Don’t look now, but those retro designs so popular in the 1970′s are back! Perhaps it’s because kids leaving their parents’ homes and establishing their own are raiding family attics and basements and hauling out all that stuff their parents started out with 30 years ago. Or maybe it’s that a modular sofa from the 1970′s is easier to find and less expensive to purchase than, say, a Queen Ann desk actually made during Queen Ann’s day.

Whatever the reason, retro 70′s décor is hot again, and those ebullient patterns and colors so beloved by decorators then are making a big comeback as well. If you love the 70′s look, here are some tips for 70′s style furnishings and accessories to bear in mind while designing your funky space:

• Use strong colors: Brilliant orange upholstery, walls painted in cobalt blue and turquoise, bright red plastic chairs, Navajo rugs, and brightly patterned fabrics from Marimekko.
• Think big, big and bigger: Oversized art like huge Robert Rauschenberg prints, massive cantilever floor lamps and big fat floor pillows for sitting and casual entertaining.
• Go modular whenever possible: Entertainment centers with spaces for television, stereo and books, inflatable furniture, and trendy assemble-it-yourself furnishings from stores like Ikea.
• Choose multiple textures: Suede pillows, leather, hard plastic dining chairs, a vinyl covered bean bag chair, flokati area rugs, and nubby cotton upholstery.
• Get graphic: Swirling avocado and turquoise draperies, Andy Warhol prints, and rugs with big, graphic blocks of primary colors.
• Order organic: Lamps featuring light globes shaped like mushrooms, painted wicker furniture on the porch and in the kitchen, as well as earth tones for the exterior of buildings.

Where to find 1970′s furnishings?

You can stock your retro rooms from many sources. Families and flea markets are among the best. Thrift shops are also excellent sources; in fact, if you can, make friends with someone who works at your best local thrift or secondhand furniture store and asked to be called when 70′s furnishings and home décor accessories come in.

While there are still plenty of 70′s sofas, tables, chairs, art work and rugs around to choose from, be prepared to pay top dollar if you find a Danish modern dining set or an Italian chrome lamp in excellent or mint condition. You’re not the only person looking-fleas and thrifts are where most dealers get their 70′s stock, too. Stores specializing in mid-century to 1980 furnishings can be found in every city, but buying from them can cost a bundle. Before you buy from one, get an idea of what 70′s items are actually bringing by checking out prices for the items you seek on eBay.

The retro world awaits you…If funky patterns and outrageous colors are your passion when it comes to your home or apartment’s interior design, be diligent in your search for genuine 1970′s treasures and look in unusual places for great finds. Groovy, baby!