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1970s Retro Interior Design Ideas: Funky Kitchen Makeover
Ever feel like your kitchen is stuck in a design rut, lacking that vibrant spark? It’s a common challenge to infuse personality and warmth into functional spaces, often leaving homeowners craving a unique aesthetic that truly reflects their style. The struggle to combine nostalgia with modern livability can make a funky kitchen makeover seem daunting.
The 1970s retro interior design style for a funky kitchen makeover blends nostalgic elements like avocado green and vintage appliances with modern functionality to create a cheerful and unique space. This style emphasizes bold colors, tactile textures, and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Leveraging tested frameworks and data-driven insights, this guide will show you how to transform your kitchen. You’ll discover actionable 1970s retro interior design ideas to create a space that’s both authentic to the era and perfectly suited for contemporary living.
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9 Funky 1970s Retro Interior Design Ideas for Your Kitchen Makeover
Transforming your kitchen with 1970s retro interior design ideas offers a unique opportunity to infuse personality and warmth into your home. This section provides nine actionable strategies, detailing how to select and integrate authentic elements from the era, from bold color palettes to textured surfaces and iconic furnishings. Each idea is crafted to guide you through a funky kitchen makeover, ensuring a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern functionality. We’ll explore specific choices in color, materials, and accessories to help you create a space that truly reflects the vibrant and inviting 1970s home aesthetic.
1. Paint with Iconic Avocado Green or Harvest Gold
Pin this avocado green kitchen inspiration to your ‘Retro Home’ board!
To achieve an authentic 1970s kitchen aesthetic, integrating iconic colors like avocado green or harvest gold is paramount, serving as foundational elements that instantly define the era’s vibrant charm. These earthy tones dominated 70s color palettes, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. While these shades can be applied to walls, a more impactful approach for a funky kitchen makeover involves painting kitchen cabinets or selecting appliances in these quintessential hues, truly anchoring your space in retro seventies decorating. The color psychology of these shades evokes a sense of natural comfort and optimism, central to 1970s design movement.
Supplies Needed
- High-quality interior paint in Avocado Green or Harvest Gold (satin or semi-gloss finish)
- Painter’s tape and drop cloths
- Sanding sponges (120-grit and 220-grit)
- Primer for cabinets or walls
- Paint brushes and rollers (foam or microfiber)
- Degreaser cleaner for surfaces
- Safety glasses and gloves
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare Your Space: Clear all items from cabinets and countertops. Tape off adjacent areas and lay down drop cloths to protect floors.
- Clean & Degrease: Thoroughly clean all surfaces to be painted with a degreaser to remove grease and grime. Rinse well and allow to dry completely.
- Sand for Adhesion: Lightly sand all surfaces with 120-grit sandpaper, then smooth with 220-grit. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.
- Apply Primer: Apply an even coat of high-quality primer. Allow adequate drying time as per product instructions (usually 2-4 hours).
- Paint First Coat: Apply your chosen Avocado Green or Harvest Gold paint using smooth, even strokes. Allow to dry completely.
- Paint Second Coat: Apply a second coat for full, opaque coverage. If necessary, apply a third coat after the second has dried.
- Cure & Reassemble: Let the paint cure fully (this can take several days to a week for durability) before reassembling hardware and items.
> Pro-Tip: To avoid a dated look, balance bold avocado green or harvest gold walls with natural wood cabinets or neutral countertops. This provides a harmonious contrast that modernizes the retro seventies decorating theme without overwhelming the space, demonstrating thoughtful design principles for a truly modern 70s interior style.
2. Install Wood Paneling or Textured Wallpaper
Save this wood paneling inspiration for your next DIY kitchen project!
Embrace the tactile richness of the 1970s by integrating wood paneling or textured wallpaper into your kitchen design, a signature element for a truly authentic 70s home aesthetic. Wood paneling walls were incredibly popular, adding warmth and a natural feel that contrasts beautifully with modern finishes. For those seeking alternatives, cork wallpaper or other textured walls with subtle 70s wallpaper patterns can provide similar depth and visual interest without overwhelming the space. Addressing the common problem of outdated wood paneling, this approach focuses on modernizing wood to fit contemporary tastes while retaining its retro charm, essential for a successful 1970s kitchen renovation ideas on a budget.
