Split-level houses from the ’70s are like stepping into a Brady Bunch episode. Shag carpet, sunken living rooms, and maybe even a built-in intercom that still sort of works (but mostly just makes weird buzzing noises).
I once toured one where the kitchen had avocado-green appliances and a built-in blender in the counter.
These homes are wonderfully weird and totally nostalgic, like your childhood best friend’s house where you had your first Pop-Tart. Sure, they might feel dated, but there’s charm in every odd angle and wood-paneled wall.
1. Sunken Living Rooms With Shag Carpeting
Step into the groove of the ’70s with a living room that’s more sunken than your mood on a Monday. The shag carpeting practically hugs your feet with every step.
This room was made for lounging, with furniture that feels like it was designed by a committee of bean bag chairs. A lava lamp might bubble away in the corner, completing the authentic ’70s vibe.
It’s a space where conversation flows as freely as the fondue at a retro party.
2. Wood Paneling On Every Wall
Ah, wood paneling. The hallmark of ’70s interior design that makes you feel like you’re living inside a very stylish tree.
Every wall is adorned with a rich finish that somehow balances warmth with the uncanny feeling of being in a cabin. It’s the perfect backdrop for vintage decor and furniture that look like they were plucked straight from a time machine.
These panels were the Snapchat filters of their day, giving every room a cozy, albeit dim, ambiance.
3. A Split-Level Staircase That’s Either A Triumph Or A Hazard
Navigating a split-level staircase is like choosing your own adventure, only with a risk of tripping. These stairs might be considered either a triumph of architectural creativity or a subtle booby trap for the unwary.
With retro carpeting that’s both a safety feature and a style statement, each step feels like a journey back in time.
Whether you’re ascending to the kitchen or descending to the den, you’ll do so with a sense of flair unmatched by modern designs.
4. The Formal Dining Room Tucked Behind The Kitchen
Picture an exclusive club where only the finest serveware dares to grace the table. The formal dining room is a hidden gem, waiting to host dinners that could rival a family reunion scene in a sitcom.
Here, the wallpaper may boast floral patterns, and the chandelier might twinkle with the charm of disco balls past.
This space is both a sanctuary for meals and a theater for memories, tucked away like a secret treasure.
5. Ceiling Beams That Make You Feel Like You’re In A Ski Lodge
Look up, and you might expect to see snow gently falling. Such is the effect of exposed ceiling beams in a ’70s home.
They stretch across the ceiling like the arms of a wooden giant, casting shadows that dance like memories of winter getaways. These beams bring a rustic charm that feels both hearty and homey.
Imagine a crackling fire beneath, and you’ve got the perfect setting for a cozy evening in, complete with hot cocoa and tales of yore.
6. Skylights That Never Seem To Be In The Right Place
Natural light is a friend that sometimes overstays its welcome in the ’70s, courtesy of skylights that march to the beat of their own drum.
Positioned in places that defy conventional logic, they cast unexpected patterns of light and shadow. While one might expect a sunbeam, instead, you’re treated to a lunar landscape of illumination.
These skylights add a quirky character to any room, making every sun-filled moment an adventure in lighting mischief.
7. Carpeted Bathrooms For Some Reason
Step into a ’70s bathroom, and you might find yourself questioning the sanity of past design choices—carpeting in the bathroom being chief among them.
This decision defies practicality, yet there’s something oddly comforting about the plushness underfoot. Vintage fixtures gleam with a patina of age, making this space feel both nostalgic and slightly surreal.
Despite the questionable choice, the carpeted bathroom stands as a testament to an era unafraid of bold, albeit baffling, design ideas.
8. A Kitchen With Avocado-Green Appliances
Welcome to the heart of the home, where avocado-green appliances reign supreme. In the ’70s, this hue wasn’t just a color, but a lifestyle.
The kitchen becomes a shrine to retro culinary adventures, with appliances that could tell stories of meals past if only they could talk.
Every knob and dial is a tactile journey, and every surface feels like a connection to a time when dinner parties were an art form. It’s a flavorful tribute to a delicious decade.
9. The Mandatory Heavy Drapes In Every Room
Step inside, and you’ll find that privacy was king in the ’70s, with heavy drapes ruling over windows like regal guards.
These drapes didn’t just block out light. They blocked out the world, creating a haven of darkness that doubled as a cozy hideaway.
Their thick fabric and bold patterns added a touch of drama to every room, making each glance out the window feel like an event. In this cocooned space, the outside world could wait its turn.
