Defining the 70s Home Exterior Landscape
The architectural landscape of the 1970s was diverse, moving away from the rigid formality of earlier periods towards more relaxed and organic forms. Energy efficiency also started to become a consideration, subtly influencing design choices like window placement and insulation needs, although not yet with the urgency seen today. The 70S home exterior often reflected a desire for less ornamentation and a greater emphasis on form and function.
This era saw homes designed to integrate more seamlessly with their surroundings, using natural materials and colors that mimicked the environment. Subdivisions continued to expand, but the homes within them displayed a broader range of styles than in the uniform neighborhoods of the 1950s. The 70S home exterior represented a departure, embracing innovation alongside a nod to practicality and natural aesthetics.
Key Architectural Styles of the 70s
While no single style dominated the 1970s, several architectural trends were prominent, each contributing to the distinct look of a 70S home exterior. These styles often borrowed elements from each other, creating a hybrid approach seen in many residential developments. Understanding these core styles is essential to recognizing the period’s architectural identity.
The 1970s built upon the foundational styles of the Mid-Century Modern era, evolving them for contemporary tastes and needs. New materials became widely available, and construction techniques improved, allowing for more adventurous designs. The resulting 70S home exterior could range from the familiar and comfortable to the bold and experimental.
The Enduring Ranch and Split-Level
The ranch home, a staple of American suburbs since the post-war boom, remained incredibly popular throughout the 1970s. Characterized by its single-story layout, long, low profile, and often attached garage, the ranch home offered practical, informal living. The 70S home exterior version of the ranch often featured larger windows, updated siding materials like vertical wood panels, and simplified rooflines compared to its 1950s predecessors.
Similarly, the split-level home continued its reign as a favored design, particularly on sloped lots. This style divided living spaces onto different levels accessed by short flights of stairs, offering a sense of separation while maintaining an open feel. The 70S home exterior of a split-level frequently incorporated a mix of materials, such as a brick lower level paired with wood siding on the upper levels, and prominent front-facing garages.
Contemporary and Modernist Influences
The 1970s saw a strong continuation and evolution of modernist principles in residential design. Contemporary homes of this era often featured asymmetrical designs, flat or low-pitched roofs, and a deliberate use of geometric shapes. Large windows, including floor-to-ceiling glass, were common, blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces. The 70S home exterior in this style emphasized clean lines and a lack of unnecessary ornamentation.
These homes prioritized natural light and open floor plans. Materials like wood, glass, and sometimes concrete were used honestly, showcasing their inherent textures and colors. The focus was on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing homes that reflected a modern lifestyle. This approach significantly shaped the look of many 70S home exterior designs.
Brutalism and A-Frame Variations
While perhaps less common in widespread suburban development, influences from Brutalist architecture occasionally appeared in residential design during the 1970s. This style is known for its use of raw, exposed concrete, robust geometric forms, and a monumental scale. A 70S home exterior with Brutalist touches might feature exposed concrete elements, strong cantilevered sections, or a focus on structural expression.
Simultaneously, the whimsical and dramatic A-frame home saw continued popularity, especially in vacation or rural settings. Characterized by its steep roofline that often extended to the ground on two sides, forming the shape of an ‘A’, this style offered unique interior volumes. The 70S home exterior of an A-frame was almost entirely defined by its roof, typically clad in shingles or wood, with a prominent triangular window arrangement on the gable ends.
Signature Materials and Textures
The choice of materials played a crucial role in defining the look and feel of a 70S home exterior. There was a move towards more natural or rustic-appearing finishes, reflecting the era’s connection to the environment and a desire for less polished aesthetics than the shiny surfaces popular in the 1950s and 60s. These materials contributed significantly to the unique texture and visual appeal.
Durability and ease of maintenance also became more important considerations. New siding products emerged, offering alternatives to traditional wood clapboard. The combination of different materials on a single facade was a common feature, adding visual interest to the 70S home exterior.
Wood Siding Takes Center Stage
Wood siding was arguably the most defining exterior material of the 1970s, appearing in various forms. Vertical wood siding, often in broad panels or planks, was particularly fashionable, offering a clean, modern line. Cedar and redwood were popular choices for their natural resistance to decay and insects, as well as their attractive grain and color.