Materials Needed
- Wood paneling sheets or rolls of textured wallpaper (e.g., cork, grasscloth)
- Measuring tape, pencil, and level
- Panel adhesive or heavy-duty wallpaper paste
- Brad nailer and brad nails (for paneling)
- Utility knife and straightedge (for wallpaper)
- Seam roller (for wallpaper)
- Spackle, caulk, and paint (for finishing)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Measure & Plan: Measure your walls carefully, calculating the amount of paneling or wallpaper needed. Plan your layout to minimize waste and ensure visual balance.
- Prepare Walls: Ensure walls are clean, dry, and smooth. Fill any holes and sand rough spots. For wallpaper, a primer may be beneficial.
- Install Paneling: Apply panel adhesive to the back of each panel and press firmly into place. Use a brad nailer to secure the panels, particularly along edges and studs.
- Hang Wallpaper: Apply wallpaper paste to the wall or the back of the wallpaper (depending on type). Hang strips carefully, aligning patterns and smoothing out bubbles with a wallpaper brush. Use a seam roller for tight seams.
- Trim & Finish: Trim excess paneling or wallpaper with a utility knife. For paneling, fill nail holes with spackle, caulk seams, and paint if desired.
> Pro-Tip: To prevent wood paneling from making a kitchen feel dark, opt for lighter wood tones or paint the paneling a creamy off-white. This modernizes the classic 1970s home aesthetic while retaining its warm texture, effectively modernizing wood without losing its retro charm.
3. Source Vintage Appliances or Retro Replicas
Pin this vintage appliance find to your ‘Dream Retro Kitchen’ board!
No 1970s retro kitchen is complete without the distinctive charm of vintage appliances, which are central to capturing the era’s funky aesthetics. Iconic hues like avocado green appliances and harvest gold appliances immediately signal a 1970s home aesthetic, adding a playful and authentic touch. While authentic vintage appliances can be sourced, modern replicas offer the perfect solution to the problem of outdated functionality, allowing for a seamless blend of classic style and contemporary convenience in your 1970s kitchen renovation ideas.
What You Need
- Vintage refrigerator (e.g., in avocado green or harvest gold)
- Retro-style stove or oven
- Smaller appliances: Stand mixer, toaster, coffee maker (in coordinating colors)
- Reputable appliance repair service (for vintage finds)
- Modern retro appliance brands (e.g., Smeg, Big Chill)
- Energy efficiency ratings for modern replicas
How To Achieve It
- Set Your Budget: Decide if you’re investing in authentic, possibly restored vintage appliances or modern replicas with a retro look. Replicas offer modern efficiency with period style.
- Sourcing Vintage: Explore antique stores, online marketplaces (Etsy, eBay), and specialized vintage appliance dealers. Prioritize models that are in good working order or can be cost-effectively repaired.
- Consider Energy Efficiency: Be aware that genuine vintage appliances may not be energy-efficient. Factor this into your decision or opt for modern retro-style appliances that offer contemporary features and efficiency.
- Color Coordination: Choose appliances in iconic 70s colors like avocado green appliances, harvest gold appliances, or even bright oranges/yellows to anchor your 1970s home aesthetic.
- Installation & Safety: Ensure professional installation for all appliances, especially gas lines and electrical hookups, adhering to current safety standards.
> Pro-Tip: While authentic vintage appliances offer unmatched charm, modern retro replicas (like those from Smeg or Big Chill) provide the classic aesthetic with contemporary features, energy efficiency, and reliable performance. This avoids the common problem of finding reliable old models, offering a practical solution for your 1970s kitchen makeover.
4. Integrate Rattan and Wicker Furniture
Pin this organic rattan furniture idea for a truly bohemian influence!
Incorporating rattan and wicker furniture is a fantastic way to infuse a natural, relaxed, and earthy vibe into your 1970s retro kitchen, directly reflecting the era’s bohemian influence. Materials like rattan and wicker accents were pervasive, appearing in everything from dining chairs to lampshades and even statement pieces like a rattan hanging chair. These natural elements add vital tactile textures that were a hallmark of 1970s interior design, creating a welcoming and organic feel. This approach supports the biophilic design principles gaining traction today, linking natural materials with indoor spaces.
