New Zealand couple designs their dream apartment: the importance of adding texture, color, and warmth

A muted green rug with a dark forest trim. Wooden panel floors. Striped geometric chairs that look like licorice. Two red cubbies, matching, with built-in shelves painted the color of Pinot Noir. White, gauzy curtains that float in the wind. Welcome to TikTok’s 1960s home.

On the account @our1960shomenz, Danni and Alex Duncan are excitedly sharing their home renovation journey in New Zealand. Since the couple moved in last year, they’ve been hard at work repainting walls and thrifting vintage furniture (like a very cool, chocolate-hued couch). With some gardening magic, they've completely rehauled the backyard space and even created a little nook where they spend their mornings and evenings. “Making our first home, our dream home,” reads their TikTok bio.

It's just like Tracy Turnblad said! Photo credit: Canva

In one of their latest videos, they explain the importance of texture, color, and warmth while decorating a living area. Read on for their tips (plus a few more from experts!)

Space exploration, futuristic ideals, and natural elements: Welcome to 1960s decor

The ‘60s, man. What a wild time. This hypnotic decade saw it all: a counterculture movement that included the Summer of Love (1967) and the Woodstock Festival (1969). The Space Race and significant advancements in space exploration. And who could forget the music? The '60s was an absolutely rockin’ musical era, with the rise of The Beatles, Motown, and psychedelic rock.

'60s-era style is eclectic, fun, and brightPhoto credit: Canva

Home decor in the '60s also reflected that eclectic, frenetic energy. Living spaces were eye-catching and alive, reflecting the decade’s creativity and optimism, as well as its cultural shifts. Characteristics included bold experimentation, futuristic influences, and a mix of natural and synthetic materials. A few of its key features:

• Vibrant colors dominated '60s interiors. Bright orange, mustard yellow, avocado greens, and psychedelic purples were popular color combinations that frequently blended vibrant hues with natural tones and bold contrasts. Warm colors like bright orange were often paired with earthy tones to create a cozy, organic feel. Magentas and sunny yellows were used together to create a playful, experimental vibe. Meanwhile, black and white were used as backdrops, adding a modern and graphic touch to the room.
• Space-age aesthetic. It’s no surprise that Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 sci-fi classic, "2001: A Space Odyssey," premiered during the height of the Space Age. The film displayed avant-garde, futuristic styles and rooms that completely reflected the taste of the time. Inspired by the Space Race, many homes during this era were filled with sleek lines, curved forms, modeled plastic furniture (think egg chairs), chrome accents, and metallic finishes.
• Natural elements. Indoor plants, large windows, glass doors, and materials like wood, leather, and rattan played a significant role in 1960s home decor. These simple natural elements emphasized a connection to the environment and a deep desire for harmony. They also sharply contrasted with a room's synthetic materials.
• Pop art influence. Interiors embraced playful designs with bold colors, graphic motifs, and art inspired by consumer culture.
• Innovative materials. As technology advanced, so did home decor, with many homes from the '60s featuring plastic, acrylic, and foam furniture. These new and innovative materials permitted unconventional shapes and vibrant colors, allowing homeowners to mix styles, colors, and patterns like never before.

Vibrant colors are the keyPhoto credit: Canva

Design advice from Danni and Alex

So, what does the New Zealand couple say about decorating your space? While designing their 1960s-style home, they considered three things: texture, color, and warmth.

1. Curtains are texture-adding wizardry. “I know curtains are expensive,” writes the duo, “but if you invest in some well-made ones, they make a world of difference. We went for a double-rail, sheer on the front.” Then, a quick shout-out: “If you’re in [New Zealand], we had them custom-made and installed by Russells Curtains.” You can enhance your living space and add texture by selecting the right curtains to frame your windows. This is especially crucial if you have many smooth surfaces and wish to balance them out—or if you want to create a quieter, more serene atmosphere by minimizing noise levels. Choose textured fabrics like linen, velvet, or brocade, which can introduce depth and richness to the room. Additionally, consider layering various curtains to achieve a unique, multi-dimensional appearance. For instance, Danni and Alex could pair their sheer curtains with heavier drapes to create a balanced texture.
2. Find the perfect rug. “Rugs are a great way to make a room feel cohesive and cozy,” the couple advises. The one in their living room is a Sandringham rug, a luxurious loom-knotted piece made from 100% wool featuring a cut pile and delicate fringe at both ends. A rug is an excellent way to add warmth to a living space. For a similarly sumptuous feel, look for rugs crafted from soft, plush materials such as 100% wool, cotton, or faux fur. Not only do these materials feel amazing underfoot, but they also contribute to a profound sense of comfort. You can also choose colors and patterns that evoke warmth, including earthy tones reminiscent of the ‘60s, like beige, brown, and terracotta.
3. Shelving is the key. According to Danni and Alex, “If you have shelving, slowly fill it and curate it with things that are unique and special. Avoid doing it all at once by shopping somewhere like K-mart; it’ll just end up looking staged.” While books are always a great option for filling shelves, whether built into the wall or free-standing, there are other ways to think outside the box. Why not consider fun decorative items like vases, sculptures, candles, or picture frames? Items that, as Danni and Alex suggest, actually tell a story and reveal something about your personality, rather than just being obligatory, dull objects. The key? Include a variety of textures and materials for maximum impact.

A few more inspiration pictures

Forget Pinterest. Here are a few more design photos inspired by the 1960s and Danni and Alex's home decor tips.

A masterclass in shelvingPhoto credit: Canva

Wood and warm colors make this room so much cozier Photo credit: Canva

Proof that curtains can change the energy of a roomPhoto credit: Canva

Wooden furniture and eclectic shelving can do so much for a room Photo credit: Canva

And don't forget that textured rug...Photo credit: Canva

So, what are you waiting for? Even if you’re not moving into a new home, there are countless ways to refresh, invigorate, and enhance your living space, making it much more enjoyable to occupy. If you’re unsure where to begin, try browsing your local Facebook Marketplace (or join a local Buy Nothing group) and find a small area rug for your bedroom. Spend a day at Home Depot, where you can admire thousands of color options. (Even if you can’t paint an entire room, it’s still a fun way to get those creative juices flowing!) Alternatively, use this article as an excuse to explore a craft fair you’ve always wanted to visit, and treat yourself to a unique knick-knack that you might not typically buy.

Your home is your sanctuary, a space that should be comfortable and functional while showcasing your extraordinary, unique personality. And as Danni and Alex in New Zealand highlight, loving the home you live in doesn’t have to be expensive.

Here's the full video: