The Distinctive Character of a 70S Home Exterior
The 1970s was a transitional period in home design, moving away from the more formal or minimalist aesthetics of previous decades towards something more earthy, textured, and sometimes experimental. A 70S Home Exterior is often instantly recognizable by its palette and materials. Earth tones reigned supreme – think shades of brown, orange, gold, avocado green, and harvest gold. These colors weren’t just paint choices; they were often inherent in the materials themselves.
Materials were chosen for their tactile quality and perceived connection to nature. Rough-sawn wood siding, dark-toned brick, and natural stone accents were prevalent. There was a deliberate move towards less polished surfaces, reflecting an appreciation for the “natural” state of materials, albeit sometimes applied in ways that feel uniquely 70s today. This focus on texture and color created exteriors that felt grounded and informal, a stark contrast to the sleekness of some Mid-Century Modern or the traditionalism of Colonial Revivals.
Architectural Footprints: Styles Defined by the 70S Home Exterior
While specific architectural styles existed before and after the 1970s, the decade infused them with its signature exterior characteristics. The popular home types of the era prominently featured the characteristic 70S Home Exterior treatment of materials, colors, and forms. Understanding these styles helps contextualize the common exterior features observed.
Homes built during this time often prioritized practicality alongside a certain aesthetic freedom. Space for multiple cars, larger living areas, and a connection (however stylized) to nature were key considerations. This influenced everything from the roofline to the placement of windows and garages, all contributing to the overall look of the 70S Home Exterior.
Ranch and Split-Level: The Everyday 70S Exterior
The Ranch and Split-Level styles continued their popularity into the 1970s, becoming canvases for the decade’s exterior design trends. Low-pitched roofs, sometimes with wide overhangs, were common. The exteriors frequently combined materials, such as a base of dark red or brown brick topped with vertical or horizontal wood siding.
Large picture windows or sliding glass doors connecting to patios were standard features, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, a subtle nod to the era’s lifestyle shifts. The entryways were often simple, sometimes featuring double doors, but without elaborate porticos or decorative flourishes seen in earlier or later styles. These homes represent the ubiquitous 70S Home Exterior found in suburbs across the country.
Contemporary & Modern: Pushing the 70S Exterior Boundaries
Beyond the more conventional styles, the 70s also saw the rise of homes with more dramatic or unconventional 70S Home Exterior designs. Styles labeled “Contemporary” or “Modern” of this era often featured asymmetrical designs, multiple roof levels, and a more pronounced use of glass. Large windows, sometimes in unusual shapes like octagons or circles, were integrated into the facade.
These homes might incorporate exposed beams, dramatic cantilevered sections, or integrate with sloped lots using multi-level designs. Materials could be more varied, including stucco, aggregate panels, or even experimental uses of metal or plastic, though wood and dark brick remained popular. These contemporary takes pushed the envelope of the typical 70S Home Exterior, offering a bolder interpretation of the era’s aesthetic.
Earth Tones and Textured Surfaces: The 70S Exterior Palette
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of a 70S Home Exterior is its specific palette and reliance on texture. The pervasive use of earth tones wasn’t accidental; it reflected a cultural interest in environmentalism and a desire for homes to blend more harmoniously with their natural surroundings, or at least evoke that feeling. Browns were foundational, ranging from light tan to deep chocolate.
These were complemented by burnt oranges, warm golds, and various shades of green, from olive to avocado. Accent colors might include harvest gold or sometimes a contrasting white or black, but the dominant feel was warm and muted. This color scheme was applied to textured surfaces – the rough-cut grain of wood siding, the varied faces of brick, the uneven finish of stucco, or the natural texture of stone cladding. This combination of color and texture created a look that was distinctly grounded and informal, setting the 70S Home Exterior apart from other periods.
Decoding the Details That Shape the 70S Home Exterior
Beyond the broad strokes of style and color, specific design elements contribute significantly to the look and feel of a 70S Home Exterior. These details, from windows to garages, were often functional but also reflected the changing priorities and technologies of the decade. Paying attention to these components helps fully appreciate the intention behind the design.
The integration of these elements wasn’t always subtle. Unlike styles that might hide or minimize functional aspects, the 70S Home Exterior often made them part of the visual statement. Garages, for instance, became prominent features rather than tucked-away necessities. Windows grew larger, embracing natural light but also becoming key visual components of the facade composition.
Windows and Entryways: Eyes and Faces of the 70S Exterior
Windows in a 70S Home Exterior were typically larger than those in earlier homes, reflecting a desire for more natural light and views. Large picture windows in living areas were common, sometimes featuring bronze or dark aluminum frames. Sliding glass doors became standard on the rear or side of homes, connecting to patios or decks.
