I’ve always had nostalgia with the 1980s. It was a time and a decade that stood out. It was grand in every way, the shoulder padding, colours and of course the large hair. For many years, the 80s style has definitely not been in fashion. But sometimes trends comes back into fashion many decades later. I have a feeling that the magic of the 80s will appeal and appear again.
So how what were the key interior design characteristics for the 80?
Walls and Fabrics
The walls and curtains in the 80s were normally covered with pattern and prints in pastel colours. The patterns were normally with loud cabbage roses or country prints. This was normally complimented with large mirrors. Prints were normally replicated throughout the room and this created the impression that the room “flowed” and felt put-together.
A great way to add these features today can be to add a country pattern in smaller areas on fabrics like curtains and pillows. Try to replicate the pattern throughout the room, but you do not need to let it “own” the room. Create pockets between the patterns with curtains without pattern. Instead of pastel and bright colours, try to use more neutral colours.
Another wall decor that was normal used in the 80s was wall panelling. This made the room feel more grand (than what it perhaps was!). Panelling has over the last years returned into interior fashion again. But today it’s normally used in more natural colours.
Flooring
Exclusive homes in the 1980s had normally glossy parquet wood flooring, while a home on a budget normally had a vinyl floor. In bedrooms and other rooms there could also be plush carpeting in a dusty pink colour.
Today, I believe that we should still stay away from vinyl flooring and the plush carpeting. But parquet can still make a home look exclusive. If you find this too much, pick a parquet that do not have a glossy finish. If you dare to go a bit further, pick a parquet that has some kind of pattern.
Furniture
The grand style of the 80s could also be reflected in its iconic furniture. The sofa was in the 80s, oversized and rounded. They were normally in colours like mauve, dusty pink, blue, teal or green. Sofas was normally complimented with glass tables.
Today, oversized furniture can be seen again with large ottomans, sofas and love seats. Try to add furniture like this to your home, but in a neutral colour. Make sure that you only add large items where you have room for it. One large item can be enough in smaller room (or house!).
Lighting
Lighting in the 80s was an important feature to a home and particularly stood out compared with other decades. Living rooms normally had track lighting where the light in the ceiling was focused on different points in the room. In the kitchen, normally you would find institutional looking, fluorescent light boxes or brass chandeliers.
Today, track light can still be an interesting feature to a home, if you do not have spot lights. There are many modern track lights on the market and they can be used in rooms where you want to create focal points, like for example, a particular wall or paintings.
What do you like the best with 80s interior design?
