A 1960s German House Is Delightfully Decorated in 1970s Colors and Patterns (2024)

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Name: Doro, husband Jürgen, and Persian cat Lenny
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Size: 1400 square feet
Type of Home: Detached house
Years lived in: 16 years, owned

Doro and Jürgen have owned this small detached house built in the 1960s for about 16 years, and Doro says they love the house’s many bright windows, the layout of the rooms, the glass extension, and the garden, particularly lovely for Doro, who is a florist and works at a big garden center. She says the home was renovated twice since the 1960s, and when they moved in, the couple had a clear idea of how they wanted to change the house to suit their style.

Doro says growing up in the 1970s sparked a love of the colors and patterns of that era, and that’s quite evident in this home. She says when they bought the house, it was basically just dark brown and white, but not anymore! Over the years, she and Jürgen have added bold and bright colors like energetic green, yellow, orange, red and more inspired by the 1970s to their home, as well as lots of cheery Marimekko and Orla Kiely patterns in wallpapers and bedding and other textures.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: I grew up in the ’70s and love the colors and pattern, wallpaper, and designs of that era ever since and it’s still my biggest inspiration. Over the years my style has changed and evolved but now I created my own little space age world — with a lot of house plants!

Favorite element: The living room, my absolute favorite place to be!

Biggest challenge: When we bought the house, the only colors available were dark brown and white, so I spent many days painting and wallpapering everything.

Proudest DIY: My last job, the renovation of the guest room, except for hanging the lamp, I did everything myself.

Biggest indulgence: We had all the windows and floors in the house replaced and the living room got a new ceiling, which was definitely worth it.

Is there somethinguniqueabout your home or the way you use it? The glass extension; it was originally meant to bring more light into the basem*nt and there’s a spiral staircase leading down — I filled it completely with houseplants!

Where are your favorite places to buy or find vintage home decor? I buy most of it in small shops in Stuttgart or online.

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Surround yourself with things and colors you love and that bring you joy and don’t just follow the latest trend!

Resources

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

GUEST ROOM

YELLOW ROOM

HALLWAY

Thanks Doro!

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

This piece is part of Throwback Month, where we’re revisiting vintage styles, homes, and all kinds of groovy, retro home ideas.Boogie on over hereto read more!

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