10 Austin Living Rooms Features Layered In Retro ’70s Warmth And Curves

Austin, TX – a city synonymous with creativity, individuality, and a vibrant spirit that constantly reinvents itself. So, it’s no surprise that when a design trend makes a comeback, Austin does it with unparalleled style.

Right now, we’re seeing a magnificent resurgence of 1970s aesthetics, but it’s not the kitsch you might remember.

This is a sophisticated, layered take, perfectly embodying warmth, comfort, and an inviting organic sensibility. Imagine spaces that feel like a warm hug, full of character and gentle lines.

1. Sunken Conversation Pits

Remember those living room craters where people gathered for intimate chats? They’re back in Austin homes! Modern versions feature plush cushions in earthy tones of rust, mustard, and olive.

Homeowners are customizing these cozy nooks with built-in side tables and hidden storage. The sunken design naturally draws people together, creating a perfect space for both family game nights and sophisticated cocktail parties.

2. Curved Furniture

Wave goodbye to sharp corners! Austin designers are embracing sinuous sofas and rounded armchairs that feel like a warm embrace. These pieces often feature low profiles and chunky proportions that invite lounging.

Upholstery choices range from tactile bouclé to sumptuous velvet in colors like terracotta and forest green. The organic shapes create visual flow in living spaces while softening the room’s overall feel.

3. Statement Shag Rugs

Toes are sinking into luxury across Austin as thick, fluffy shag rugs make their triumphant return. Tactile floor coverings instantly warm up spaces and add texture that begs for barefoot living.

While white shags were ’70s staples, today’s Austin homes feature updated hues like burnt orange, cream, and even multi-colored versions. Homeowners are layering these statement pieces over hardwood or placing them atop terrazzo for maximum retro vibes.

4. Wood Paneling

Gone are the days of dark, oppressive paneling! Austin homes are incorporating warm wood elements in fresh ways. Think partial wall treatments, slat designs, and geometric patterns that add texture without overwhelming the space.

Honey-toned woods like oak and pine create warmth while keeping rooms bright. Many homeowners are pairing these wooden elements with white walls for balance, creating statement walls that anchor retro-inspired furniture arrangements.

5. Earthy Color Palettes

Austin’s ’70s-inspired living rooms are awash in colors pulled straight from nature. Warm terracottas, golden ambers, avocado greens, and rich browns create spaces that feel connected to the Texas landscape.

Earthy hues appear on walls, upholstery, and accessories, often in unexpected combinations. The result? Rooms that feel simultaneously bold and soothing, with a lived-in quality that new spaces often lack.

6. Conversation-Starting Lighting Fixtures

Lighting in these Austin homes isn’t just functional-it’s sculptural art! Oversized pendant lamps with globe shapes, mushroom table lamps, and arched floor lamps serve as focal points.

Materials like smoked glass, brushed brass, and colored acrylic create warm, ambient lighting that transforms spaces as day turns to night. Many homeowners are hunting vintage pieces at local shops, while others opt for contemporary designs that channel ’70s energy.

7. Plant Jungles

Austin’s plant parents are channeling serious ’70s vibes with lush indoor gardens. Fiddle leaf figs, monstera deliciosas, and trailing pothos create living, breathing sculptures throughout these spaces.

Macramé plant hangers suspend greenery from ceilings, while ceramic and brass planters add additional vintage charm. The abundance of plants not only purifies air but creates that quintessential ’70s feeling of bringing nature indoors.

8. Textural Layering

Austin’s retro living rooms are a feast for the fingertips! Designers are mixing bouclé, velvet, leather, and woven textiles to create richly textured environments that feel cozy and inviting.

Chunky knit throws drape over velvet sofas, while leather ottomans sit atop woven rugs. This deliberate layering of materials creates visual interest and tactile comfort that encourages guests to linger longer in these welcoming spaces.

9. Statement Walls With Geometric Wallpaper

Bold patterns are making walls talk in Austin homes! Geometric wallpapers featuring hexagons, circles, and abstract shapes create dramatic backdrops for ’70s-inspired furniture.

Colors tend toward warm oranges, browns, and golds, though some homeowners opt for cooler blues and greens. Rather than covering entire rooms, many are creating single statement walls that anchor the space without overwhelming it.

10. Conversation-Piece Coffee Tables

The humble coffee table has become a sculptural centerpiece in Austin’s ’70s-inspired living rooms. Unusual shapes like amoebas, kidneys, and circles replace traditional rectangles, often featuring materials like travertine, smoked glass, or burled wood.

Many homeowners are seeking out authentic vintage pieces or commissioning custom designs from local artisans. These statement tables aren’t just functional-they’re conversation starters that anchor the entire room’s design.