Many regard the 1970s as the decade that taste forgot. Not Estelle Bilson, though. Her house is a nostalgic homage to the era, filled with glorious original furniture and vintage artefacts.
After 30 years as a collector, she is now known as the UK’s leading expert on 70s style and design and her incredible home (an ordinary three-bed terrace in Stretford, Greater Manchester) has become an Instagram star with more than 100,000 followers (@70shousemanchester).
‘The 1970s is one of the most stylistically diverse decades,’ says Estelle, ‘with everything from the clean lines of the late 60s, to space-age design, art deco-inspired Big Biba, disco, Studio 54, the original cottagecore that is Laura Ashley – and landing up with punk.’
She believes this was also a time when people valued what they had as opposed to the throwaway culture of modern Britain, where nine million tonnes of furniture are chucked into landfill or incinerated every year.
‘While the 70s can be considered to be the start of modern consumerist culture, people still bought and kept their furniture, often for decades,’ says Estelle.
‘That’s unlike the wasteful generation we have become, where Instagram influencers seem to decorate every few weeks for sponsored content.’
To celebrate her love of this daring, stylish and sustainable decade, Estelle has written her first book, 70s House.
‘No one is more surprised than me as to where my love of orange and swirls has taken me,’ she smiles.
collection, and revolutionised modernist furniture design. The style works well in both retro and modern interiors (Picture: Ilex Press)
‘When people ask me what to look out for, I only ever advocate buying things you love, as at the end of the day you have to live with these pieces,’ says Estelle.
‘My house is a mish-mash of items I have bought over the 30 years since I started collecting. My space age-looking Keracolor TV was designed in 1968 (going on sale in 1970). Our sofa, despite being incredibly modern-looking, is in fact from 1975. The modular Ladderax units date from the mid-70s; the marble dining table from the late 70s – but somehow, they work.
‘My home may not suit a purist but it is a reflection of the items that I enjoy and want to have around me. I believe they work because I love them. The roots lie very firmly in the 70s but it is still modern, relevant and it doesn’t look like I live in a junk shop!
‘I have been guilty of piling it high and buying everything I can find and then lumping it all together – however it is the editing and styling that gives you that polished look.’
Here, Estelle chooses her must-have picks from her own home to kick start your 1970s collection.
Estelle’s top tips for buying vintage
Auctions
■ These still turn up gems, especially from house clearances. Subscribe to auction catalogues.
Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist/Gumtree
■ Especially good for large items such as sofas, dining tables and sideboards.
Etsy
■ Items are likely to be priced on the higher side to cover fees, so check if the seller has a website to buy direct.
Charity shops
■ Check out those dedicated to vintage items.
eBay
■ Our living room lights and Ladderax unit were both shipped from Italy, so don’t limit yourself to local items.
■ Rather than searching for ‘G Plan sideboard’, try ‘retro sideboard’ to find a bargain.
Antiques markets and festivals
■ Much better quality restored and curated items for sale resulting in higher prices but still cheaper than specialist shops.
Say cheese
If there is one plant that sums up the decade it would have to be the Swiss cheese plant or, to give it its scientific name, Monstera deliciosa. It grows to huge proportions and can add interest to a room.
Hang out
Pendant lamps were a 70s staple and still look great today. Think large diffused glass shades in bold colours. Or white milk glass dangling in multiples over a dining table, or in the centre of a living room or over a stairwell. Look on auction sites for original examples, which are sometimes cheaper than modern equivalents.
Graphic details
When it comes to soft furnishing, then bright bold graphics, florals and sumptuous velvets are the only way forward for a true 70s vibe. A few scatter cushions can make a modern sofa look like a retro dream. Check out Etsy for cushions made from recycled fabrics. Bold curtains can be used instead of wallpaper if you’re nervous about committing or if you rent.
Boldly go
The bigger, bolder and brighter you can make your wall coverings, the better. If you can’t face the whole look, bold retro wallpaper on the bedhead wall in a bedroom will provide vintage interest instantly. Supergraphic murals are another cost-effective way to bring retro design into your home.
On the record
The 70s were the height of popularity for hi-fi and stereo equipment. The quality and sound mean that the hi-fi is still incredibly sought after by audiophiles today as it can be superior to some modern equipment. Some vinyl albums fetch large sums, but beauties can still be found at boot sales, in between Mrs Mills Piano Singalong and copies of Top Of The Pops.
Shagtastic
Nothing sums up the decade more than a shaggy rug or carpet – the brighter the better. We have yellow shag-pile in the study. It instantly creates that 70s vibe when walking into a room. Greek flokati rugs are still made and are great investment pieces.
Lava to love
West German pottery from the era is iconic. It is typically brightly coloured, with bold patterns and a ‘lava’ glaze that gives a distinctive bubbling effect. Display a collection of vases in odd numbers in varying shapes and sizes for a polished vintage look. You can still pick up basic designs from charity shops or car boot sales.
Twenty years ago you could pick up excellent vintage items from jumble sales and junk shops. Now vintage is big business and dealers are quick to snap up quality homewares. But you can still find bargains if you know where to look.
Estelle’s guide to buying vintage from car boot sales
■ Get there early as dealers will be sniffing around first thing.
■ Look under tables and in boxes, as that’s where the treasure lies.
■ Haggle but don’t be rude – start by offering one-third lower.
■ Act cool – even if your entire body is screaming for joy!
■ Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price isn’t the one you want to pay. Come back later and offer again.
■ If you’re late, don’t sweat it as some of my best bargains have been at the end of the day when people reduce prices so that they don’t have to take items home.
■ Buy with your gut instinct. If you love something, buy it. I’ve bought random items for very little that have turned out to be valuable.
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