What You Need
- Rattan dining chairs or bar stools
- Wicker accents like storage baskets or pendant lights
- Rattan hanging chair (if space permits)
- Indoor plants (e.g., ferns, spider plants)
- Textile cushions in earthy tones
Styling Tips
- Choose Key Pieces: Start with a few significant rattan furniture pieces like dining chairs or a small accent table. Avoid overcrowding to keep the look light and airy.
- Mix Textures: Pair rattan with other tactile textures like velvet, linen, or ceramic for visual interest, reflecting the co-occurrence of diverse materials in 70s decor.
- Greenery Integration: Enhance the natural feel by placing indoor plants in or around your rattan pieces. This ties into the biophilic design elements prevalent in the 1970s home aesthetic.
- Lighting Complement: Consider a wicker pendant light to diffuse light warmly and create a soft, inviting ambiance above a dining area or kitchen island.
- Accessorize Thoughtfully: Use wicker accents for storage or display, but ensure they don’t dominate the space. Think about a fruit bowl or a tray.
> Pro-Tip: When integrating rattan into your funky kitchen makeover, ensure your pieces are well-maintained. For vintage finds, use a soft brush and mild soap to restore rattan, followed by a natural oil to prevent drying, extending the life of these durable 70s retro pieces.
5. Add Bold Geometric or Psychedelic Patterns
Get inspired by these bold patterns for your retro kitchen design!
To truly capture the vibrant and expressive spirit of 1970s interior design, integrating bold geometric or psychedelic patterns is essential for any funky kitchen makeover. Whether through 70s wallpaper patterns, patterned tiles, or textiles, these bold patterns add visual energy and a playful charm. Think interlocking geometric shapes or swirling psychedelic prints that define the era’s maximalist decor and funky aesthetics. The challenge often lies in preventing clashing patterns, which can make a space feel chaotic rather than cohesive, but strategic application can avoid this problem.
What You Need
- Wallpaper with a bold geometric or psychedelic print
- Patterned ceramic tiles for a backsplash or floor
- Retro-inspired kitchen towels, oven mitts, or placemats
- Area rug with vibrant colors and a bold pattern
- Adhesive, grout, and installation tools (for tiles)
How To Achieve It
- Choose Your Focus: Decide where you want your bold patterns to make the biggest impact – a feature wall, a backsplash, or the floor.
- Wallpaper Accent: Apply a psychedelic print or geometric wallpaper to a single wall or within a specific niche to create a focal point without overwhelming the kitchen.
- Tile Statement: Install patterned ceramic or terrazzo tile flooring to introduce a durable and striking 70s element. Alternatively, use smaller patterned tiles for a distinctive backsplash.
- Textile Integration: For a less permanent commitment, introduce bold patterns through kitchen textiles like curtains, seat cushions, or a retro area rug.
- Balance with Neutrals: When using strong patterns, balance them with more subdued, earthy tones on other surfaces to prevent the space from feeling too busy.
> Pro-Tip: When using bold patterns in a funky kitchen makeover, choose one dominant pattern and then complement it with smaller, subtler patterns or solid textures in a harmonious color scheme. This prevents clashing patterns and allows the main 1970s retro element to truly shine.
6. Curate Low-Slung Profiles and Organic Furniture
Pin this organic furniture look for your comfortable retro kitchen design!
A defining characteristic of 1970s retro interior design ideas is the emphasis on comfort and communal living, perfectly captured through low-slung profiles and organic forms in furniture. This approach encourages relaxation and interaction, moving away from formal arrangements to create an inviting atmosphere within the kitchen. Think low-slung dining table or seating with rounded edges and soft, welcoming upholstery, often in rich velvet upholstery or other tactile textures that invite you to sink in. This style is an evolution from earlier, more rigid designs, embracing a more relaxed and fluid retro 70s furniture layout. The influence of concepts like modular seating systems was evident, even in kitchen-adjacent dining areas.
What You Need
- Low-slung dining table or kitchen island with rounded edges
- Dining chairs or stools with organic forms (e.g., molded plastic, bent wood)
- Modular seating for a breakfast nook (if space permits)
- Velvet upholstery for cushions or banquettes
- Area rug in earthy tones to define the space
How To Achieve It
- Prioritize Comfort: Look for furniture that prioritizes comfort and an inviting feel. Low-slung profiles create a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a funky kitchen makeover.