While standard rectangular windows predominated, some contemporary 70S Home Exterior designs incorporated more unique shapes like tall, narrow slit windows, or circular and octagonal windows as architectural accents. Entry doors were often simple, solid wood or metal doors, sometimes in pairs, painted in an accent earth tone. Decorative elements around the entry were usually minimal, perhaps just a simple overhang or porch light.
Rooflines and Garages: Functional Flair on a 70S Home Exterior
Rooflines in the 1970s, particularly on Ranch and Split-Level homes, were often low-pitched hip or gable roofs, sometimes with wide eaves that provided shade and a sense of shelter. These wide eaves are a visual cue often associated with the 70S Home Exterior. More contemporary designs might feature flat roofs, multiple intersecting roof planes, or even dramatic A-frame styles that made the roof itself the primary exterior wall.
The attached garage became a standard feature of the modern home, and in the 1970s, it often became a prominent, sometimes dominant, part of the front facade. Garage doors were typically simple, often flush panel or with minimal design, sometimes clad in wood or a wood-like texture to blend (or contrast) with the rest of the 70S Home Exterior materials. The driveways leading to these garages were also significant elements of the overall front yard design.
Roofing Materials of the Era
Asphalt shingles were the most ubiquitous roofing material for the 70S Home Exterior, chosen for their affordability, durability, and ease of installation. They were available in a range of colors, often complementing the earthy tones of the siding and brick. Darker browns, greens, and sometimes reds were popular choices, contributing to the overall subdued palette.
Less common, but still used, were wood shake roofs, particularly on homes aiming for a more rustic or naturalistic look. These added significant texture and were often seen on custom homes or those with steeper roof pitches. Regardless of material, the roof was a key element in tying together the various components of the 70S Home Exterior.
Garages as Prominent Exterior Features
The rise of the two-car family meant larger garages were needed, and integrating them seamlessly into the home’s design became a challenge the 70s addressed head-on – often by making them front and center. On many Ranch and Split-Level homes, the garage occupied a significant portion of the front elevation. This impacted window placement and entry design, as the garage door became a dominant visual element of the 70S Home Exterior.
Designers attempted to integrate garages through material choices, using the same brick or siding found on the house itself. However, the large, flat surface of the garage door often remained a defining characteristic of the house’s street view. This focus on accommodating vehicles is a practical trait that strongly influences the visual identity of the 70S Home Exterior.
Appreciating and Revitalizing the 70S Home Exterior Today
For many years, the 70S Home Exterior was seen as a style to be overcome rather than celebrated. Homes from this era were frequently subject to renovations aimed at erasing their 70s identity, replacing materials and colors with those perceived as more “modern” or “timeless.” However, there’s a growing appreciation for the unique character and solid construction of many 70s homes.
Revitalizing a 70S Home Exterior doesn’t always mean stripping away its identity. It can involve enhancing its best features, updating materials for better performance and longevity, and choosing a color palette that feels fresh but still respects the era’s aesthetic leanings. This approach preserves the home’s history while making it suitable for contemporary living.
Sympathetic renovations might involve:
- Updating wood siding with durable, low-maintenance alternatives (like fiber cement) painted in a modern take on an earthy tone.
- Cleaning or staining existing brick rather than painting it, preserving its texture.
- Replacing aging windows with energy-efficient units that mimic the style and size of the originals.
- Updating landscaping to complement the home’s horizontal lines and naturalistic vibe.
- Choosing modern, but appropriately scaled, exterior light fixtures.
Embracing the bones of a 70S Home Exterior can result in a home with significant character and a distinct personality. It offers an alternative to the ubiquitous styles of subsequent decades and allows homeowners to create something truly unique.
The Enduring Appeal of the 70S Home Exterior
The 70S Home Exterior is more than just a historical footnote in architectural history; it’s a style with enduring appeal for those who appreciate its unique blend of informality, connection to nature (stylized as it may be), and solid construction. While some aspects might feel dated to modern eyes, the core principles – practical layouts, durable materials, integration with the landscape, and a departure from rigid formality – hold relevance today.
From the prevalence of earthy colors and textured surfaces like brick and wood siding to the functional dominance of large windows and integrated garages, every element of a 70S Home Exterior tells a story of the decade’s priorities and aesthetic sensibilities. Appreciating these homes means looking beyond fleeting trends and recognizing the solid foundation and distinctive character they possess. Whether preserved in their original glory or thoughtfully updated, the 70S Home Exterior stands as a testament to a unique moment in residential design, offering charm, potential, and a tangible link to the past.