Many of the housing plans of the decade bore the unmistakable signatures of innovation, artistic freedom, and a willingness to push the boundaries of residential design. This was a time when avocado green and harvest gold were not merely colors, but also represented a cultural zeitgeist mirrored in residential architecture.
At the same time, not all homes built between 1970 and 1979 featured modern or contemporary designs! Homes built along the lines of the house styles of the 1950s and 1960s continued to appear (particularly ranch homes), which you will see among the plans below that were published throughout the 70s.
But of course, even the more traditionally-styled residences could have been given some seventies flair with the multitude of decorative choices available — vinyl flooring and/or carpeting, paint and wallpaper, furnishings and decor — not to mention the colorful options for kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
Ranch house plans of the 1970s
For those with an appetite for nostalgia, 1970s house plans spark interest like a well-placed shag carpet in an open living room. Starting the tour of this decade’s popular styles, one can’t overlook the reign of the ranch house.
Simple, single-story, and sporting an open floor plan, the ranch-style home carved out a spot in the heart of American residential architecture. It echoed the longing for simplicity, low-maintenance living, and an increasingly casual lifestyle.
Split-level house plans of the 1970s
And then there were split-level houses, garnering attention with their multi-level layouts. These designs offered spatial variety and enhanced privacy, splitting public and private spaces into different levels. Whether you were hosting a disco-themed party downstairs or seeking solitude in the upper level, split-level homes offered an answer.
A-frame house plans of the 1970s
Who could bypass the evolution of the A-frame house in the 1970s? Conjuring up images of ski vacations and tranquil lake houses, these homes captured the hearts of the more adventurous homeowners. Their steep, sloping roofs and open interiors offered an appealing blend of design and functionality.
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Contemporary house plans of the 1970s
But the 1970s was not all about ranches, split-levels, and A-frames. This decade was also known for an influx of contemporary house designs. These modern dwellings flaunted clean lines, geometric shapes, and large expanses of windows, marking a clear departure from traditional home styles. It was a reflection of the times, as society embraced technological advancements and a forward-looking mindset.
The architecture of the 1970s was more than just a collection of designs. It was a reflection of a decade marked by radical change and dynamic innovation.
Whether you love the open plan of a ranch house, prefer the spatial variety of a split-level, or marvel at the unique geometry of a contemporary house, these 70+ housing plans of the 1970s offer something for every architectural palette. Take a dive into this retro neighborhood!
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Vintage 1970s modern house design
This home is an example of building off the back end of a sloping piece of property. This design affords maximum privacy from the road while opening up all areas of the rear to the prevailing view.
The upper level highlights an abundance of space for recreation. The laundry room is large enough for the storage of a variety of bulky items. There are three full baths, two fire-places and four outdoor balconies.
Contemporary bi-level split-foyer home plan (1978)
A dramatically simple, contemporary bi-level, or split-foyer, home. This rather geometric design is as interesting and distinctive on the inside as on the outside.
Double front doors open to a well-lighted entry made possible by the large glass panel above. Down six steps is the main living level. Across the back and functioning with the rear terrace are the spacious formal and informal living areas. A massive two-way fireplace may be enjoyed from each room.
The kitchen is most efficient and is but a step from the nook. The laundry and washroom are nearby. The study, or TV room, surely will be a popular haven.
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Up eight steps from the front entry is the four-bedroom, two-bath upper level. A balcony looks out upon the sloping ceiling and down into the lower-level living areas. The master bedroom has a dressing room and is adjacent to a sizable storage area. This will be a handy spot to store all the seasonal paraphernalia a large family falls heir to.
Modern 70s house design and floor plan
Here is a refreshing, modified H-shaped home with a most interesting interior. The spacious formal living and dining area has a sloped ceiling and a commanding raised hearth fireplace.
Back-to-back plumbing highlights the two full baths. The kitchen and nook look out upon, and function with, the outdoor terrace.
The entry unit is the connecting link to the all-purpose family room. It is spacious and provides direct access to the garage as well as, through sliding glass doors, to the partially enclosed terrace. Note the wardrobe closet and the adjacent powder room.