- Embrace Organic Shapes: Choose tables and chairs with rounded corners, fluid lines, or natural wood grain. Avoid rigid, angular designs.
- Modular Solutions: If you have a larger kitchen, consider a modular banquette seating system for a breakfast nook, allowing for flexible arrangements and a truly 1970s home aesthetic.
- Textile Choices: Incorporate velvet upholstery or chunky knit fabrics for seating, adding to the tactile textures that define the era.
- Ground with Rugs: Use a circular or irregularly shaped rug in earthy tones under your dining area to further define the space and add warmth.
> Pro-Tip: While some low-slung furniture might seem challenging for kitchen use, modern reproductions often offer easy-to-clean fabrics or materials. This offers a solution to common concerns about durability, allowing you to fully embrace the retro seventies decorating comfort without sacrificing practicality.
7. Incorporate Macrame and Indoor Plants
Pin this bohemian influence with macrame wall art for your kitchen!
No 1970s retro interior design is complete without the pervasive bohemian influence of macrame and lush indoor plants, creating “groovy vibes” and a connection to nature. These elements were integral to the 1970s home aesthetic, bringing tactile textures and vibrant life into interior spaces. From macrame plant hangers to intricate macrame wall art, the handcrafted nature of these accessories added a personal touch. The widespread popularity of indoor gardening, sometimes even leading to a small indoor rock garden, underscored a desire for natural beauty within the home.
What You Need
- Macrame plant hangers or wall hangings
- Variety of indoor plants suitable for kitchens (e.g., Pothos, Spider Plant, Ferns)
- Terracotta pots or ceramic planters
- Ceiling hooks (for hanging plants)
- Small watering can and plant mister
How To Achieve It
- Choose Your Plants: Select resilient indoor plants that thrive in kitchen environments (consider light and humidity). Indoor rock garden elements can also be incorporated.
- Hang Macrame: Install sturdy ceiling hooks (ensuring they can hold the weight of the plant and pot) and hang macrame plant hangers at varying heights.
- Wall Art: Use larger macrame wall art pieces on a plain kitchen wall to add tactile textures and a focal point, reflecting the bohemian influence.
- Shelf Styling: Arrange smaller potted plants on open shelves or windowsills, interspersing them with other retro accessories.
- Mix with Rattan: Combine macrame and plants with rattan furniture or accents to amplify the natural, organic 1970s home aesthetic.
> Pro-Tip: For a truly authentic 70s retro look, choose plants with a lush, trailing habit. This creates the cascade of greenery that was characteristic of the era, bringing a vibrant, living element to your funky kitchen makeover and integrating seamlessly with biophilic design principles.
8. Opt for Warm, Diffused Lighting with Lava Lamps
Bring back the groovy vibes with lava lamp decor for your kitchen!
To truly immerse your kitchen in the 1970s retro aesthetic, prioritize warm, diffused lighting, often punctuated by iconic pieces like lava lamps or mushroom lamps that create an undeniable “groovy vibe.” The 1970s design movement embraced atmospheric lighting that was soft and inviting, a stark contrast to harsh overhead illumination. This style transforms a potentially dark room into a cozy retreat, making it a key component of any funky kitchen makeover. The allure of 70s lighting so popular now stems from its ability to instantly transport you to an era of relaxed ambiance and playful design.
What You Need
- Lava lamp decor or a modern replica
- Mushroom lamp (tabletop or floor version)
- Pendant lights with frosted glass or rattan shades
- Edison bulbs for warm, visible filaments
- Dimmer switches for overhead lighting
- Plug-in under-cabinet strip lighting (warm white)
How To Achieve It
- Ambient Glow: Prioritize warm lighting fixtures that cast a soft, diffused glow rather than harsh, direct light. This instantly creates a cozier, more 1970s home aesthetic.
- Statement Lamps: Place a lava lamp decor or a mushroom lamp on a kitchen counter, shelf, or breakfast bar as an iconic piece of retro seventies decorating.
