How Today’s Décor is Borrowing from the 80s
Photo by Josh Withers on Unsplash
The 1980s have made a significant comeback in recent years across all areas of pop culture, from music and fashion to movies and TV shows. This nostalgia for the iconic decade has also extended into the world of interior design. Today, homeowners and designers are breathing new life into the vintage ’80s trends everyone is reminiscing about.
Rather than strictly recreating ’80s interiors, today’s designers are blending retro elements with contemporary aesthetics. This creates a unique fusion of ‘80s-inspired spaces with a modern twist. By mixing retro furniture and bold colors with clean lines and minimalism, designers keep the nostalgic charm of the ’80s while still feeling fresh and contemporary.
Dive into the world of interior design, where retro vibes meet modern elegance. Discover vibrant ’80s color schemes, iconic furniture, pop culture masterpieces, and a blend of classic textures with contemporary forms. Ready to infuse some vintage charm into your space? These tips will guide you on a nostalgic yet fresh design journey so that you can bring some much-needed 80s flair into your space today.
Embracing the ’80s Color Palette
The 1980s were a vibrant, eclectic decade known for a bold, saturated color palette. Neon hues, electric pastels, and striking color combinations dominated interior design. “The use of any graphic patterns or color combinations, especially black and white, is iconic of the ’80s,” says Dallas-based interior designer Jean Liu. Designers today are reinventing these dynamic retro color schemes by incorporating them into contemporary spaces in thoughtful doses.
Bold and Vibrant Colors of the Era
The ’80s were defined by vibrant, saturated colors ranging from fiery oranges and neon pinks to electric blues and lime greens. Interior designers back then embraced bright primary shades and dynamic secondary hues like magenta, teal, and mustard yellow. These energetic colors exemplified the lively, vibrant spirit of the decade. Psychedelic color combos emerged, like fuchsia with turquoise or purple mixed with chartreuse green. The ’80s color palette was fun, bold, and unapologetic in its brightness.
Incorporating ’80s Color Schemes into Modern Spaces
Rather than overwhelming retro spaces by decking them out top-to-bottom in neon pink, today’s designers take a more balanced approach. They blend pops of retro colors with pared-back contemporary elements. For example, an accent wall in a striking ’80s blue adds a bold retro vibe to a room filled with muted creams and clean-lined furniture.
Retro pairings like teal, tangerine, or turquoise with mustard yellow provide nostalgic flair when used judiciously. A vibrant graphic rug can inject an ’80s palette while sleek metal and glass furnishings ground the space. By moderating color and offsetting it with neutral textures, designers keep the aesthetic feeling current, not dated.
Iconic Furniture and Décor
The 1980s were a vibrant, eclectic time for home furnishings and décor. “After years of only hearing about minimalism and the benefits of owning very little, ’80s design is all about having an abundance of beauty and filling the home with different shapes, textures, and colors,” says retro furniture dealer Jonny Carmack. Bold colors, postmodern shapes, and larger-than-life silhouettes defined some iconic designs. Looking back at the eye-catching trends of the ’80s, we can find inspiration to incorporate into fresh, modern interiors.
Exploring Iconic ’80s Furniture Pieces
Some of the most famous furnishings of the 1980s included chunky curved shapes of sectionals, angular coffee tables, mid-century modern wall units with shelving, and sculptural furnishings like asymmetrical dressers and tables in bold laminates and colorful steel. These avant-garde pieces became hallmarks of the optimistic, lively interiors of the ’80s.
Sectionals
Sectional sofas featuring rounded corners and chunky profiles found themselves in most ’80s living rooms back then. These spacious seating arrangements encouraged relaxed social gatherings with ample room for friends and family. A sleek sectional in a muted tone with clean lines blends into a contemporary space seamlessly. However, you could go bold with a circular sectional or bring in retro flair with a white leather couch in a U-shaped design.
