Retro revival: the rebirth of orange

Nothing says 1970s glam like an injection of orange.

Resene Thunderbird packs a punch in this living space, with a contrasting wainscoting effect in punchy Resene Incarnadine and Resene Pandemonium. Bold and outrageous retro 70s tones are experiencing a surge in popularity amongst homeowners and interior designers. From flared jeans and shaggy mullets to playful wall patterns and macrame plant hangers, 70s style is being embraced again in the 2020s. The 70s was a time of experimentation and self-expression and this is reflected in the bold colours that were popular during that era. Orange, in particular, was a colour that was widely used in home decor and fashion.

Although the decade came with plenty of questionable design choices, like musty shag carpets, waterbeds and textured ceilings, the modern approach is far more restrained. Designers have embraced the best of 70s design and ditched dusty and outdated aspects. Chocolate browns, deep magentas and burnt oranges are being used in a playful and sophisticated way that doesn’t tip a room into looking kitsch.

The biggest strength of a 70s colour palette is its ability to envelop a room with warmth. This living space above not only feels warm, but it strikes a perfect balance between feeling sophisticated and playful. Resene Thunderbird is a deep shade of orange, perfect for creating a bold and dramatic look in your living room. To add some depth to the walls, we added a faux wainscotting mural in Resene Incarnadine and Resene Pandemonium. This combination breaks up the harshness of Resene Thunderbird and gives the eye a place to rest in the centre of the wall.

This colour pair complements each other beautifully. Resene Incarnadine is a deep and rich red with warm undertones, while Resene Pandemonium is a dark and moody purple with cool undertones. When placed side by side, the warm undertones of Resene Incarnadine complement the cool of Resene Pandemonium. This creates a sense of balance and harmony in the colour scheme. Additionally, the deep and rich saturation levels of both hues create a sense of depth and dimension. Creating wainscotting with paint is a fantastic way to dress up a wall with minimal commitment. As it isn’t structural, if you change your mind and want to change up a colour palette in years to come, it’s as easy as painting over it.

The soft and subtle beige of Resene Half Tea on the floor is the perfect complement to bold orange walls. It’s a good idea to pair a light neutral with a deeper tone like an orange to give the room breathing space and an airy quality. Resene Meringue used on the coffee table is a sweet whipped cream shade, again softening the space and adding an airy touch. We styled our sideboard in Resene Staccato, reminiscent of a musky plum-coloured merlot. Our hero wall colour Resene Thunderbird is particularly pleasing to the eye alongside Resene Staccato, as purple and orange are analogous colours.

Varying shades of purple and red-purples like Resene Valentine, Resene Very Berry and Resene Grape Escape also pair fantastically with Resene Thunderbird. We used these hues on tealight holders and vases to add pops of berry tones to the space. You can pick up odd shaped lamps and vases from your local op shop and paint them in accented shades using Resene testpots.

Never fear colour – instead, embrace a 70s mindset and explore the warmth of oranges and browns. If Resene Thunderbird feels a little too punchy, try softer and earthier orange tones like Resene Moroccan Spice, Resene Tuscany, Resene Korma, Resene Dark Buff or Resene Pendragon.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Annick Rennell. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2023