- Pendant Power: Install pendant lights with frosted glass, textured fabric, or wicker accents over a kitchen island or dining area to provide functional yet atmospheric lighting.
- Bulb Choice: Use LED bulbs with a warm color temperature (2200K-2700K) or Edison bulbs to emulate the vintage feel.
- Dimmers for Versatility: Install dimmer switches on your overhead lights to adjust the brightness and create different moods throughout the day and evening.
> Pro-Tip: To truly capture the groovy vibes of the era, layer your lighting. Combine a central overhead light with task lighting (under-cabinet) and accent lighting (lava lamp decor or mushroom lamp). This creates depth and allows you to adjust the ambiance, transforming a dark room into an inviting retro kitchen design.
9. Incorporate Quirky Smoked Glass and Ceramic Accents
Pin this smoked glass elegance for a chic 1970s kitchen touch!
To fully capture the funky aesthetics of the 1970s retro home, incorporating quirky smoked glass and handcrafted ceramic accents is a must, adding a layer of tactile textures and unique charm. Smoked glass tumblers, pitchers, and dishes were ubiquitous, offering a sophisticated yet playful touch to everyday items. Alongside this, ceramic accents in earthy tones — often with organic, imperfect forms — provided a grounded, artisanal contrast. These retro accessories allow for subtle yet impactful nods to 1970s interior design, completing your funky kitchen makeover.
What You Need
- Smoked glass tumblers, pitchers, or serving dishes
- Handcrafted ceramic mugs, bowls, or canisters in earthy tones
- Vintage-style patterned plates
- Wooden or wicker trays for display
- Open shelving or glass-front cabinets
How To Achieve It
- Collect with Purpose: Seek out authentic smoked glass pieces and ceramics at thrift stores, antique markets, or online. Look for unique shapes and earthy glazes.
- Open Display: Utilize open shelving or glass-front cabinets to proudly display your collection of smoked glass and ceramic accents. This adds a personal, curated feel.
- Mix & Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different textures and shades. Pair dark smoked glass with light, matte ceramics to create visual interest.
- Function Meets Form: Choose items that are not only decorative but also functional for your kitchen, like smoked glass tumblers for daily use or ceramic canisters for storage.
- Curate Small Vignettes: Arrange a few pieces together on a counter or shelf with a small plant or a vintage cookbook to create a charming vignette that embodies retro seventies decorating.
> Pro-Tip: When choosing smoked glass and ceramic accents for your funky kitchen makeover, focus on pieces that resonate with the natural and handcrafted ethos of the 1970s interior design. Look for imperfections and unique glazes in ceramics, and consider how the translucent quality of the glass interacts with your lighting to add depth and groovy vibes.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to 1970s Retro Interior Design Ideas
- Embrace Iconic 70s Colors: Anchor your funky kitchen makeover with signature hues like avocado green or harvest gold on walls or appliances for an authentic 1970s home aesthetic.
- Textural Richness is Key: Incorporate tactile textures through wood paneling walls, cork wallpaper, or velvet upholstery to add depth and warmth, a hallmark of 1970s interior design.
- Source Vintage or Retro Appliances: Complete the look with vintage appliances in period-appropriate colors or invest in modern replicas for functionality with retro seventies decorating charm.
- Natural Materials Bring the Groove: Integrate rattan furniture, wicker accents, and macrame wall art to infuse a bohemian influence and organic feel, popular in 1970s retro interior design ideas.
- Layer Warm, Diffused Lighting: Create inviting groovy vibes with soft, ambient light from fixtures like lava lamp decor or mushroom lamps, enhancing the cozy 1970s home aesthetic.
- Curate Quirky Accents: Finish your kitchen renovation with unique smoked glass pieces and handcrafted ceramic accents to truly reflect the funky aesthetics of the era.
- Balance is Crucial for Modern Appeal: While going bold, remember to balance strong 70s elements with modern touches to avoid an outdated look, ensuring your 1970s retro interior design ideas feel fresh.
People Also Ask About 1970s Retro Interior Design Ideas
What is 1970s interior design style?
The 1970s interior design style is characterized by a blend of earthy tones, bold patterns, organic forms, and tactile textures. It moved away from the sleekness of Mid-Century Modern towards a more maximalist, comfortable, and expressive aesthetic. Key elements include avocado green and harvest gold colors, wood paneling, rattan furniture, and ambient lighting.
