The Ugly 70s Trend That Is Taking Over Instagram
Avocado green bathrooms defined the 1970s. Tubs, sinks, tiles, and even toilets came in earthy shades that leaned towards olive, mustard, or moss tones. By the 1990s, they had become a symbol of outdated taste. Entire remodel budgets existed just to remove them. Now that same palette is reappearing across Instagram feeds under tags like #retrohome and #70srevival.
Retailer Wickes reported in 2024 that 28 percent of 24 to 34-year-olds would choose pastel blue bathroom suites, another 1970s staple, and 10 percent want 1970s paneling back in their homes. Design historian Professor Deborah Sugg Ryan points out that avocado green screams 1970s to anyone who lived through the decade. Younger generations, however, approach it differently because they did not grow up scrubbing mustard tile grout. They see it as bold, rather than dated.
Instagram’s Taste For The “Pretty Ugly”
The comeback also connects to a broader aesthetic shift. The French phrase ‘Jolie Laide,’ which translates to “pretty ugly,” has become a design buzzword heading into 2025. The idea centers on mixing sleek pieces with something slightly jarring. A quirky lamp, an uneven ceramic vase, or a chair that feels almost wrong in the best way. Avocado bathrooms fit right into that mindset.
Virginia Chamlee, a writer and thrifting expert, described the “ugly-chic” approach as pairing pristine design with something a little offbeat, and Instagram rewards that tension. A perfectly beige bathroom might fade into the scroll, but a green tile wall grabs attention.
This Is Not Your Grandma’s Bathroom
The revival does not mean a full return to matching green tubs and basins. The modern take uses a lighter touch. Designers incorporate green through tiles, paint, or furniture while keeping fixtures neutral. Lighting also plays a part, as smart dimmers soften the tone and prevent the room from feeling harsh.
DecorMatters’ January 7, 2025, trend report also highlights earthy palettes, curved furniture, bold art, and texture as key elements making a comeback. The difference lies in moderation.
Why Younger Homeowners Want It
Image via Canva/charliepix
Design cycles always evolve. Minimalist-gray dominated the 2010s, and social media was filled with identical kitchens and neutral living rooms. Eventually, it was everywhere, which made the design feel flat. Online forums point to a desire for nature-inspired tones as a key driver of the 1970s revival. Olive and moss feel grounded and photograph well.
There is also confidence at play. Choosing a shade older generations labeled hideous shows a willingness to prioritize personal taste over resale anxiety. Reddit reactions prove the controversy still exists. Commenters have called avocado bathrooms “grim” and worse. Others say they are tired of everything looking like it came straight from Ikea. The tension fuels the trend.