The family room with its beamed ceiling functions with the private terrace. A bulk storage room off the garage is just the place for all that lawn and gardening paraphernalia. Optional basement.
Retro 70s contemporary split-level house with wood siding
A home for those with a flair for something refreshingly contemporary both inside and out. This modest-sized multi-level has a unique exterior and an equally interesting interior.
The low-pitched, wide-overhanging roof protects the inviting double front doors and the large picture window. The raised planter and the side balcony add an extra measure of appeal.
Inside, the living patterns will be delightful! The formal living room will look down into the dining room. Like the front entry, the living room has direct access to the lower level. The kitchen is efficient and spacious enough to accommodate an informal breakfast eating area. The laundry room is nearby.
The all-purpose family room has beamed ceiling, fireplace and sliding glass doors to rear terrace. The angular, open stairwell to the upper level is dramatic, indeed. Notice how each bedroom has direct access to an outdoor balcony.
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Spanish-influenced home design (1977)
Outdoor-oriented, each of the major living areas on the first floor have direct access to the terraces.
French-style mansard roof home plan from the 1970s
The formality of French design is certainly impressive. This Mansard version has a noticeably hipped roof. The delicate nature of the exterior’s architectural detailing is pleasing to behold.
The recessed front entrance features patterned double doors. Radial-topped window openings add that extra measure of distinction. The dentil work, the brick quoins at the corners, the carriage lamps, the chimney caps, and the contrasting exterior materials (wood shingles and brick veneer) are among the additional exterior features.
The interior layout is practical and, indeed, efficient. The end-living and dining rooms will foster formal living patterns, while the outstanding kitchen and family room will function together in a delightfully informal fashion.
Mid-century modern contemporary 1970s home plan
1970s contemporary home floor plan for an uneven lot
Split-level contemporary 1970s home design
Simple contemporary 70s house plan
Two decor choices for a 1970s 2-story house
Vintage 70s home plan with optional lower level
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2-story house with mansard roof and decorative windows (1971)
70s symmetrical ranch house design
House plan with half mansard roof (1971)
1970s mission-style house design
Two styles of similar 1970s house floor plan
Large (3000 square foot) 70s ranch home floor plan
Large 70s house with 4 different roof heights
Popular simple single-level 70s house plan
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Vintage 1970s home plan with old English cottage-style exposed beams
Unique vintage split-level home plan with 3 different facades
Small vintage house plan with carport (1971)
Traditional 1-story house floor plan with covered front porch
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Colonial-style 2-story brick house (1970s floor plan)
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Traditional brick and shingle 2-story house plan (1970s)
Sweet and simple (but big) vintage 70s traditional house design
1970s house plans: Mediterranean styling adapted to contemporary living
The Mediterranean quality of this design stems from the massive stone facade, stucco walls, balconies, and arched entranceway. Walking through the archway is like walking through a 4-foot thick wall, an illusion created by the wrap-around design of the wall protecting a 12’x18′ covered entrance court.
Inside the 5-foot-wide paneled entrance doors, the foyer affords direct access to a 25-foot-long living room and an almost 29-foot-long family room-kitchen, both of which open conveniently to the dining room. Living and dining rooms have access to a porch; family room-kitchen to terrace. Powder room and laundry are also included on the first floor.
Upstairs, the master bedroom, off its own foyer, has a beamed cathedral ceiling and 8’x12′ cathedral window. Among its other luxurious touches are a fireplace, recessed sitting area, 14′ wall of closets, private bath, and balcony. Two other bedrooms share a bath and balcony.
Size: 1048 square feet on first floor (excluding porches and garage); 922 square feet on second floor (excluding balconies)
No-nonsense contemporary house plan for a wooded site (1970)
What prompted this family to give up a rambling New England house for a condensed contemporary? Their desire to relax, and to escape continuous upkeep and suburban noise.
A wooded site promised all this plus natural privacy for outdoor living. Texture and line of vertical siding accent the stark simplicity, and eliminate need for costly details. Windows were placed and shaped as dictated by interior use. Tall ribbons of glass capture all possible light.
