1970s Style on the Runway and at Home

The color-wonderful spectacle of spring runway collections are (if well conceived) perfectly poised to complement the current cultural sentiment. The latest concepts quickly ingratiate themselves into both wardrobes and homes. One caveat to Thoreau's quote is that the old fashions become once again new in a generation or two.

And so it is with spring '07 looking more like spring '70.

A refinement of the avant-garde ruled the runway. Presented in stark contrasts, bold colors and asymmetrical lines, this high art fashion ramps up the style quotient of the modern home.

As seen in Galliano's evening dresses, bright violet, blue and fuchsia add dramatic flair. The Chloe collection used a cool combination of deep purple, ochre and chocolate. For the home, let biscuits-and-cream neutrals serve as a base for independent statement colors. Introduce the vivid hues in painted shutters, doors, window frames and molding. Add interest through use of luminous glass tiles indoors and out. Indulge in saturated shades for leather upholstery and textiles.

The season's fragile blouses and diaphanous dresses are a reminder to keep spaces open and full of light. A soft comfort-color palette establishes a calm room, allowing dynamic shots of color to be a welcome visual surprise instead of design cacophony.

From Derek Lam to Alice Ritter to Anna Sui, the mini prevailed, often with the fashion flashback empire waist. Décor allows for this sweet play on proportion as well. Ultra-long drapes on an average window, a chair rail at an unexpected height, perhaps a mix of over and undersized art.

Take cues from spring accessories, too. Contemporary need not be stark. Splashes of gold, beading and appliqué translate to opulent lighting, funky oversized art and fabulous bedding.

And just as the 70's embraced earth art and environmentally-conscious design, fashion and home mavens both recycle ideas. Exotic woods work well with the better-than-back-to-nature color stories. Salvaged planks from old wine casks and reclaimed boards from old houses have the vintage patina designers adore. The scars and visual history give reclaimed wood warm character that balances clean lines. Thoreau would be proud.

A fashionable home combines the best aesthetics with the best of the owner. Trust a real estate associate with a keen design insight to assist in finding the perfect home for your style.