Could there have been a more creative period in American design history than 1974? Methinks not – as evidenced by the three interiors today… and by my memories of the era. And folks: This look is back with a vengeance, so no whining, go look for your old David Cassidy and Bobby Sherman posters and prepare a place for them.

The image above is a “garage getaway.” As in, refinish the garage for mom so she has some space of her own. Do you watch That 70s Show? Seriously, it is really funny and has wonderful interiors, too. All three images today are from the ever-ingenious interior designers at flooring manufacturer Armstrong World Industries.

This is “The Picnic Kitchen.” It’s adorable, don’t you think? It’s such a pleasant shade of red…and the white and gold go so nicely.

And downstairs — we have our own personal family Irish Pub. This is really truly impressive. Remember, readers, with old floors: Get informed regarding the environmental and safety issues that may be present – consult with a professional.

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DIG THESE 1961 MIDCENTURY PENDANT LIGHTS from Progress.  Which one do you like the best? VOTE now.

Thanks! And if you have another minute – tell us why you voted the way you did.

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I have been reading everyone’s suggestions for updates to the blog – many thanks! – and keep them coming.

I already was on course to add many more photo galleries – and I get my fancy gallery tool and tutorial later today.

Meanwhile, I could not hold off from showing this delicious 1961 eye candy – photos from Kentile and Congoleum Nairn ads during the year.

Aren’t these so…70s? It is SO INTERESTING, when you start wading through periodicals, that so many trends were foreshadowed a good 8-10 years before they were adopted by the masses and entered our collective memories now active today. I swear, our 1971 split level had features just like those here. I could be wrong. I need to study the 60s and 70s more. That’s coming, too.

FABULOUS!

Click through to see these side-by-side in a gallery.

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Yummy headboard and bedspread. Great colors!

Lots of readers have also told me that they love Mad Men – for its retro interiors, of course — it can’t be all those philandering men and pointy bras, can it? All these photos come from the Mad Men website. My only wish is that that they featured more scenes from Don and Betty’s house, rather than so many of the office. I went thru all Season 1 and plucked these domestic interiors – for our idea trove. Hey, Betty is the name of our Retro Renovation masthead maven. We never chose a name for the Mr. … Should it be… Don?

Related posts:

1. Six great 1961 interiors – floors, furniture, art, outrageous interiors and more I have been reading everyone’s suggestions for updates to...
2. 6 interiors with great ideas from the late 1960s A look at 1968 – yes, the era of...
3. That 70s house — 3 interiors Could there have been a more creative period in...