10. The Classic “Split-Level” Entry Door That Feels Like A Design Afterthought
The split-level entry door is a quirky nod to design spontaneity. It often feels like it was installed by a designer with a penchant for puzzles.
This portal offers a glimpse into a home that defies expectations, where every turn reveals a new surprise.
It’s a door that opens not just to a hallway, but to a world of past architectural choices that still charm with their playful unpredictability. Welcome to the ’70s, where even the entrances have character.
11. Walls That Were Never Meant To Be Painted
Inhabitants of ’70s split-level homes know that some walls were born to stand unpainted. Whether clad in wood panels or adorned with textured wallpaper, these surfaces carry the patina of their era proudly.
They create a rich tapestry of history, with each corner telling tales of a decade unafraid to embrace bold patterns.
These walls are canvases that capture the essence of a time defined by its audacious aesthetic choices.
12. The Dramatic Lower-Level Family Room
Descend into the dramatic depths of the ’70s with a lower-level family room that feels like a secret lair.
It’s a space where conversations linger and laughter echoes, surrounded by furniture that invites you to stay a while.
The decor is a blend of comfort and nostalgia, with patterns that speak to a time when leisure was a lifestyle. This room is a retreat from the ordinary, offering a cozy embrace with every visit.
13. Sliding Glass Doors Leading To A Patio With No Furniture
Slide open these doors, and you’re greeted by a patio that’s more potential than place. In the ’70s, outdoor spaces often stood bare, waiting for the right moment to become the stage for backyard adventures.
Through these doors, the world outside beckons, offering a canvas for picnics and play. Even in its emptiness, the patio invites imagination, promising the freedom to create memories under the sun or stars, in true retro fashion.
14. Built-In Wood Shelves That Scream 1975
These shelves are a shoutout to 1975’s finest design trends. Crafted with care, they hold more than just belongings. They cradle memories.
Each shelf tells a story, adorned with books and trinkets that echo the past. The wood, rich and welcoming, serves as a backdrop for life’s little treasures.
In a world of fleeting fashions, these built-ins stand firm, a testament to the enduring charm of ’70s style and substance.
15. An Oddly Placed Powder Room That No One Uses
Tucked away like a secret, this powder room is the epitome of ’70s curiosity. Despite its prime location, it seems perpetually unused, as if it’s waiting for a grand unveiling.
The fixtures tell tales of forgotten design choices, while the decor stands silent in its solitary splendor. This little room may lack foot traffic, but it doesn’t lack character, offering a glimpse into the whimsical world of ’70s architectural humor.
16. A Fireplace In The Corner Of The Living Room
Nestled in the corner, this fireplace brings warmth to the living room in more ways than one. It’s a gathering spot where stories are shared and marshmallows toasted.
The corner placement makes it a focal point, drawing eyes and hearts alike. In a world that often seeks attention, this unassuming nook offers quiet moments of comfort, wrapped in the nostalgic embrace of ’70s design.
17. Ridiculously Large Windows That Never Had Proper Blinds
These windows, grand and unapologetic, offer views so expansive they could double as movie screens. Yet, in the ’70s, blinds were an afterthought.
The sunlight pours in, painting the room with warmth and shadows that dance like echoes of the past.
Without the nuisance of blinds, the room feels open and inviting, allowing nature to play a starring role in the home’s decor. It’s a bright chapter in a story written by light.
18. The Sunken Den That No One Knew How To Arrange
Welcome to the den, a sunken space that defies convention and invites creativity. Arranging furniture here is like solving a puzzle without a picture.
Retro pieces lounge around, forming a cozy yet chaotic atmosphere. It’s a room where conversations meander and plans are made, with corners perfect for contemplation.
In this sunken haven, the rules of design are bent, creating a sanctuary where imagination roams free, guided by the spirit of the ’70s.
19. That Bizarre Second Set Of Stairs Leading To A Finished Basement
Enter the mystery of the second staircase, a path to the unknown depths of the ’70s home. These stairs lead to a finished basement that feels like a secret lair, a place for impromptu gatherings or solitary escapes.
The decor might whisper tales of yesteryears, with furnishings that echo a time of bold choices. Each step down feels like a journey into the past, where every corner holds the promise of discovery and delight.
20. Bright Yellow Kitchens That Have Stood The Test Of Time
In the ’70s, kitchens weren’t just places to cook. They were statements of style. A bright yellow kitchen radiates warmth and positivity, a sunny embrace that welcomes all who enter.