Inside, volume (rather than square footage) contributes a feeling of unrestricted space. Fireplace wall of rough-textured brick and banks of shelves soar two stories high in the multipurpose living room. Carved from this lofty expanse, an open stair and floating bridge join the balconied retreat to the upper level bedrooms.
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In only 1,824 square feet, the 56×89-foot home fulfills this family’s quest for individual privacy. An abundance of storage walls isolates noise, unclutters space, and separates activities.
From Better Homes for All America 4004-B (April 1970) – Architect: John G Williams, AIA/Builder: John Kellar
1970s floorplan offers privacy on a suburban lot (1971)
Your best buy in land today is apt to be an odd-shaped, sloping, or skimpy lot. With imaginative design, you can cope with such disadvantages and create something spectacular like this ingenious house. The bonuses here: indoor-outdoor privacy, a low-cost second level, and a handy room arrangement that eliminates cross traffic.
The front courtyard is surrounded on three sides by house and garage—one wall is extended to shut out the street. The courtyard is secluded enough for family sunning or a formal party. Double glass doors span the center, opening this court to living-dining rooms inside. Backyard mini-gardens in recessed corners control view and assure outdoor privacy. All living areas fit in 62×75 feet.
For an upper level, this family raised the roof! On the left, a studio playroom; right, two children’s rooms are isolated from noise. These multiplied interior space to 2,725 square feet. Separating the upstairs zones, a majestic living room sweeps boldly aloft — making it seem bigger than it is.
Contemporary 1970s 3-story home plan
From Better Homes & Gardens (April 1970)
The clean-cut, economic simplicity of contemporary architecture gave this family exactly what they needed — plus some unexpected bonuses.
For example, omitting expensive details also decreased maintenance. Freedom of design meant ready adaptability to less costly odd-shaped or sloping sites. And, it permitted close indoor-outdoor relationships which increased living space.
To hold square footage within their budget and make best use of space, this client opted for open planning. Combined areas serve related functions; save steps and upkeep; simplify access and communication.
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The home shown here was tailored to an active family that valued privacy for all — and peace and quiet for the adults. It was achieved within 2,600 square feet by dividing activities into three levels. Two adult retreats nestle in bonus space under the roof. Family activities merge at middle level. Freed from traffic, this floor is ready for impromptu entertaining.
Open planning creates a feeling of spaciousness in a modest area. The comfortable, private living room brightened by light from clerestory windows. Children’s ground level includes housekeeper’s workspace overlooking playroom and yard. Yet all this living is accommodated with a 39×52-foot home.
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1970s ranch house floor plans: Western ranch home with long loggia (1978)
Here is a house in authentic ranch style with its long loggia, posts and braces, hand-split shake roof and cross-buck doors. Two wings sprawl at an angle on either side of a Texas-sized hexagonal living room.
Directly across from the double-door entrance, this sunken living room is two steps lower and enclosed by two solid walls (one pierced by a fireplace), two 10′ walls of almost solid glass (glass sliding doors), and two walls opened wide as entrances from foyer and to dining room.
For outdoor living and dining, a porch bounds the room on three sides. Dining room wing contains kitchen-family room, laundry, full bath and garage. In the sleeping wing, three of four bedrooms line the rear elevation for privacy.
The master suite includes its own bath, dressing room and built-in vanity. A 10′ counter with two lavatories wraps around the angled walls of the half bath. The storage and closet space is abundant throughout.
Popular vintage 1970s ranch house floor plan
You’ll enjoy peace and quiet with this outstanding home design. The excellent design of the floor plan buffers living and sleeping areas with basement stairs, master bath, closets, and a hall.
The bedrooms are clustered together, yet none shares a wall with another or with the living room. The family room is downstairs, along with a bedroom, bath, laundry, storage, and playroom.
A large fireplace wall in the living room and dining room creates a feeling of warmth, while the cathedral ceiling with dark contrasting beams gives a sense of spaciousness.
