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The Ultimate ’80s Interior Design Guide

September 23, 2010 by Kate 3 Comments

An '80s interior design book

The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt

This ’80s-fabulous interior decorating book by Mary Gilliatt is the real thing–published in the ’80s, it authentically recommends ’80s decorating techniques! The result: an honest, edgy look at design conventions from this incomparable decade.

Here are some of the bolder highlights:

Mirrors, Mirrors, Mirrors

Modern, gleaming, space-enhancing, and even space age, the mirrors in these pictures say it all:

A 1980s mirror

From The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt

a 1980s mirrored dining room

From The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt

Pastels

Wow! Check out the methodical use of color in the picture below, from painting to pillow to flower. Who knew layered pastels could be so modern?

'80s pastels in interior design

From The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt

Primary Colors?!

While these bright colors may not instantly come to mind when you hear the word “eighties,” this kid-friendly room is proof that peach, mauve and teal didn’t always reign! There’s a timeless, modern appeal, as well as a hint that the Simon game on the floor was very strategically placed. Love it!

A 1980s children's bedroom

From The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt

Neon

Neon–no, it wasn’t just for the clubs. And apparently the goldfish bowl wasn’t just for the family room. Oh, to be a guest at that dinner party!…

An '80s neon dining room

From The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt

This is just the tip of the iceberg, folks! I highly recommend The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt. Perfect for an ’80s enthusiast in search of the real deal. It doesn’t get much better than this…

Available at Amazon.com.

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Comments

  1. Retrophilia says

    March 3, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    I love those interior books! I have a swedish one from 1984, I have some pictures in my blog. Do you have any other books to recommend?

    Reply
    • MirrorKate says

      March 6, 2011 at 11:22 pm

      I've actually had a hard time finding other books! I'm excited to check out the one on your blog. I'll let you know if I come across anything else, and let me know if you find anything too! I'm wanting to start collecting interior design magazines from the '80s–I'll bet there'd be some great pics!
      Happy Hunting…

      Reply

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Mirror80 is a blog that celebrates the intersection of modern design and retro style. I'm Kate, and I enjoy exploring the look and feel of the "recent retro", with a focus on the late '70s through the early '90s. Welcome to Mirror80. Read More…

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