It's been a while since we consulted with that most amazing and surprising oracle, the Oujia Board of decor...the Google Decorator. Previously the digital sage has shown us the "Most Beautiful Room" and the "Most Glamorous Room" - today we try a different tack - we want a glimpse into the hazy, distant past - we requested a look at the 1970's room.
Google Decorator: The 1970's Room
Wow, things started off really well - when we asked for a "1970s sofa" we got the good looking velvet sofa pictured above. By Stendig, circa 1970, we love the color and the chrome.
We move on, seeking some light. We are rewarded with another total hit : this vintage seventies French lamp by J. Blazy. Hmmm, we're liking this vibe. Nice job, Google - rather than seeming out of date, the warm metallic finish is right on trend for 2008.
Things are getting a little more retro with capital R as we hit the carpet, but we're not too frightened by this more literal turn to the past. It's a Rya shag rug inspired by the classic Marimekko pattern, Kaivo and actually is pretty cute.
For some artwork, we asked the decorator for a 1970's painting and we were led to this portrait by Alex Katz of his son. We'll take it!
Some classic design cropped up when we sought 1970's chairs - the Decorator's mystical suggestion were these purple Amoebes designed by Verner Panton for Vitra.
We have to say, we think that either we have a soft spot for the decade in question or the Google Decorator is having a really good day. We were half looking forward to seeing some really wacky fugly stuff and honestly, the taste level of these picks were almost "too" good - are we just remembering the seventies wrongly? Um, guess not.
Comments (12)
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Well, sure. If you pick the art/design icons of any age (Alex Katz? Panton chairs?), any decade will look pretty good. Even the 80s.
view Lisa Hunter's profile
i like this idea of random keyword-generated decorating!
view kdkaboom's profile
That lamp is such a great find! Its fun to google design and decorating related terms and enjoy what it throws up!
http://anindiansummer-design.blogspot.com/
view AnIndianSummer's profile
Agree with Lisa here, but as for that chair -- I remember that chair. Definitely an object in space and not an object to sit on.
view JonathanB's profile
Oh too funny, I used to walk by the Katz painting on my way to class everyday in college - but in the early 2000's, not the 70's :-) In my mind, it adds to the iconic timeless idea from other posters, but I do love this idea of googling random design ideas
view CourtneyinTampa's profile
Glad to finally know the origins of that particular sofa. I've been wanting to know for years. I thought maybe Poul Kjaerholm, but could never track it down.
view Bruised's profile
There is worthwhile stuff in every decade, things that transcend their time and look good for many years onward. A case NOT in point, though:all those weird kitchen canister sets with flowers and owls and mushrooms, generally in "woodsy" type colors, including "avocado" and "harvest gold".
view kuroneko's profile
kuroneko,
Y'know, I'm starting to think avacado kitchens would be a welcome change from the ubiquitious stainless steel. Check back in a couple of years -- I think it'll make a comeback.
view Lisa Hunter's profile
I'm ahead of the curve! I decorated my den in a 70's theme a couple of years ago - inspired by a latch hook rug of my sister's (her senior project from 1976) and all the great 70's furniture and decor you find in thrift shops. You could do an entire room in owls alone.
view Tikimama's profile
I saw a set of those canisters in avocado at Housing Works not long ago for about $60 or $70, if I'm not mistaken! Made me think about digging out and eBaying my mother's harvest gold set in the basement...
view Jane's profile
Actually, the Mushroom canister craze is quite collectible if you're into such things. Sears was the culprit.
view hdtex's profile
kuroneko, I'd say wacky canister sets are making a comeback in a MAJOR way. Have you checked the vintage offerings on etsy lately?
view mmadden's profile