The appliances, vintage yet sturdy, stand as testament to durability and design. It’s a space that’s both functional and fun, where culinary creativity flourishes amidst a backdrop of cheerful color.
21. Wall-Mounted Mirrors That Make You Feel Like You’re In A Funhouse
Step into a world where reflections dance like disco lights, courtesy of wall-mounted mirrors in ’70s homes.
These mirrors aren’t just for vanity. They’re for amusement, turning everyday spaces into playful arenas of light and illusion. Each glance reveals a new perspective, a kaleidoscope of possibilities.
While they might make you feel you’re in a funhouse, they’re also a reminder of the era’s playful spirit, capturing the joy and creativity of a time when style was an adventure.
22. Wallpaper With Geometric Patterns In Every Nook
Walls adorned with geometric patterns turn every room into an art gallery, showcasing the bold designs of the ’70s. These patterns create visual intrigue, inviting you to lose yourself in a maze of lines and shapes.
Each room offers a new experience, a canvas of creativity waiting to be explored.
The wallpaper is an expression of individuality, a statement of style that defies convention and celebrates the artistic spirit of a classy era.
23. Those Small, Awkward Hallways That Are Always Too Narrow
Make way for the narrow hallways, where every step feels like a delicate dance of navigation. These passages might seem awkward, but they’re also opportunities for intimate moments and quiet reflections.
The decor whispers of a time when space was a luxury, and every inch was an adventure.
In these snug corridors, the past lingers like a gentle embrace, offering a journey through history one step at a time, with a wink and a nod to the ’70s.
24. Tiled Entryways With Strange Color Combinations
Colors here clash with the confidence only the ’70s could muster. These tiles create a cool mosaic underfoot, each step a journey across a landscape of daring design.
It’s a space that welcomes with a jolt of creativity, challenging conventions and inviting curiosity.
The colors, bold and unapologetic, become a conversation starter, a prelude to the stories waiting beyond the threshold. It’s an entrance that’s both art and adventure.
25. Wallpaper Borders In Places You Didn’t Think Could Have Them
Discover the art of surprise with wallpaper borders in the most unexpected places. In the ’70s, no surface was too small or obscure for a touch of decorative flair.
These borders add character and charm, weaving stories along edges and corners. They transform ordinary spaces into delightful discoveries, inviting smiles and sparking conversations.
Each border is a testament to the era’s creativity, turning the mundane into the extraordinary with every patterned strip.
26. Built-In Seating Along The Windows
Settle into the comfort of built-in window seats, where the view is as inviting as the seat itself. These cozy nooks offer the perfect spot for daydreaming or devouring a good book.
The vintage decor adds a touch of nostalgia, making each moment spent here feel like a gentle embrace from the past.
It’s a place where time slows down, allowing for quiet reflection and simple pleasures, wrapped in the warmth of ’70s design ingenuity.
27. The Non-Functional, Yet Very Attractive, Brick Wall
Behold the brick wall, a feature of form over function in the world of ’70s decor. Its aesthetic appeal outweighs its practicality, offering a textural contrast that elevates any room.
This wall bears witness to the era’s love for rustic charm. Its presence adds character and depth, a silent storyteller of styles past.
With each brick, it whispers tales of creativity and design daring, a monument to a time when beauty was its own purpose.
28. Hidden Storage Spaces Behind Bookshelves
Uncover the mystery of hidden storage spaces, where bookshelves conceal more than just literature. These secret nooks used to add an element of intrigue to the home.
Behind the shelves lies a world of potential, offering storage solutions wrapped in secrecy.
It’s a design choice that combines functionality with flair, turning ordinary bookcases into portals of possibility, all while maintaining the vintage charm of the ’70s.
29. Frosted Glass For Bathroom Windows Because Privacy Is Key
Step into a realm of discretion with frosted glass windows, where privacy reigns supreme. In the ’70s, these windows offered a sense of security without sacrificing style.
The frosted panes add a touch of elegance, diffusing light into a gentle glow. While they keep prying eyes at bay, they also maintain the vintage allure of the bathroom.
It’s a balance of form and function, where privacy is key, and style is never compromised.
30. Recessed Lighting That Always Seems Too Dim
Illuminate your world with recessed lighting that brings a touch of mystery to the ’70s home. These lights seem to whisper rather than shout, casting a soft, moody glow that transforms spaces into intimate retreats.
While they might not light up the room like their modern counterparts, they offer a subtle elegance that invites relaxation.
This lighting choice reflects the era’s penchant for ambiance, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere with every flick of the switch.