The kitchen has its own eating area and is directly adjacent to the dining room, entry hall, and garage for easy access. The tall windows in the garage make the front seem more open than it really is. The outdoor decks make outdoor living only a step or two away. If you want “get away from it all” living, this is the plan for you.
House plan 3709-A: 2250 square foot living area, 68’x36′ excluding garage
The Santa Rosa – Early 70s mission-inspired house style
This one-story home features a pair of arched windows on the front. At nearly 1,300 square feet, the home features three bedrooms and over 500 feet of carport, porch, and storage.
1970s split level floor plan: The Towneson two-story 1970s house plan
With three bedrooms on the second floor, this split-level home features separate family room and living room, along with separate breakfast room and dining room. The two stories of living space total 1744 square feet. The one car garage, porch, and storage areas provide an additional 450 square feet of covered areas.
70s split level house plan: The Allison 4-bedroom house plan with red barn style (1970s)
The Apollo retro 1970s ranch house plan
Offering about 1,650 square feet of living area, The Apollo has three bedrooms and two bathrooms with an optional basement bedroom area. The right portion of the home features a large carport, and storage area.
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The Autry – Pretty brick-fronted ranch house floorplan from the 70s
With four bedrooms and two bathrooms, the Autry is a little over 1,500 square feet. With the carport entry on the side, this home offers more than 600 square feet of extra covered space with the porch, storage, and carport area.
The Century 70s ranch-style house with brick veneer
With a a two-car garage on the side and three bedrooms on the main floor, this rectangular single-story home has just over 1,300 square feet in its nearly 70-foot length.
The Coleman – Small 1-story 1970s house with carport
With its three bedrooms on the main floor and an optional basement bedroom, simple yet refinded Coleman home was selected from “Homes of Comfort.” At a little over 1,300 square feet and nearly 63 feet in length, this 1970s house also had a porch, bonus storage, separate laundry room, and a carport.
The Daniel – Vintage 1970s ranch-style home floorplan
Selected from “Distinctive Homes,” this home is about 82 feet long with nearly 1,800 square feet of living area. The three-bedroom two-bath home has an eat-in area adjacent to the kitchen, while the optional basement can add another bedroom and bathroom to the living area.
The Darlington ranch-style 1970s house floorplan
The Diering 70s rectangular home floorplan
The Dumont mid-century modern style house plan (1970s)
This split-level home has an activities room and a multi-purpose room (family room or great room) over 1,500 square feet. Available with a two-additional bedroom basement option, the Dumont also has a two-car garage.
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Split level floor plans 1970s: The Spain multi-level home with wood and brick siding
This split-level home has two single-car garages and a rec room downstairs, and three bedrooms and one bath upstairs. The total living area is about 1,800 square feet.
The Farrar – 1970s house plan for small home with brick veneer
The Fenley compact 1970s house plan
This small home offers nearly 1,100 square feet and has three bedrooms and a one-car carport.
Popular French country mansard-roofed home
This home welcomes all with its character and warmth. A striking and practical house, the central utility core helps cut construction costs as does the bold, mansard roof which also forms the walls of the upper level.
The floor plan creates a feeling of spaciousness usually found in much larger homes. Covered carport protects the main entrance and doubles as a sheltered play area for children.
Carlenton vintage 1970s 2-story home design
Guest room, four baths equip home Generous amounts of living space characterize this expansive plan, which enjoys such bonuses as a guest room, screened porch, mud room, and four full baths.
Beginning with the generous foyer, the living level houses rooms to accommodate the various activities of a large family. Laundry and mud room are convenient to the 17-ft. kitchen, which opens to the screened porch, while living and family rooms merit fireplaces and sliding glass doors to the terrace.
The upstairs bedroom unit is highlighted by the huge master bedroom with walk-in closet and private bath.
Four Winds – Retro 1970s contemporary house plan
Double decks benefit two story Serving first floor kitchen and dining room and two second floor bedrooms, the double decks become practical and appealing elements in this angular contemporary.
