That' 70s Style

What’s the key to mastering ’70s decorating without it looking like a time warp? Bella Freud knows…

WORKING WITH THE THEORY that fashion and interiors are closely intertwined, British fashion designer Bella Freud (best known for her signature sweaters declaring “Je t’aime Jane” and “Ginsberg is God”) has collaborated with Maria Speake, co-founder of reclaimed furniture and design business Retrouvius, to apply her cool-girl-chic aesthetic to an apartment in London – and the place is a study in 1970s style.

The bold colour, eclecticism and glamour of this decade were key references for Bella and Maria’s interior design. Vibrant block colours – angelica green, lipstick red and marigold used on the floors and walls – act as dynamic framing devices for the objects layered over them. The apartment was designed by London architects Piercy & Company and has been furnished with a mix of vintage pieces alongside playful custom-made rugs, which are inspired by the text on Bella’s sweaters and used as carpets and wall hangings. With touches of brass and swathes of glass, plus a generous dose of shaggy, velvety, woodgrainy texture, the result is a cool, glamorous but easy to live in design that is sure to inspire your own decorating. Here’s what we learned about ’70s style from Bella and Maria.

colours of autumn