35+ Retro Interior Designs That Prove Taste Was Optional In The ’70s And ’80s

There was a time—not too long ago—when interior design had zero chill.

Wall-to-wall carpet? Sure. Carpet on the walls? Even better. If it was shaggy, mirrored, or the color of burnt orange, it was going in the house.

The 70s and 80s were a peak era for loud patterns, bold choices, and architectural features that feel less like design and more like a dare.

This gallery is a tribute to that era—when homes had conversation pits and actual sunken living rooms, and everything somehow matched even when it didn’t.

These aren’t your average Pinterest-perfect homes. They’re chaotic, committed, and endlessly fascinating.

We’ve pulled together some of the most delightfully intense examples for your scrolling pleasure.

1. 1988 Office

2. Better Homes & Gardens, 1972

3. It’s… blue

4. It’s… pink

5. 1980s

6. Love this sofa!

7. Architectural Digest, 1975

8. Why was everything green in the 70s?

9. Designer Zandra Rhodes, 1984

10. 1980s pastels

11. 1970s bathroom

12. 1970s bathroom

13. 1972

14. 1970s, wow!

15. The Rock Home, Moab, UT

16. 1974

17. Designed by Anthony Machado, 1983

18. San Diego, CA, 1979

19. Peak 80s

20. Peak 70s

21. Kohler & Eljer bathroom, 1986

22. Snow Queen bedroom designed by Bill Hamilton, 1983

23. Home of designer Steve Chase, 1984

24. Ladies bedroom designed by Patricia Hixson, 1981

25. 1970s kitchen

26. 1987

27. See? it’s green!

28. 80s dining room

29. Hand painted cabinets, 1970s

30. Seventeen magazine, 1970

31. Better Homes & Gardens, 1973

32. Hmmm. I guess… 70s

33. 70s

34. 70s

35. Please stop

36. Subtle

37. OK perhaps green isn’t that bad

38. Restaurant Varna, Aarhus, Denmark, 1971

Related: 38 Junk Foods From the ’80s and ’90s That Were Basically Childhood In A Wrapper