Living areas zone themselves by extending in three directions on the first level, and bedrooms maintain privacy in the same way on the level above. Besides the half bath bordering the utility room, the design shows two full baths, one with a dressing area off the master bedroom. A snack bar is featured in the kitchen.
Manorfield 1970s ranch house plan
Entrance to this home is gained through a large foyer opening to a central hall. The large versatile living room/dining room area is centrally located between the kitchen and family room for maximum usage. Incorporated into the kitchen itself is a breakfast area suitable for most of a busy family’s meals. A BBQ encourages outdoor living.
Graycliff – Vintage 70s luxury home design
Lavish plan exercise in luxury… From its impressive facade to its smallest details, this cut stone two story home expresses luxury.
Four bedrooms include a first floor master bedroom suite indulged with two private baths, two walk-in closets, and adjoining 27-foot library. Firelit living room rises two stories for a dramatic effect and, with the cozy den with built-in bar, opens to the long balcony.
Patio, deck, and pool are outlined for the rear yard, and use-ful half bath, dressing rooms and sauna complete the basement level. The breakfast room opens to a screened porch, and utility room and triple garage are featured.
Millwright retro 70s house plan: A-frame-style mansard
Dining in the fresh air is encouraged by the 12-foot outdoor dining room, equipped with built-in barbecue grill, and part of the massive deck area in this rustic leisure plan.
Two pairs of sliding glass doors separate the deck from the substantial living room, highlighted by wood-burning fireplace. Ample storage space serves the first floor bedroom, which is bordered by full bath and laundry. Upstairs, another large bedroom and an all purpose room promise sleeping quarters for family and visiting friends.
The Cougar: 1970 brick veneer small house floorplan
This small 1092-square-foot home had three bedrooms, one bathroom, and separate dining and living rooms. Outside, it features brick siding, a small porch, and a storage area behind the carport.
The Banks ranch-style 1970s house plan
This Banks Plan had 1,397 square feet of living space, with a carport and storage area on the side of the home. The three-bedroom/two-bath home also was available with an optional small basement.
The 70s-style Bogart had a raised entry with four columns
This 3 bedroom/1 bath home has an upgraded facade and an elegant front porch. The kitchen and multi-purpose room are to the back of the 1,338 square house.
The Anchorage 3-bedroom 70s ranch house design
At nearly 1,600 square feet on a single level, this one-story home hid the carport in the back. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom Anchorage plan was also available with a basement.
The Aspen single-level 70s home with brick veneer
The built-in porch and planter give the over 1,450 square foot house some nice curb appeal. With three bedrooms and a spacious multi-purpose room, this house has no garage or covered parking.
1970s house plans: The Brentwood one-story house
At nearly 1,700 square feet, this small house is more than 76 feet wide (including the space for a two-car carport). This three-bedroom home has an optional family room in the basement, in addition to the family room on the main floor. The brick siding and decorative ironwork along the porch give it a distinctive appeal.
The Drakeford ranch-style 1970s house plan (1970)
The three-bedroom, two-bath Drakeford has an optional under-garage basement option. Selected from “Better Homes,” this just over 1,900 square foot home features living space and a two car garage.
The Davenport Colonial-inspired 1970s house plan
The Delenor single-level 70s home
At an even 2,000 square feet, this three bedroom, two bathroom home is 88 feet long. The attached two car garage, storage and porch adds another 663 square feet of area. Selected from “Distinctive Homes,” this house also has an optional basement with family room and bath.
The Drysdale 1970s one-story house design
The Camay single-level 1970s house plan
Selected from “Homes of Comfort,” this home is 52 feet long. The three bedroom home offers nearly 1,100 square feet of living space and 396 feet of adjacent space including a carport on the side, storage, and a porch. An optional basement has an extra dining area and kitchen.
The Crossland single-story 70s single-level house
With a two-car garage on the side and three bedrooms on the main floor, this home offers just over 1,300 square feet.
The Churchill 70s style single-level with brick siding
Selected from “Homes of Today,” this three bedroom home has just over 1,300 square feet. With a one-car carport on the side, there are about 450 square feet of storage, porch and parking. The home is just over 57 feet long and has an optional basement.
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