The Bold '70s Kitchen Color We're Dying To Have A Comeback
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Americans, on average, spend nearly an hour in their kitchen each day. So why not make it a little more exciting? Home cooks in the 1970s knew that cooking was an act of passion, and they decorated with color accordingly. Many homes of that decade were decked out in red — often a deep, orangey poppy red or a rich ruby.
These hues served as an energizing complement to the abundance of earth tones that defined the era, while nodding to the vibrant colors of pop art (which had reached its peak the decade before). Here, in 2026 — some 50 years later — as we ease out of minimalist homes and into the maximalist style trend that's taking over, it's time for this bold color from the '70s to make its comeback, too.
Whether you want to do a full color overhaul or add a few red hues to your kitchen, there are cues you can take from the disco era. For example, while burgundy window casing and base boards add just enough vibrance, you could also go all out with red, with an oxblood floor and crimson dining chairs to boot.
Incorporating '70s red into your kitchen
To keep it true to the 1970s, the shade of red you choose for your kitchen matters. That era was known for deep, sun-baked colors like terracotta and burnt crimson, rather than bright cherry reds — creating a soothing, lived-in look in the kitchen.
The reds pair well with warm wood furniture, like a walnut dining table or an oak chair. And they carry over into the burnished tones of enamel cookware and ceramic baking dishes. To source these pieces for your own home, start at the thrift store. The eclectic, collected feel of the pieces you gather there will create a layered, authentic look.
Meanwhile, if you'd like to add a big splash of red to your kitchen for under $50, try self-adhesive vinyl wall tiles, like these Stickgoo peel-and-steel backsplash tile in vintage red (Amazon, $34.99). Or, hang some funky vintage posters (that you find on Etsy or elsewhere) on the walls. (Here are the best ways to bring wall art into your kitchen, by the way.)
If you're opting for a full makeover, bring earthy tones to your home décor in shades of brown and moss green. Those are true to the era and will complement your '70s reds beautifully.