Coffee Tables
Coffee tables in the 1980s trended angular and geometric. Many featured an asymmetrical shape or details like metal tubing, laminate inlays, and sharply tapered legs. An iconic way to nod to retro style is by including a bold Memphis design-style coffee table as a room’s central anchor piece. A more subtle approach is to select a streamlined trapezoidal or oval table with sleek, tapered legs.
Sideboards
Sideboards and hutches were defining staples of ’80s interior décor. These multifunctional furniture pieces, often crafted from teak or oak, offered ample storage and became a display stage for the era’s eclectic ceramic and glass collections. Their often bulky and ornate designs were a distinct departure from the sleek minimalism of previous decades. In today’s retro revival, designers are merging these iconic ’80s silhouettes with modern aesthetics, ensuring that sideboards and hutches remain a nostalgic yet relevant choice for contemporary homes.
Dressers and Nightstands
In the ’80s, dressers and nightstands were characterized by a blend of functionality and flair, often featuring intricate inlays, brass handles, and mirrored surfaces. The ’80s saw a move away from the understated designs of the past, embracing dressers and nightstands that were both a storage solution and a statement. If you want creative ways to incorporate this playful retro vibe, try sourcing a Memphis-style laminate nightstand or mixed-media art deco furnishings.
Incorporating Vintage Furniture into Today’s Designs
While completely decorating a home in iconic ’80s designs might feel overly retro, interior designers often blend one or two statement vintage pieces with a clean, contemporary aesthetic for a more modern retro look. “Don’t buy everything for one room in one style,” says designer Justin Riordan. “Buy a piece here and a piece there and mix it in with the things you have. Keep it organic; keep it growing.”
For example, a bright pop-art-inspired accent chair anchors a neutral living room, while a sleek sectional and mid-century modern floor lamp balances the vintage accent. Or pairing a vibrant 80s-style dresser with more sophisticated bedding and textiles helps it feel modern and fresh. Thoughtfully contrasting design features combine old and new together with panache.
80’s-Inspired DIY and Repurposing Ideas
Repurposing secondhand finds offers an affordable, eco-friendly solution for those looking to channel the ’80s on a budget. A dated cabinet, dressed up with bold paint or new hardware, quickly transforms into a unique media console. Reupholstering a vintage sofa in an eye-catching fabric or geometric print gives it new life. Breathing bold new spirit into old pieces allows you to create customizable, one-of-a-kind furnishings and put your spin on iconic ’80s style.
Pop Culture References and Art
The flashy colors, groundbreaking music, and larger-than-life movies of the ’80s make for endless inspiration when decorating today. Designers incorporate subtle nods to favorite retro pop culture moments through wall décor, accessories, and custom artwork. These nostalgic touches add character without going over the top.
Using ’80s Pop Culture References as Design Inspiration
From rebellious music idols to iconic movie catchphrases, the 1980s produced memorable pop culture moments many still cherish today. Interior designers will subtly reference favorite retro films, TV shows, bands, and more through retro-style wall art and decorative accessories. Framing a Blondie album cover or displaying a neon Ferris Bueller movie sign offers easy ways to nod to nostalgia without overwhelming a space.
Commissioning or finding ’80s-inspired Art Pieces
For a more high-concept, artistic approach, some designers commission custom abstract paintings, light sculptures, or mixed-media pieces that highlight ’80s style in an elevated way. Seeking original concert posters in graphic styles or limited-edition prints approved by ’80s bands allows you to showcase authentic retro design. Luckily, websites like Etsy also offer a treasure trove of quality retro decor and ’80s-inspired art prints to discover.
Integrating Nostalgia Through Wall Art and Décor
When incorporating pop culture references, the key is to avoid seeming kitschy or literal. Space out eye-catching art pieces between other conversational wall hangings so they don’t dominate. Ensure the frames complement the rest of the décor. Use small accessories like band logo pillows or movie character figurines to add a whimsical spirit without cluttering surfaces. With a thoughtful, curated approach, nostalgic touches can enhance a space in artful moderation.
