius. I think it was just like to take the edge off the strictness that society was forcing upon them." (B, [17:28])
E. Macrame, Textiles, and Handcraft
[31:38]
- Macrame wall hangings, raffia and bead-wrapped lighting, and handmade touches embody the 70s earthy, crafty spirit.
"I know, Mom, you’re dying. I think you made a macrame for the living room wall... The 70s were very crafty, right?" (A, [31:38])
F. Houseplants as Living Sculpture
[33:26], [34:03]
- Houseplants are bigger, wilder, more sculptural—a contemporary take on 70s greenery.
"Living sculpture... More of these wilder, more interesting varieties." (A, [33:32])
- Resource tip: LA-based “Plant Daddies” curate unique architectural plants for interiors.
Real-World Applications & Client Projects
- Accent With Yellow: Try mustard or butter yellow in backsplashes, accent furniture, pillows, velvet stools, or even just wall paint.
- Wood Drenching: Floor-to-ceiling stained paneling or cabinetry. Works in offices, powder rooms, living rooms, cabins.
- Burl Accessories & Furniture: Offer unique depth and one-of-a-kind patterns—a resource for instant vintage flair.
- Macrame & Textiles: Chandeliers in macrame, macrame-inspired throws (Alice Lane’s trowel coverlet), and natural-fiber rugs or baskets.
- Organic Shapes: Mushroom stools, “Fifi” Mongolian sheepskin stools, cozy bubble blankets.
- Mirrored Accents: Rust or antiqued mirrors as mood-setting wall art (Alice Lane’s “Phoenix” set).
- Houseplants: Standout statement trees or sculptural plants curated by experts.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On design intention:
"Design like you give a damn." (B, [00:24], repeated [09:01])
- On 70s as a movement:
"That's when 'you do you' was invented, probably, honestly." (C, [06:14])
- On using color boldly:
"Maybe you don't love the mustard yellow vibe ... but maybe this butter yellow trend could be something you want to bring into your house." (A, [12:01])
- On iconic furniture shapes:
"There’s nothing more shagalicious than that right there." (B, [22:16])
- Wit and nostalgia:
"Sometimes it was like simulated walnut grain. You remember, that's like the stuff they made alarm clocks out of back then." (A, [18:54])
- On plants and self-care:
"How fun is it to, like, go water it and talk to it and keep it alive or shine the leaves on it. Right." (A, [36:16])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Intro: The 70s are Back & Why It Matters: [00:27] - [03:05]
- How to Spot the 70s in Fashion & Streetwear: [01:55] - [03:05]
- Main Color Trends – Yellows & Earth Tones: [06:51] - [16:57]
- Design in Action: Real Alice Lane Projects:
- Mustard scullery, chiffon yellow + cherry cola tile: [12:35] - [15:49]
- Man Cave with yellow & avocado accents: [17:00] - [19:33]
- Wood, Burl & Paneling: [23:29] - [30:59]
- Modern Macrame, Textiles, and Accents: [31:38] - [33:26]
- 70s-Inspired Houseplants: [33:26] - [37:07]
- Final Product Recs & Takeaways: [37:07] - [41:44]
Actionable Takeaways
- Try incorporating 70s earth tones (mustard, avocado, rust, brown) via paint, small upholstery, or accessories for an easy refresh.
- Experiment with wood drenching or adding stained woods for instant warmth and sophistication.
- Don't be afraid of sculptural shapes—think lamps, stools, and rugs in playful, organic forms.
- Adopt macrame or handwoven textiles to introduce earthy, relaxed texture.
- Layer living plants as bold, architectural elements in your rooms.
- Seek out unique mirrors and vintage-inspired glass for light and ambiance.
- Mix and match for a curated, yet “undone” 70s ease:
“Borrowing elements, you know, from the 70s and… Yeah, definitely.” (C, [41:09])
Conclusion
The episode closes with a reminder that celebrating 70s style is about bringing warmth, individuality, and soul into the home. The Dear Alice team encourages listeners to pick and choose which elements resonate, daring them to “design like you give a damn.” For full visual inspiration, the hosts recommend watching the episode on YouTube or Spotify.
For more info, project photos, and product resources, check out:
To join design services or trade program:
- Visit the website’s “Design Services” tab.
Quick Reference: 70s Revival Elements
- Colors: Mustard yellow, butter yellow, avocado green, rust, browns
- Materials: Warm woods, burl, velvet, crushed velvet, gold accents
- Textures: Macrame, chunky woven throws, sheepskin, mushroom shapes
- Accents: Vintage mirrors, sculptural plants, animal prints
- Furniture: Low, slouchy sectionals, platform beds, bold shapes
Hosts’ Mic-Drop Advice:
"Design like you give a damn."
"Damn the man. You do you."
"Everybody was feeling it then, and now it’s coming to fruition."
You heard it here—2025 is officially the year of 70s style (again).