Okay bestie, if you love that retro vibe, this guide to 70s home exterior for beginners is your cozy ticket back in time. I want to make these warm, funky ideas feel doable no matter your skill level or budget.
I started collecting inspiration when I first moved into a rental with ugly trim and a weird color palette, and I learned small swaps actually make a huge difference. You’ll find tips that I tried myself and ones I saved for my next house.
By the end you’ll have 20 clear, easy ideas and real-world notes to help you pick what fits your home and personality.
These 20 Easy 70s Home Exterior Ideas for Beginners
Vintage Wood Siding Makeover
Wood siding is a classic 70s anchor and it warms up any facade without feeling fussy. Consider a soft stain to let the grain show while updating the color palette, and pair it with crisp white trim for contrast. I loved doing this on a small shed once – it made the whole yard feel intentional.
Cozy Stone Entryway Vibes
Stone around the entry creates instant gravitas and that grounded 70s look everyone covets. You can use stacked stone veneer instead of full masonry to save money, and a wide threshold or flagstone step ties it together beautifully. Try mixing textures so the stone complements rather than competes with your siding.
Playful Pink And Blue Facade
Bold pastels were a cheeky 70s move and they still read charming when toned down for modern tastes. Paint the door and window trim in contrasting candy colors while keeping the main walls neutral to avoid overwhelm. If you like whimsy, you can add potted plants that echo those hues for a cohesive look.
Reflective Pool Window Moments
Mirrored or large reflective windows were used in some 70s modern houses to blur indoor and outdoor spaces. If you have a pool or glossy surface nearby, positioning windows to capture reflections can create a dramatic, vintage-modern effect. Just remember privacy solutions – screening or sheer curtains work well without killing the vibe.
Bright Multi-Door Personality
Multiple colored doors are a playful, inexpensive update that nods to 70s character without being kitschy. Pick two or three complementary hues and paint doors or shutters to create rhythm across the facade. Keep hardware simple so the colors stay the star.
Concrete Bench Retro Touches
Cement benches and sculptural planters are small architectural moves that scream vintage charm. You can DIY a simple bench or source vintage finds at flea markets for authenticity. Place them near the entry to make the front yard feel like a thoughtful living space rather than just a lawn.
Balcony Lines And Layering
Balconies and layered rooflines are hallmark 70s silhouettes that add depth to a simple box house. If you already have a balcony, highlight its lines with painted rails or hanging planters so it reads purposeful. For new additions, speak with a pro about structure, then style the space with vintage outdoor furniture.
Park-Like Lush Landscaping
Big, lush plantings soften the retro edges and give your home that relaxed 70s park feel. Group trees and shrubs in naturalistic clumps instead of rigid rows, and add a winding path to invite exploration. I once transformed a narrow yard by planting in layers and it immediately felt more mature and cozy.
Palm And Succulent Entry
For warmer climates, palms and succulents were a 70s staple and remain low-maintenance winners today. You can mix tall palms with low rosettes for contrast, and use gravel or stepping stones to keep things tidy. I planted succulents in my tiny balcony boxes and that little touch changed the whole aesthetic.
Red Cabin Forest Steps
A red wooden cabin in the trees is a romantic 70s image that still reads approachable and warm. Use rich, earthy reds paired with dark trim and natural stone steps to amplify the woodland feel. This look works especially well if your property already has tall trees to frame the house.
Carpeted To Clean Exterior Update
Before-and-after projects are motivating because they show how small changes add up – swapping dated textured finishes for simpler lines is one path. Replace worn exterior carpets or shaggy rugs on porches with durable outdoor tiles or painted wood for cleaner curb appeal. When I helped my neighbor redo their entry, the instant uplift felt like a mini miracle.
Hallway Paneling Extended Outside
Wood paneling on exteriors can be tricky, but when used as an accent it channels that unmistakable 70s warmth. Consider vertical reclaimed boards around the doorway or garage to echo interior hall styling without overcommitting. Texture and tone are the keys – match stains to your window trim for continuity.
Painted Mural Curb Appeal
A small painted mural or accent graphic can personalize a plain facade while tipping a hat to retro kitsch. Keep the design simple and color-limited so it reads intentional rather than dated. You could have a local artist do a modest piece above the porch – it’s an affordable way to add unique character.
Classic Car And Brick Siding
Brick paired with wood siding and a curated vintage car photo moment gives your exterior a lived-in, storybook quality. If you don’t own a vintage car, create a vignette with a retro bike or planter car wheel as a prop. Small storytelling elements like that make your home memorable to visitors and neighbors.
Stone Steps To Welcome
Stone steps are durable and feel authentically 70s, especially when slightly irregular and moss-softened in cooler climates. Mix in low lighting to highlight the pathway at night and choose plants that soften the edge. Even one well-placed step can elevate a plain entry into something intentional and charming.
Plant-Filled Living Facade
Incorporating lots of greenery into your facade brings the retro indoor-outdoor trend to life without architectural overhaul. Use window boxes, hanging planters, and tall potted trees to add vertical interest and seasonal color. You can swap plant varieties each year to keep the look fresh and personal.
Collage-Inspired Exterior Details
A collage-style approach mixes vintage tiles, salvaged shutters, and eclectic hardware for a curated 70s personality. Balance is crucial – anchor the collage with one dominant material so it reads cohesive instead of chaotic. I once used mismatched tiles on a tiny stoop and the result felt both playful and surprisingly sophisticated.
Brown Trim Midcentury Look
Brown trim with white or cream walls is a classic midcentury-70s combo that’s understated but impactful. Try a deep walnut or espresso for windows and fascia to create crisp lines that frame the house. Neutral walls let architectural shadows do the decorating work during golden hour.
Simple Grass-Lot Houses
Sometimes a simple house on a generous grass lot feels perfectly 70s – open lawns and minimal ornamentation can be intentional. Add classic touches such as a low fence, native plant clusters, or a statement mailbox to nod to the era. The key is restraint; one or two focused updates go further than trying to overhaul everything.
Porch Scenes With Wood
Wooden porches with deep eaves create that slow, porch-sitting vibe associated with the 70s. Install a pendant light and vintage-style outdoor seating to invite lingering evenings and morning coffee rituals. If your porch is narrow, choose slimline furniture so the space still feels open and welcoming.
How to Actually Make This Work For You
Start small and pick one visible element to update – a front door, a single accent wall, or the landscaping – so the change feels manageable and budget-friendly. Think about color temperature and materials that match your climate and neighborhood, and don’t be afraid to test paint with large peel-and-stick samples before committing. Finally, layer in vintage-inspired accessories and plants rather than trying to force an entire era all at once.
How much does a 70s exterior update cost?
Costs vary widely depending on materials and scope – small paint jobs and plantings can be a few hundred dollars, while structural changes run into thousands. Plan a budget with a cushion for unexpected repairs and prioritize updates that have the biggest visual impact.
Can I mix modern and 70s styles?
Absolutely – mixing modern simplicity with retro textures creates a fresh, curated look rather than a costume. Use modern finishes for functionality and add one or two 70s touches like wood paneling or colored trim to give character.
Are 70s materials durable today?
Some original 70s materials like certain paneling or single-pane windows may need updating for energy efficiency. You can keep the aesthetic by using modern materials that mimic the look but offer better performance and longevity.
What’s the easiest first project?
Painting the front door, swapping light fixtures, or adding planters are quick, low-cost wins that immediately change curb appeal. These projects help you test the style before investing in larger renovations.
