Wooden wonder: A retro revival

Warm, reassuring and retro, wood grain is trending.

Design is circular and the 1970s are back with a bang, the resurgence of wood leading the charge. Known for its bold aesthetics, warm tones and abundant use of natural materials, the ‘70s has once again captured the imagination of homeowners and designers. The charm of the era is being reimagined in 2024 with modern twists – there’s a particular focus on the revival of wood and wood-look effects at home. Stains like Resene Colorwood Charred Black offer a nostalgic rich wood effect without the need for the real material.

The 1970s were all about self-expression, freedom and a connection to nature, reflected in interior design choices of the era. This decade celebrated rich, dark staple tones, bold patterns and a plethora of wood in every corner of the home (be it a lounge or kitchen). The revival of a love for wood in contemporary interiors is a nod to the past while embracing new techniques.

Wood panelling was a hallmark of the '70s home, offering a sense of warmth and cosiness. The tactile nature of wood paired alongside its aesthetic versatility made it a sought-after material. While the '70s saw extensive use of solid wood, today’s interiors benefit from a wider array of materials and finishes (like our woodstain in Resene Colorwood Charred Black). Designers of the era gravitated towards dark, rich tones and warm hues, creating spaces that felt both luxurious and inviting. However, the 1980s and '90s saw a shift towards lighter and airier spaces with whites/neutrals dominating.

This lounge is deep, dark and moody (with a musical twist). Start by applying Resene Colorwood Charred Black on your walls to create a wood panelling effect. This not only brings a rich, dark tone to the space but also creates a cocooning effect, ideal for a cosy living room or music space. Opting for a wood-look paint over real wood panelling is far less labour-intensive and more forgiving to maintain.

For the floor, create a background by applying Resene Double Nullarbor. This soft granite brown is the perfect backdrop for painted geometric shapes in Resene Element and Resene Eighth Bison Hide, infusing that quintessential retro vibe. Patterns, especially geometric ones, are a hallmark of '70s design and can extend a small space by using clever rectangular and lined patterns.

How to create the effect:

• Prepare the floor: Ensure your floor is clean and smooth.

• Base coat: Apply Resene Double Nullarbor as the base coat and let it dry completely.

• Tape your design: Use painter’s tape and a ruler to outline your geometric shapes. We went for a mix of thin lines, rectangles and boxy shapes. Mix it up to keep the design feeling dynamic.

• Paint your shapes: Fill in the shapes alternating between Resene Element and Resene Eighth Bison Hide. A mix of dark and light gives depth to the design.

• Remove tape: Carefully remove the tape once the paint is dry.

For added impact, paint a sideboard for your television in Resene Element. This dark, earthy hue complements the walls and ties the room together. Add a frame in the piping hot Resene Fahrenheit with bold ‘Rock ’N’ Roll’ lettering for a pop of colour.

A coffee table painted in Resene Brown Sugar will add a subtle contrast and bring additional warmth to the space. When layering different shades of brown in a room, choose a cohesive palette of brown tones to ensure harmony beforehand. (A palette might include shades like beige, caramel, chestnut and walnut). This helps maintain a consistent theme. Keep in mind that lighting enhances the cosiness of brown hues, while cooler lighting can make them appear dull.

A coat hanger in Resene Eighth Bison Hide blends seamlessly with the geometric floor pattern while adding functionality. Add a record holder crate in the same hue, or Resene Element for a darker look that blends into the space. This '70s-inspired lounge isn’t just a visual treat – it’s a music lover’s paradise. The cocooning effect of the Resene Colorwood Charred Black wood stained walls combined with the nostalgic vibe of geometric patterns creates the perfect environment for relaxing with records. Add a guitar to complete the look.

If you are embracing a retro-inspired look, always consider:

• Balance: Combine any vintage pieces with modern furniture to avoid cluttering the space.

• Colour harmony: Choose a cohesive colour palette that includes both retro and modern hues. For example, we contrasted Resene Colorwood Charred Black with the airy Resene Eighth Bison Hide.

• Accents: Use retro accents to add character without dominating the room.

• Mix materials: Blend wood with other materials (like fabrics and house plants) to create a balanced, contemporary look. E.g, Resene Colorwood Charred Black on the walls here pairs well with the green of a potted plant.

Classic ‘70s hues like avocado green and burnt orange also complement darker wood tones beautifully. Try colours like Resene Woodland for that iconic avocado green and Resene Clockwork Orange for a burst of '70s-style vibrancy.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Melle Van Sambeek. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024