The Music of Your Home Décor

Guest Blogger: Derek Lotts

No matter if it were the golden age of rock and roll with Elvis at the helm, or Nirvana’s discordant outbreak of teenage angst and grunge, or the groovy disco hype of Kool & the Gang, Boney M, and Earth, Wind & Fire; each decade has that defining moment which has caused a boom in style, fashion, and design. Frankly, this is what pop culture is all about. However, there are so many new trends nowadays, it is sometimes hard to keep up, but you can always look back at the legends of music and the sensibility of the era during their reign to draw inspiration for your home decoration.

It may seem like history is repeating itself, but consider it to be an upgrade of sorts, an old-school feel with a modern touch. Take, for instance, Amy Winehouse. Besides her alluring deep contralto voice, she is also known for sporting an exaggerated beehive, which, in fact, was a symbol of the 60’s fashion kitsch. The same goes with décor. Combinations that were once used can be refurbished and even repurposed, thus creating a blend of the old and new. Let’s see what decade can also make our homes both vintage and contemporary.

The ‘50s

This was the time were America’s economy grew and consequently music started to flourish. During that time a young blonde lad, fresh from the US Navy, dyed his hair black, sang like angels, busted some moves and became a legend. Elvis Presley was revered as the godfather of rock and roll and with him, the term “pop culture” became a worldwide phenomenon. So, if you want your home to have that 50’s vibe, think about hanging that vinyl on the wall, head down to a pawn shop and get yourself a jukebox, think about rock and roll paper lanterns or table runners, chrome tables, black and white square tiles, exhibit your acoustic guitar as if it is a holy relic, and finish it all off with a picture of either Marilyn Monroe, or a Hollywood sign.

The ‘60s

The flower power era was one of the most musically prolific. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker, the Who, Carlos Santana, Jefferson Airplane; they all emerged during this decade to name a few. The hippie movement was on the rise, people protested against the government and war, and cult songs were pouring like crazy in people’s ears. If you opt to revive that 60’s sentiment in your home, think about shaggy or lurid carpets, floral wallpapers, psychedelic artwork, plastic chairs, open shelving, and don’t forget to hang a photo of the Volkswagen Type 2 or Andy Warhol’s pop art.

The ‘70s

To some, this decade is known for the domination of almost godlike rock music, but there was also a counter-reaction to that dominance. Containing elements of funk, pop, soul, and salsa, this slick body-moving genre came to be known as disco. There were basically two major groups. People who were either Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, David Bowie fans, inspired by their lives and work where everything was about sex, drugs, power chords and spirituality, while, on the other hand, there were smooth brothers and sisters who just want to get their groove on. Translate this to décor and you’ve got: beanbag chairs, floor pillows, built-in desks/beds, disco balls, wallpapers in a sunshine yellow, orange, red, brown, and white color combination, geometry symbols, and lava lamps.

The ‘80s

This is when music became industrialized, mass-production was slowly becoming a household term, heavy metal just exploded, and computers were being incorporated to create all manner of genres ranging from synth pop to industrial. Bands like Depeche Mode, the Cure, Kiss, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Metallica, Guns’n’Roses reigned the scene, however, mainstream culture even produced individuals who will be dubbed as the king and queen of pop – Michael Jackson and Madonna. Well, in terms of décor, everything pastel was in, also reflective surfaces, contemporary LED wall lights, rough geometric motifs, rounded furniture, circular mirrors, and any fearless colour and form in general. As long as it is bold, it is good.

The ‘90s

When Seattle took over the mainstream scene with grunge rock, bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Bush and many others became worldwide sensations. MTV was at its peak, and more and more subgenres emerged out of nowhere. So what was crazy about décor back then? Well, inflatable furniture, fake silk flowers, Hollywood lighting, carpeted bathrooms, band posters, beer signs, and certain degree of minimalism for starters.

This is where our journey stops. As the overwhelming numbers of new trends rush to meet us, we start swaying from genre to genre searching for that band or singer that will define us. Enjoy your music and try to channel some of it into your decor. Make it your own.

About Author: Derek is a hopeless romantic and awkward situation enthusiast. He strives to find a perfect home. In his pursuit, he has gained the knowledge he is eager to share.You can find him blogging regularly at Smooth Decorator.