Bringing the 70s Interior Design Vibe to Life: A Bold Fusion of Studio 54 and Jackie O

Explore how 70s interior design meets Studio 54 glamour and Jackie O elegance in a stunning Fifth Avenue apartment by Crystal Sinclair Designs.

Design is more than just arranging furniture and choosing colors: it’s the art of storytelling. Every project has its own narrative, with characters, moods, and themes that shape the space. For Crystal and Ben Sinclair, the creative minds behind Crystal Sinclair Designs, a recent Manhattan project presented a unique opportunity to merge two iconic worlds: the timeless grace of Jackie O and the carefree glamour of Studio 54. The result is an interior that beautifully incorporates 70s interior design while balancing sophistication and playful exuberance.

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A Bold Vision Meets a Classic Canvas

The apartment in question — a 2,300-square-foot two-bedroom in a Rosario Candela – designed building on Fifth Avenue — was an ideal canvas. With tree-top views of Central Park, a coveted location near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and historic architectural pedigree, it was a prime spot for renovation. However, the interior had remained largely unchanged for 50 years.

“It hadn’t been renovated in decades,” Crystal recalls. “The kitchen still had appliances from the 1960s, but not in a charming way. It needed love – and a complete transformation.”

The Sinclairs began with a gut renovation to modernize the space while respecting its original character. They reworked the layout by removing walls to create an open, airy flow that maximized natural light. Closed-off rooms were connected, and glass partitions were installed to further enhance the sense of openness. This fresh structure became the foundation for their bold vision, blending 70s interior design elements with a refined, contemporary feel.

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Studio 54 Meets Jackie O: The Design Concept

Merging two seemingly opposite aesthetics — Studio 54’s electric energy and Jackie O’s refined elegance — was no small feat. But the Sinclairs approached this challenge with precision and creativity. The glamour of Studio 54 is defined by bold, dramatic elements — high-shine surfaces, luxurious textures, and whimsical details. Meanwhile, Jackie O’s style embodies a quieter sophistication, marked by clean lines, tailored shapes, and timeless elegance.

The Sinclairs achieved this balance in the living room, which serves as a striking focal point of the home. The fireplace wall was transformed into a stunning checkerboard of oversized honed-marble tiles, creating a sense of drama while maintaining an air of luxurious timelessness. This geometric pattern is a direct nod to 70s interior design, which was characterized by playful yet sophisticated elements.

Above the fireplace, two custom round mirrors — one convex, the other concave — serve as both functional pieces and sculptural art, echoing the playful spirit of a funhouse while reflecting light throughout the space. Elsewhere, a 1950s boomerang sofa, with its classic mid-century modern appeal, adds a nod to the past while maintaining a sense of fresh, neutral balance.

And then, adding to the whimsy, a disco ball nestled in a Rococo-style medallion on the ceiling brings the vibrant energy of Studio 54 directly into the heart of the living room. “It’s 32 inches and actually spins,” Crystal says with a smile. “I’ve never used a disco ball in a project before, but it just felt right.”

Color, Texture, and the Spirit of 70s Interior Design

Color and texture were central to this project’s success. The Sinclairs drew inspiration from the tactile nature of 70s interior design, where rich textures, bold colors, and high-shine finishes ruled the day. However, they tempered these elements with a sophisticated palette that kept the space modern, luxurious, and timeless.

The kitchen, for example, presents a minimalist white space, but it’s elevated with the use of Arabescato marble. The veining on the counters, backsplashes, and walls adds texture and depth, making the space feel vibrant without overwhelming the clean lines of the cabinetry. It’s an ideal example of how the Sinclairs used marble to blend old-world craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, capturing the essence of 70s interior design in a fresh, updated way.

In the living room, rich textures come to the forefront. A custom lapis-lazuli-blue daybed provides a striking pop of color, and a vintage lounge chair — reupholstered in luxurious crushed velvet — adds warmth and tactile softness to the space. Velvet, an iconic material in 70s interior design, is used throughout in smaller accents, creating a tactile and inviting environment that pays homage to the glamour of the era.

Perhaps one of the most playful elements in the design are the cabana-striped wall niches. Originally rectangular, the Sinclairs transformed these niches into full-length, domed shapes and painted them in muted gray-and-white stripes, evoking the whimsical essence of a circus tent. These details embody the fun, yet elegant, duality of the project.

Reimagining 70s Glamour for Today

While the design pays homage to the boldness of 70s interior design, it doesn’t feel dated. The Sinclairs succeeded in reinterpreting the era’s boldest elements for contemporary living. Iconic shapes and materials — like the modular boomerang sofa and the curved wing chair — are reimagined with modern finishes, offering a stylish nod to the past while maintaining a fresh, current appeal.

In the dining room, the contrast between clean-lined furniture and bold accessories creates a dynamic interplay between old and new. The starburst rug, a custom design from the Sinclairs’ own collection, grounds the space while adding a touch of vintage 70s flair. The result is a room full of personality and energy, but one that never loses sight of elegance and cohesion.

Lighting plays a significant role in the design as well. A mid-century-modern floor lamp adds sculptural interest, while other fixtures provide soft, ambient light that enhances the apartment’s warm, inviting atmosphere. Each light fixture was chosen to complement the balance of old-world glamour and modern minimalism.

A Timeless Takeaway

The work of Crystal and Ben Sinclair on this Fifth Avenue apartment is a masterclass in creating harmony between contrasting elements. By embracing the exuberance of 70s interior design while remaining rooted in timeless sophistication, they created a home that is both nostalgic and modern, vibrant and refined.

This project stands as a reminder of the power of storytelling in design. Great interiors are more than just beautiful — they are expressions of identity and personality, carefully crafted to evoke emotion and inspire connection. Each detail — from the checkerboard marble fireplace to the playful disco ball — adds a unique layer to the narrative, resulting in a home that feels personal, dynamic, and truly one-of-a-kind.

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Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?

At HOMMÉS Studio, we believe in the power of bold, creative design to tell your story. Whether you’re inspired by 70s interior design, mid-century modern aesthetics, or contemporary styles, our curated collections can help you bring your vision to life. Explore our furniture, lighting, and decor to create spaces that are as unique as your imagination.

Discover more with HOMMÉS Studio today.