Shagbark siding, also known as rough-sawn or texture-111 (T1-11), became ubiquitous. This plywood product featured deep grooves and a rough textured surface, providing a rustic yet uniform appearance. It was cost-effective and easy to install, making it a popular cladding choice for large sections of a 70S home exterior, often stained in earthy brown or muted green tones.
Brick, Stone, and Stucco Applications
While wood often dominated, brick, stone, and stucco were still widely used, frequently in combination with wood siding. Brick was commonly used for the lower portion of a house, chimneys, or as accent walls, often in warm, earthy tones like brown, tan, or reddish-brown. Stone, sometimes artificial veneer stone, also appeared as accents, adding texture and a sense of solidity.
Stucco was especially prevalent in warmer climates or on homes with Spanish Colonial or Mediterranean influences, which saw a resurgence in popularity. The texture of the stucco could vary, from smooth to rough, and it was typically painted in white or light earth tones. The use of multiple materials created visual layers on the 70S home exterior.
Concrete and Exposed Elements
In line with modernist and brutalist leanings, exposed concrete was occasionally used as a deliberate design element rather than just a foundation material. Poured concrete walls, retaining walls, or architectural details showcased the raw texture of the material. This reflected a desire for honesty in materials and structure.
Other exposed structural elements, such as large wooden beams supporting roof overhangs or porches, were also visible features, particularly in contemporary and A-frame styles. These elements added a rustic or handcrafted feel to the 70S home exterior, contrasting with the more finished surfaces.
Textured Surfaces and Patterns
Beyond the materials themselves, the surface texture was a key aspect of the 70S home exterior. Materials like rough-sawn wood, deeply grooved plywood (T1-11), and coarse stucco provided significant tactile and visual texture. These textures introduced shadow lines and depth to the facade.
patterned brickwork or decorative concrete blocks were sometimes used to create screens or accent walls, adding geometric interest. The focus was often on creating visual interest through the material itself rather than through applied decoration. The overall effect contributed to the natural, grounded look of the typical 70S home exterior.
Minimalist vs. Patterned Finishes
There was a dichotomy in finishes seen on the 70S home exterior. On one hand, contemporary styles often favored minimalist finishes, emphasizing smooth surfaces and clean lines, allowing the form of the building to speak for itself. On the other hand, materials like T1-11 and textured stucco introduced deliberate patterned finishes, adding a layer of visual detail through repetition and texture.
This contrast allowed for a wide range of looks within the decade. Whether simple and smooth or richly textured, the finish was a deliberate choice that contributed significantly to the overall aesthetic of the 70S home exterior.
The Distinctive 70s Color Palette
Color was another critical component of the 70S home exterior, moving away from the pastels and brighter colors of earlier decades. The palette was strongly influenced by the natural world, reflecting the environmental consciousness that began to take hold. The colors chosen reinforced the earthy, grounded feel of the architectural styles and materials.
This focus on natural hues created a cohesive look for many homes built during this period. The paint or stain colors complemented the materials, enhancing their inherent beauty rather than overpowering them.
Earth Tones Dominance
The most characteristic colors of the 70S home exterior were earth tones. Shades of brown, from light tan to deep chocolate, were incredibly popular for siding and trim. Muted greens, often described as “avocado” or olive, were also common, blending the home with its landscape.
Other prevalent colors included variations of gold, harvest gold, and muted oranges. These colors provided a warm, inviting, and somewhat subdued appearance. This palette was versatile, working well with both wood and brick exteriors and becoming synonymous with the 70S home exterior.
Pops of Avocado and Gold
While browns and greens formed the base, certain colors like avocado green and harvest gold became iconic accents. These colors were often used for doors, trim, or shutters, adding a touch of the decade’s signature style. They could be bold without being overly bright, fitting within the overall earthy scheme.
The interplay of these earth tones created a cohesive and immediately recognizable look. The choice of color wasn’t just decorative; it was integral to the design philosophy of the 70S home exterior, aiming to create harmony with the natural surroundings.
Windows, Doors, and Defining Features
Beyond the basic structure and materials, specific architectural features played a significant role in shaping the appearance and functionality of a 70S home exterior. These elements were often designed to enhance indoor-outdoor connection and provide practical benefits. They contributed to the signature look of homes from this era.
These details were not merely ornamental but served a purpose, aligning with the era’s focus on liveability and connection to nature. They are crucial elements in defining the overall aesthetic of a 70S home exterior.
Large Windows and Sliding Glass Doors
A hallmark of the 70S home exterior was the prevalence of large windows. Picture windows, casement windows, and sometimes even large single-pane windows were used to maximize natural light and offer views of the outdoors. These large expanses of glass were a direct link to the modernist emphasis on brightness and openness.
Equally important were sliding glass doors. These were widely used to connect living areas directly to patios, decks, or backyards, facilitating easy indoor-outdoor flow. They became a standard feature, symbolizing the casual, connected lifestyle the 70S home exterior often promoted.
Prominent Overhangs and Rooflines
Roofs in the 1970s varied, but low-pitched or flat roofs were common on contemporary styles, often featuring deep overhangs. These overhangs provided shade, protected walls from weather, and contributed to the horizontal lines that characterized many designs. On ranch and split-level homes, slightly steeper gable or hip roofs were standard, but often with less elaborate detailing than older homes.
The roofline was a significant element, sometimes featuring cathedral ceilings inside which were reflected in the exterior form (like the A-frame). The simplicity or drama of the roof added another layer to the visual impact of the 70S home exterior.
Integrated Garages and Driveways
By the 1970s, the attached garage had become a near-universal feature in new homes. Often, the garage door was a prominent element on the front facade of the 70S home exterior, sometimes even dominating the composition, particularly in split-level or raised ranch styles. Driveways were typically paved, leading directly to the garage, integrating the automobile into the home’s design.
The design of the garage door itself could influence the look, with options ranging from simple panel doors to those with small windows or decorative hardware. This integration of the garage was a practical response to the rise of car ownership but also shaped the overall look of the 70S home exterior.
Landscaping Trends of the 70s
Landscaping around a 70S home exterior often reflected the same desire for natural integration seen in the architecture itself. While formal gardens were less common, the focus shifted to creating a landscape that felt organic and low-maintenance. Decks and patios became extensions of the living space, connecting the interior with the yard.
The approach to landscaping was less about manicured perfection and more about creating usable outdoor areas and blending the home into its site. This mirrored the relaxed lifestyle promoted by the 70S home exterior itself.
A More Natural, Often Minimalist Approach
Landscaping in the 1970s often adopted a more natural approach. Large, mature trees were valued, and plantings often consisted of hardy, low-maintenance shrubs and groundcovers. There was less emphasis on complex flower beds and more on creating simple, green spaces.
Hardscaping elements included patios made of concrete, exposed aggregate, or simple pavers, and wooden decks became increasingly popular, providing raised outdoor living areas directly accessible from the house, often via those ubiquitous sliding glass doors. The overall look aimed for effortless integration with the landscape, complementing the natural materials used on the 70S home exterior.
Preserving and Updating a 70s Home Exterior
Today, many homes from the 1970s are still standing, and owners often face decisions about preservation or renovation. Maintaining the original character of a 70S home exterior involves understanding its key features and materials. Replacing siding with a similar texture and profile, preserving distinctive windows, and using sympathetic color palettes are ways to honor the era.
Updating a 70S home exterior can improve energy efficiency and curb appeal while respecting its roots. This might involve adding insulation, replacing single-pane windows with modern, energy-efficient equivalents that mimic the original look, or updating the landscape for better water management and contemporary aesthetics. The goal is often to enhance the home’s functionality for modern living without erasing its historical identity. Careful consideration of materials and design is key when working with a 70S home exterior.
Conclusion
The 70S home exterior is a unique chapter in residential architecture, characterized by a mix of styles ranging from the familiar ranch and split-level to more contemporary and even subtly brutalist influences. Defined by a palette of earthy colors, the widespread use of natural or rustic materials like wood siding (especially T1-11), brick, and stucco, and features like large windows and sliding glass doors, these homes reflected the era’s focus on informality, connection to nature, and evolving lifestyles. Understanding the distinct elements that comprise a 70S home exterior allows us to appreciate the design philosophies of the time and provides a roadmap for preserving or respectfully updating these fascinating properties for the future.