70s House: A bold homage to the most daring decade in design

by Estelle Bilson

"I loved the 70s - and that's both the 1970s and the 1870s. There's obviously always something about a decade that starts with a seven that means the design dial is turned to 11; colours get bolder, shapes get badder and style flies its freak flag. So, thank goodness resplendent 70s temptress Estelle Bilson has committed pen to paper so that the world can enjoy her take on the era of soft squares, teak, shag and Artex." - Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

"[Estelle Bilson] gives people the courage to use [her] products without fear - [she is] brilliant - I think [she] is the most important creative look since Conran." Barbara Hulanicki OBE

From disco and glam to space age and psychedelic, there's no denying the huge impact the 70s had on style and design. But how do you bring the era's maximalism to your interior without it looking like a cluttered junk shop or a period pastiche?

Estelle Bilson aka @70shousemanchester transformed her unremarkable 3-bedroom terraced home into a 70s wonderland, using a thrifty eye and vintage know-how. In her first book, she shows you how to bring the same creative magic to your home with her expert advice, tips and tricks on choosing colour, pattern, shapes and materials - whether you're after a few nods to the era, or the full 70s fantasy.

70s House is the definitive guide to the most daring decade in design, covering everything from shag carpets and supergraphics, to Hornsea ceramics and G Plan furniture. The book is split into three 70s influences - what shaped the era?; How to bring the 70s to your interior design; and At home with 70s House Manchester. And of course, it wouldn't be the 70s without a good old-fashioned shindig - Estelle also reveals her secrets to throwing the grooviest get-together, complete with vintage recipes and record selections to match.

Part interiors guide, part manual for living, this loud-and-proud book will bring not only 70s colour and kitsch to the modern day, but also the rebellious spirit, pure joy and freewheeling energy epitomised by the era.


Because the 70s is so much more than the decade that taste forgot.

Genres: Interior Design, Nonfiction, Design, Art

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2023

Reviews

[Kristy Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight! The photographs were stunning and inspiring. I loved the history she provided about the culture and things going on in the world at the time. Such a quick and fun read.

[Cheryl Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up in the 70's every time I see a item of furniture from that era it brings back great memories.
This book is full of information about designers,how trends evolve and how to have a touch of 70's inspiration in your home without going over the top.
I have managed to find mid-century wardrobes, coffee table and a side-board in the last couple of years & haven't paid a fortune for them.
I have a couple of books to find mentioned in this book that I look forward to reading.
A great read.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely book and you can clearly tell that the author has a very well educated knowledge about the decade. As a set designer who was not alive back then I truly appreciate the main themes, chapters on color and material choices, popculture and even tips on where to shop vintage items. If this kind of book would exist for every decade there ever was, there would be a WAY more accurate world in film. Enjoyed it a lot!

[Mandy Crumb · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an American reading 70's House, there were a lot of things mentioned that I've never heard of before. I'm looking at you Big Biba and Fanny Cradock.
The author does a lovely job of highlighting different resources including books for further studies. I actually stopped in the middle of reading 70's to purchase three different books that she mentions with such fondness.
The photography is of the same room time and time again. I've lost count of how many times I saw the living room with the green couch and teak divider.
There was a fair bit of flipping from page to page that I found interrupted the flow. Want to read about West Germany pottery? It's mentioned on one page then directs the reader to another page to read more about it. Same thing with other subjects.
All in all this is a book I purchased sight unseen simply for the title alone. The author is totally unknown to me as well. It was worth a read but I will donate it tomorrow.

[Natalie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visual feast and celebration of the 70s seen through the eyes of the author being born in the decade. The author uses her own home to take you on a journey through the fashions and styles we see as typically 70s. This gives the book a different edge to the general home style books which I adored. It’s a fun and informative read packed with beautiful images! Simply wonderful and one I’ll reach to time again

[Charlotte Biddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this book for Christmas as I now love in a 1970s split level house. I share a mutual love of the colour orange with the author. This was a fun little intro into a decade that was a couple of decades before I was born. Going to take some inspiration from the book whilst doing the world's slowest house renovation. In particular the lighting and maybe a tulip chair. Also the space age record players of that era look so cool. Lots of ideas from this book.

[Hanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have the kindle version and I have to be honest- I was hoping for a lot more pictures.
All these reference books were talked about but no pictures from them could be used I guess. Kind of a let down…

[Angie Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tipped me off to YouTube episodes of Fanny Cradock cooks for Christmas. Oh my!

[Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitschy awesomeness.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the aesthetic but even the "low-cost" alternatives she offers for true vintage is far outside the attainable range for the everyday person.

[Leslie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent how-to for every 70's loving homeowner or apartment dweller.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Proof that there are a lot of things that should never make a come back.
The gnomes and flamingos are cute though.
🦩