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Original poster

1974

41 replies

kittentwo · 26/01/2015 20:22

Have just moved into 1974 bungalow one previous owner pristine like living in a piece of history my childhood all over again like a guilty pleasure I know I should hate my turquoise loo but I just love it along with my still working waste disposal. Never thought I'd love a home like this has made me rethink how to renovate it want to be tasteful but respectful in its day this house must of been the bees knees. Any tips on how to keep the best bits an incorporate into new. Loving my gplan bedroom suite too.

OP posts:
Lelivre · 26/01/2015 20:45

How wonderful Smile

Get onto houzz and search 'seventies' by room for pictures of an updated take on that period. I'm in a 60s house and this has helped me as I'm taking the same view. I would love to see your new place, sounds great! Have fun Smile

AryaUnderfoot · 26/01/2015 20:46

Our house was built in 1974. Most of the 'period features' I was pleased to see the back of, but I do love the taps in the downstairs loo. They are a nightmare to keep working, however, as we live in a very hard water area and they don't get on with limescale.

1974
Original poster
kittentwo · 26/01/2015 21:01

Thank you both I will have a look on houzz. We have these taps too in the turquoise loo we love them :))

OP posts:
lostinindia · 26/01/2015 21:04

I really love coloured bathroom suites too. There is no shame in having a turquoise loo. Got any pictures?

Lelivre · 26/01/2015 21:14

Lostinindia I wanted to ask that too!!

I had an email from JL yesterday with their interiors lookbook I think...and a mid century colour palette of teals and vivid mustard was quite present! I only looked quickly on my phone but I am sure you will find high street furnishings that will not seem out of place. How exciting! We are a bit skint from our house purchase and can't get too carried away but I really feel 60s/70s properties are coming into their own ; good for you to be retaining what you can of the original fittings. We are keeping our fireplace. I've had some sniffy comments from visitors who obviously don't appreciate it, but we both really like it.

IssyStark · 26/01/2015 21:25

Lucky you! I'd love a 60s or early 70s house (currently living in a 1936 house). Keep looking at local ones and I want to weep when I see ones that have been renovated to the point of having no original features left.

Original poster
kittentwo · 26/01/2015 21:34

I will have a go tomorrow at putting up some pictures my technical skills are 1974 too. We have decided to use old kitchen as utility room units an they are in such good condition. Love our fireplace too its marble an just feels right for the room. My favourite things are coloured glass bricks around front door and a concertina wood door as a kitchen door and of course a lovely cold larder.some fantastic light fittings. We have had some sniffy comments too but I don't mind and tbh am so enjoying living in it as it is for now going to really take my time an enjoy this. Oh we have a peach sink an vanity unit in our bedroom too. I was thinking for loo black an white floor white walls turquoise loo and either red or mustard tiles. Yes I feel the 70s vibe john lewis have some great vintage g plan sofas too.

OP posts:
Lelivre · 26/01/2015 22:02

Sounds sooooo cool. Love your ideas. Please come back and tell more as you progress things Smile

fussychica · 27/01/2015 10:24

Sounds great. Unfortunately for us our 70s bungalow had been made over very badly in the 80/90s so the only "period" features we have left are the obscured glass panels over the top of the interior doors - nothing else remains.

I've always fancied a kick arse 60s/70s house like the one I spent part of my childhood in but because they are family homes they have always been modernised.

Original poster
kittentwo · 27/01/2015 11:36

We have been so lucky this house has only had one owner who had it purpose built and then didn't change a thing retired here an has sadly just moved into a home for the elderly at 93. She was a widow for many years so fittings an fixtures still immaculate.

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Lelivre · 27/01/2015 11:52

What are your thoughts on the opaque glass above bedroom and bathroom doors. We have this in every upstairs doorway and massive windows mean there is no need for more light.

fussychica · 27/01/2015 14:17

Lelivre same - we have huge windows so pointless. We have blocked up (though not removed) the one in our bedroom and left the rest. We have installed new doors though as the flat hardboard type ones were hideous & not in good condition..

Lagoonablue · 27/01/2015 14:30

I love 70s houses. Sooooo jealous!

Original poster
kittentwo · 27/01/2015 15:25

I think I would replace glass with coloured glass tiles or stained glass. The only thing I cant get my head round is flat white doors I am missing my old oak ones.

OP posts:
AryaUnderfoot · 27/01/2015 20:50

I quite like the flat doors, glass panels and aluminium door handles.

We've also kept the original bannister (we've just done some major extension/refurbishment so we're in the middle of decorating). The artex on the walls had to go!

1974
CreamSubstitute · 27/01/2015 20:57

I really like the glass above the doors. How difficult would it be to add it do you think? Our upstairs hall in our 1960s house could do with more light.

We've got what look like airbricks above the bedroom doors and I have no idea what purpose they serve. Not sure if they were required as part of the old forced air heating system or what.

I would also totally keep a turquoise loo.

Devora · 27/01/2015 23:01

I'm so jealous! I would definitely go with mustard with your turquoise loo.

Oh, and I love the glass above the doors - it's a really nice feature. And Arya's bannister. And those fabulous taps. You're all so lucky!

My elderly in-laws live in a spacious bungalow that boasts a retro-tastic and amazingly preserved bathroom with olive suite and olive tiling, and another with ochre suite. They live in a moneyed but untrendy part of the world, and it pains me that when the time comes for them to sell (which will be soon) it will all be ripped out and replaced with the ubiquitous 'luxury boutique hotel' look throughout.

Devora · 27/01/2015 23:02

Looking longingly at those taps again - they are just a much more pleasing shape than most available now. Has anyone come across anything similar in the shops?

SwedishEdith · 27/01/2015 23:05

Phil Spencer Secret Agent tonight had a house with a turquoise bathroom.

RaphaellaTheSpanishWaterDog · 27/01/2015 23:30

We have a turquoise basin in a small walk-in cupboard-like space (complete with window) off our bedroom in our new house.....trouble is our house is 1850s so turquoise (and the primrose yellow loo and basin downstairs) just doesn't suit our plans for the house!

Devora · 27/01/2015 23:40

SwedishEdith, did Phil recommend mustard as the counterpoint colour? Please don't tell me he got them to rip it out and replace with yards of beige marble...

Devora · 27/01/2015 23:41

Sell it, don't skip it, Raphaella - tempted to bid for it myself!

Devora · 27/01/2015 23:48

Look at this; I'm so tempted:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-retro-yellow-bathroom-sink-with-lovely-taps-/231459616281?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Bathroom_Sinks_PP&hash=item35e4117619

Anyone know if it is not generally straightforward to put in an old sink? I have a really ugly sink that I am keen to replace.

SwedishEdith · 27/01/2015 23:49

I didn't see the whole programme but it was still there at the end Grin One of the houses did have far too many lovely red tiles in the bathroom - and a car radio inserted into the wall Grin Ah, the 70s.

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