Spirit of the ’70s – RJ Living
RJ Living’s Essence of an Era collection has a distinctive 1970s aesthetic reimagined through a contemporary lens.
With the cocooning nature of 1970s conversation pits and the era’s laidback vibe as her dual touchstones, RJ Living’s product design lead Milly McEwan created the Essence of an Era collection, where ’70s styling meets 21st-century luxury detailing. “The conversation pit-type spaces and inviting environments of that time allowed people to connect in person and really get comfortable,” Milly says. “Bringing people together this way was the initial inspiration behind the collection, and the quintessential tones and textures of ’70s interiors felt like the perfect way to achieve it.”
Essence of an Era comprises the Berg sofa and armchair, Renew armchair and Floss bed, all featuring curvaceous sculptural forms that are deeply inviting and eminently comfortable. The three seating options feature arched arms and are available in two retro-rich fabrics: a thin-veined corduroy and a classic bouclé. “The beauty of retro-influenced fabrics is that they offer a hint of nostalgia and familiarity,” Milly says. “They also give off a warm and inviting feeling and create a visual depth.”
The pieces hero a muted but distinct palette of retro-inspired shades like cocoa and forest green. “The colourways are less saturated without being dull – they offer a sense of vitality but aren’t too overpowering. Using more vibrant fabrics can add so much to a space. It’s really about evoking an emotion.”
Cocooning is also a key feature of the Essence of an Era range. The compact Renew armchair’s arched form curves around the body “a little like a hug” while the Berg armchair is “really enveloping to sit in. My goal was to create a chair that’s genuinely comfortable but still elevates a home’s styling.”
The Berg sofa is modular in design, making it ultra-adaptable. “If you upsize or downsize, modules can be added or removed, and pieces can be used on their own as spare seating, so it always fits your needs.” It comes in a chaise formation, too. “The Berg as a double chaise is stunning,” adds the designer. “The backrest creates a beautiful sweeping curve that feels really cocooning.”
The low-line Floss bed is decadent and indulgent, its plush headboard extending to create an elongated frame. With a recessed base, the bed seems to float above the ground, and is available in three fabric options and four colourways.