How to make a kitchen look 70s retro?
To make a kitchen look 70s retro, focus on a signature color palette (like avocado green), incorporate vintage-style appliances, and add natural materials such as rattan or macrame. Consider patterned wallpaper or tiles, low-slung seating, and warm, diffused lighting. Curating quirky smoked glass and ceramic accents also enhances the authentic 1970s home aesthetic.
Is 70s decor coming back in 2026?
Yes, 70s decor is experiencing a significant resurgence in 2026, evolving into what is often called ‘New Retro’ or ‘Modern Retro’. This revival focuses on incorporating key elements like earthy tones, organic forms, and natural materials (rattan, macrame) in a refined way that balances nostalgia with contemporary design principles.
What colors were popular in 1970s homes?
Popular colors in 1970s homes included earthy tones like avocado green, harvest gold, mustard yellow, and various shades of brown and orange. These were often combined with bold accent colors like deep blues and reds, as well as softer creams and beiges, creating a rich and warm palette.
How to modernize 70s interior design?
To modernize 70s interior design, selectively incorporate key retro elements while maintaining clean lines and a less cluttered approach. Pair vintage appliances with modern cabinetry, use wood paneling on an accent wall rather than throughout the entire room, and balance bold patterns with neutral backgrounds. Focus on quality pieces and avoid an overly themed look.
What is 70s maximalism?
70s maximalism embraced layering textures, patterns, and colors to create rich, visually dense spaces that reflected personal expression. Unlike minimalist styles, it encouraged mixing diverse elements like shag carpeting, velvet upholstery, macrame wall art, and an abundance of indoor plants, creating a deeply personal and often eclectic 1970s home aesthetic.
How to use rattan in a modern kitchen?
In a modern kitchen, use rattan to add texture and warmth without overwhelming the space, perhaps with rattan dining chairs, woven pendant lights, or storage baskets. Ensure other elements in the kitchen are sleek and contemporary to create a balanced ‘Modern Retro’ look. This blends organic forms with functional design.
What is the difference between 60s and 70s decor?
60s decor often featured a more futuristic, Space Age design with bright primary colors and stark geometric shapes, while 70s decor shifted towards natural, earthy tones, organic forms, and a bohemian influence. The 70s embraced more tactile textures like shag carpeting and wood paneling, moving away from the synthetic materials often seen in the 60s.
Can you use shag carpet today?
While full wall-to-wall shag carpeting is less common, modern shag rugs are an excellent way to incorporate the 70s vibe today. Opt for smaller, high-quality shag rugs in neutral or earthy tones to add texture and warmth to specific areas like under a dining table or in a cozy breakfast nook, pairing them with cleaner, contemporary flooring.
How to decorate with avocado green?
Decorate with avocado green by pairing it with complementary earthy tones like warm browns, creams, or natural wood, or with pops of mustard yellow or rust orange. Use avocado green accents on cabinets, a backsplash, or through smaller items like ceramic planters and kitchen textiles. Balance it to create a cheerful but not overwhelming 1970s home aesthetic.
Final Thoughts on 1970s Retro Interior Design Ideas
Bringing the 1970s retro interior design ideas into your kitchen is more than just a trend; it’s an opportunity to infuse your home with personality, warmth, and a touch of nostalgic charm. By thoughtfully integrating avocado green accents, sourcing vintage appliances or their modern replicas, and embracing tactile textures like wood paneling and rattan furniture, you can achieve a truly funky kitchen makeover. The key lies in balancing these iconic elements with modern sensibilities to create a space that feels both authentic to the era and perfectly suited for contemporary living.
Remember that 1970s interior design was about expression and comfort. Don’t shy away from bold patterns, low-slung profiles, and the natural beauty of macrame and indoor plants. Layer your warm lighting with statement pieces like a lava lamp decor, and complete your aesthetic with quirky smoked glass and ceramic accents. This comprehensive approach will ensure your 1970s home aesthetic feels cohesive and inviting, turning your kitchen into the cheerful heart of your home. Are you ready to embrace the groovy and start your own retro kitchen renovation journey?
Last update on 2026-03-27 at 13:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