Textures and Patterns
Textured surfaces and graphic prints were hallmarks of 1980s interior décor. Today, blending materials with different tactile qualities and bold patterns offer endless inspiration for achieving retro-style interiors.
The Prominence of Textured Surfaces in the ’80s
Interiors in the 1980s favored juxtaposing textures and surfaces. Shag rugs, tufted upholstery, exposed brick walls, and rough-hewn wood added a cozy tactile dimension. Designers created depth and visual interest by combining these natural materials with sleek metals, plastics, and lacquered finishes. Abstract geometric prints and vibrant colors further enlivened these richly textured spaces.
Incorporating Textured Materials and Patterns
Designing a textural feature wall is a great way to nod to the ’80s style. Consider a stone or faux brick accent wall or a metallic grasscloth wallpaper in a bold diamond print. Smaller patterns can repeat on pillows, an area rug, or window treatments. Introduce intriguing textures like a chunky wool blanket, a velvet armchair, or a live-edge coffee table. Thoughtfully layering tactile materials and prints channels the retro interior design you seek without overwhelming it.
Balancing Textures with Contemporary Minimalism
When combining retro textures, keep walls, more oversized furniture, and fixtures streamlined to prevent busyness. Incorporate sleek, smooth materials like glass, metal, and painted wood to provide balance. It also helps to limit the variety of competing textures in one space for a cohesive effect. Anchoring retro surfaces with clean-lined contemporary elements creates an alluring, harmonious blend of old and new.
Lighting and Accessories
From neon signs to oversized art deco floor lamps, statement lighting offers a shining beacon of ’80s inspiration. Meanwhile, it’s easy to weave nostalgic flair through fun, retro-leaning accessories. These details provide the perfect finishing touch to your blended ’80s interior.
Retro Lighting Fixtures and How to Use Them
Many iconic lighting styles came to the forefront in the 1980s, like customizable multi-globe ceiling fixtures, boldly colored stained-glass lamps, and buzzing neon lights. Try a sleek table lamp with an angled neck and colorful shade for a subtle touch. Make a retro statement by hanging a neon starburst fixture or mounting a bubble lamp over a seating area. However, with that said, try to avoid overwhelming a space by only using one or two definitive retro fixtures per room.
Accessorizing With ’80s-Inspired Items
It’s easy to add playful ’80s spirit through an eclectic mix of nostalgic accessories and decorative items. Start by displaying collectibles like vintage boomboxes, retro appliances, Pac-Man arcade games, or cassette tapes. Incorporate graphic visual pop through diamond-patterned throw pillows, striped rugs, or plastic occasional furniture. Houseplants in psychedelic-patterned planters also channel whimsical retro charm. These fun touches bring in decade-specific personality without going over the top.
Achieving a Harmonious Balance Between Old and New
When accessorizing to achieve the overall desired ’80s aesthetic, avoid clutter and aim for curated. Place unique retro pieces purposefully and allow them to complement more contemporary furnishings. The blend of just a couple of unabashedly vintage accessories with sleek, modern furniture and décor creates a comfortably livable mood that artfully combines eras.
Revamp Your Home with Kaiyo’s Vintage Assortment
Bring the bold, vibrant style of the ’80s into your home with pre-loved pieces from Kaiyo. Our online marketplace makes it easy to discover one-of-a-kind secondhand finds, from iconic sectionals and angular coffee tables to retro wall units and asymmetrical dressers.
Buying vintage not only channels nostalgic design eras but is eco-friendly too. At Kaiyo, we are committed to promoting sustainability and the circular economy. By extending the lifecycle of quality pre-owned furnishings, we help reduce waste. We also plant a tree with every order to give back to the environment.
Ready to refresh your rooms with retro flair? Shop our vast collection of gently used furniture for your perfect ’80s-inspired statement pieces. Browse online today and let Kaiyo help you recreate the bold spirit of the decade in an innovative, sustainable way.
