Howdy Ya’ll!
Today I have been “walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale” in the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock n roll – Memphis, Tennessee. The highlight was walking through Elvis Presley’s mansion – Graceland. All the furniture and decor is exactly how he left it in 1977 and it was like entering a time-warp!
60s and 70s style has been making a comeback in home decor and I for one am very happy about it. The trick with 70s furnishings is to not go overboard with it. Incorporating just a few signature pieces can add funk and sophistication to a room. So what better person to learn from than the King himself! He was, after all, a pioneer in style during those decades. So here are some lessons from Elvis on how to incorporate 70s retro decor into your home.
1. The Retro Buffet
The retro buffet is one of the most iconic pieces of furniture from the 70s. Low to the ground with short cylindrical legs, the wooden buffet is found more often than not in its original form – with a natural wood finish. For those people a little more tame, painting these buffets in a solid colour is a popular way of modernizing this piece.
Where to find them: You only have to look at this 70s buffet from Vamp Vintage Design in Sydney to know they are a sought after piece. However by scouring antique stores, Ebay and Gumtree, you are sure to find a steal! For our American readers – click here to view this gem of a buffet selling on Ebay!
2. The Drum Lampshade
An important part of retro interior was lighting, in particular the use of lamps. The cylinder or “drum” shade was the most popular shaped shade in the 70s and most were covered with a bright bold print. Drum shades are popular again and can be found in most lighting stores, though most likely in block colours. However don’t be afraid to use a drum shade with a retro print as it will add a funky and contemporary element to your room.
3. The Mirrored Table
Popular in the art deco period, mirrored furniture soared again in the 1950s. With its sleek lines, a mirrored coffee table or side table can add sophistication and a touch of the dramatic to a plain room. Where to find them: For our American readers, the mirrored table above can be found online at Comfort House. For the Aussies, Mirror Mirror in Melbourne offers a plethora of mirrored furniture.
A little extra for the Elvis fans: Remember the lyrics from the song ‘Walking in Memphis’… there’s a pretty little thing, waiting for the king, down in the jungle room. Well, the song was referring to the sitting room in Graceland which Elvis decorated like a jungle!
Penny xo