The 1970s were a decade of bold interiors, distinctive furniture and some very memorable decorating choices – and many of us will remember them from our own homes.
We’ve dipped into the Express & Star archive to find a fascinating collection of pictures showing how homes across the West Midlands looked during the decade. From fitted kitchens to show homes, living rooms and housing developments, the images offer a glimpse into everyday domestic life.
Think polished teak wall units, patterned carpets, floral wallpaper, floor-level lounging and the arrival of new heating technologies as homes changed with the times.
Whether you lived through the 1970s or simply love the distinctive style of the decade, these pictures offer a chance to step back inside the homes of the era.
Do you remember what your home looked like in the 1970s? Which style or feature from the era was your favourite? Share your memories in the comments.
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25. Screen blocks, flared trousers, and suburban street style
Patterned breeze-block garden walls, alluminum-framed sliding windows, and a classic pair of flared trousers - this September 1977 photograph captures a quiet moment on a street in Bridgtown, Cannock Chase. The homeowner on the left stands in a front garden newly modernised with popular '70s decorative screen walling, while a neighbour in wide-bottom trousers chats nearby. From the updated front porch to the period school crossing sign further down the pavement, the scene shows how suburban streets evolved in the late '70s. Do you remember when decorative screen-block walls were the ultimate weekend DIY project for front gardens? Who recalls wearing high-waisted flared trousers like these for a quick chat over the garden fence? | Express & Star archive
26. Concealed TVs, houndstooth upholstery, and lounge sophistication
Bold houndstooth pattern seating, concealed TV cabinets, and a drop-down drinks bar - this March 1975 photograph features the 'Lozange' wall units from Perrings. Offered in finishes like black ash and white polyester, the system included shelf units with integrated lighting and specialised cabinet sections designed to hide the television behind closed doors when not in use. Complemented by an arc floor lamp, a chrome-framed coffee table, and deep tufted armchairs, the arrangement reflects mid-decade living room trends. Do you remember when hiding the television inside a wall cabinet was the preferred way to keep the living room looking neat? Who recalls when bold geometric or houndstooth fabrics covered low-slung seating sets? | Express & Star archive
27. Patterned Axminster, plastic mats, and decimal-price placards
Towering rolls of patterned Axminster and Wilton carpet, stacks of striped plastic mats, and handwritten price placards - this photograph highlights the array of home flooring products available at the 'J Potts & Son' stall in Wolverhampton Retail Market in the 1970s. Displaying everything from sheepskin rugs and Chinese-style mats to rolled carpet runners marked with post-decimalisation pricing in feet and inches, the stall illustrates the sheer variety of floor coverings that defined West Midlands homes during the decade. Do you remember choosing patterned Axminster or Wilton carpet rolls from market stalls to fit out your home? Who recalls buying those practical striped plastic mats for the kitchen or back door back then? | Express & Star archive
28. Fitted wall units and deep-pile lounge luxury
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, illuminated glass display cases, and rich plush carpeting - this January 1979 scene showcases a grand living room wall storage system designed to maximise both storage and style. Paired with muted walls and a bold carpet, the extensive wooden unit offers dedicated space for books, trophies, glassware, and hi-fi audio equipment. Complete with a low-slung coffee table, leafy indoor house plants, and soft armchair seating, this interior represents the ultimate in late '70s fitted furniture sophistication. Do you remember when sprawling fitted wall units with integrated lighting were the pride of the living room? Who recalls filling glass-fronted cabinets with trophy cups, crystal glassware, and favourite keepsakes? | Express & Star archive