New mirrored shelving from Ladies & Gentlemen Studio
The world of 1980s interior design is a richly complex one. From metallic accents to striking angles and curves, many ’80s motifs are surprisingly modern–even timeless–making them easy to integrate into today’s design. When I first wrote this post six years ago, the ’80s revival hadn’t officially hit the world of design. Only a handful of images featuring 1980s interiors were available online. Not to mention, many people still cringed when hearing the phrase “’80s furniture.” Oh how times have changed, thanks to phenomena like the Memphis-Milano revival, a revolving door of modern pieces with retro flair, and the ’80s Tumblr! Time to update this post with new images that prove 1980s style is reaching a whole new generation of design enthusiasts. Here’s our breakdown of 1980s interior design styles…
’80s Modern
Marble and grids have made a comeback
In the ’80s, a modern look often reflected the “less is more” approach, with minimalist spaces showcasing clean-lined furniture. Reflective surfaces, achieved with materials such as mirror, chrome and glass, were used to visually enlarge a room. Grey was a popular unifying hue, as colorful artwork popped on grey walls, while dark, muted colors could combine with gray tones to reinforce a stark, modern look. Another popular ’80s modern hue: white. Contemporary lighting fixtures added finishing touches to a modern space.
This 1980s design style is making a big comeback, as it seamlessly blends with today’s modern finds, from new minimalist pieces to industrial IKEA selections.
’80s Modern Decor
’80s Modern Photo Credits: Left–photo by Michael Dunne; Top Right–“Ice Diamonds” wallpaper, photo by Ian O’Leary; Bottom Right–photo by Brigitte Beart/Vision International; All images from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt
Peach and berry tones were other popular ’80s modern colors, as shown in these 1985 shots of Allison Lasley’s SoHo loft (featured at Zonkout):
Interiors from the 1985 SoHo loft of Allison Lasley
Is ’80s modern design making a comeback? Absolutely, thanks to Tumblr, as well as new television series, such as Halt and Catch Fire. Here’s a shot from our Halt and Catch Fire viewing party, featuring a reflective vase from Z Gallerie.
An ’80s-style floral arrangement in a mirrored vase
Memphis-Milano
A Memphis-Milano interior (featured at Tumlr deargenekelly)
This is the high-end modern stuff, the designer collectibles that auction houses can’t keep in stock. When you view a Memphis-Milano piece, you suddenly realize the inspiration for that Swatch Watch you once owned. Fearless color and form combine in a display of zany artistry. The Memphis-Milano movement challenged the status quo. Italian designers such as Ettore Sottsass and Michele De Lucchi took boldness to a new level with shocking geometric motifs in furniture, textiles, tabletop decor, and even jewelry.
New Memphis-Milano-inspired pillows from Darkroom’s So Sottsass collection
Twenty-year collector Dennis Zanone, also a professional photographer, has documented his amazing stash of Memphis-Milano showpieces (photos shown below). This is the way they were meant to be viewed–impeccably arranged in a home of black-and-white checked tile and golden hardwood floors. If you’re interested in collecting Memphis-Milano pieces and are lucky enough to score one, it can be the conversation-starting centerpiece of a room, shelf or tabletop. View Dennis Zanone’s Flickr photostream here, and join his Facebook fans here.
Memphis-Milano Decor
Memphis-Milano Photo Credits: Bottom Left–“Jumping Beans” Memphis-Milano-inspired wallpaper, photo by Ian O’Leary, from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt; All other photos by Dennis Zanone
Memphis Design is back in a big way! From still life photography to new products inspired by Memphis motifs (like the pillows at the top of this section), today’s design offerings are finally reflecting the high-end, highly creative geometric style of the 1980s. Here is a Memphis-inspired still life pic styled by Charlotte Love and photographed by Natalie Dinham:
Memphis-inspired styling by Charlotte Love, photography by Natalie Dinham
For more on the Memphis-Milano revival, check out this Mirror80 post.
’80s Deco
An ’80s Deco vase montage
In the 1980s, an Art Deco revival occurred in the realm of graphic design. Clean-lined fonts with modern curves were prominent, but angles and ’20s/’30s-inspired arches also infiltrated the world of interior design in a style we call ’80s Deco. Art Moderne-style artwork, ceramic curves on ’80s modern vases, and rounded furniture abounded (think circular mirrors and black lacquered headboards with gold trim).
An ’80s Deco dining room (featured at Tumblr 80s Deco)
Glass block, mini-blinds and potted palms were other ’80s Deco staples. You may think this look belonged only in high-end spaces, but there was something darkly glamorous about it. Which is why it flourished in 1980s seedy crime dramas, like the hit television series Miami Vice. Hello Neon Noir! Add some neon wall art, and you’re set…
’80s Deco Decor
’80s Deco Photo Credits: Top and Bottom Left–photos by Mirror80; Middle Left–“Art Deco” wallpaper, photo by Ian O’Leary, from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt; Right–photo by Bruce Wolf, from Decoration and Design for the 80’s by Pamela Ferguson
’80s Deco is making a comeback with design enthusiasts who love Art Deco, and with collectors who enjoy the glammy, even kitschy quality of ’80s design. And thanks to the Neon Noir revival, the world of mini-blinds, tropical greenery and Deco curves is once again alive and well. Below we see photos from Mirror80’s Neon Noir party:
Snapshots from a Neon Noir party with Deco flair
As you can see, ’80s Deco is a style with incredible range, from the upscale to the mysterious.
’80s Southwestern
’80s drinking glasses from Etsy shop A2ndlife Vintage
The ’80s Southwestern room thrived on shades of turquoise, peach and mauve. Native American motifs on textiles and stair step-edged furniture completed the vibe. While this 1980s look was once labeled “outdated,” a new generation has welcomed its patterns in the realms of fashion and music. From ’80s Southwestern-themed press-on tattoos at Urban Oufitters to a wolf art revival on both canvas and T-shirt, the look has come back. The more over-the-top, the better. Though the ’80s/’90s tribal revival may have died down, Boho chic doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, giving ’80s Southwestern style a whole new outlet.
New ’80s Southwestern-style bedding from Urban Outfitters
Furniture in natural wooden tones blended well with this style in the 1980s, as did white and cream pieces, sometimes in stone. See Ugly House Photos for some awesome examples of rooms with ’80s Southwestern flair!
’80s Southwestern Decor
’80s Southwestern Photo Credits: Left–“Indian Motif” fabric, photo by Ian O’Leary; Right–photo by Michael Dunne; both images from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt
Remember this Mirror80 post, featuring an ’80s Southwestern home for sale in Tuscon, Arizona back in 2012? The living room below epitomizes modern Southwestern style from the ’80s. Note the sleek seating, the soft-hued textiles and the use of natural elements, such as wood and stone:
An ’80s Southwestern-style living room
As shown in the images above, ’80s Southwestern and ’80s Deco styles can overlap at times, given that they feature similar angles, curves and color palettes. Yes, we’re encouraging you to mix it up when it comes to ’80s design!
’80s Traditional
A traditional ’80s floral arrangement with Asian flair
Traditional decor is what most people grew up with in the ’80s. While it would’ve been awesome to live in a high-rise in New York City with a room full of brand spanking new ’80s Modern pieces, the majority of families integrated newer styles with items they already had, such as antiques. In her design-fabulous article “Decor Time Machine: The 80s” (which is accompanied by many wonderful pics), Apartment Therapy writer Catrin Morris recognizes that when it came to interiors in the ’80s, few kids were living “the ‘Less Than Zero’ lifestyle.” While we love the high-end minimalist modern decor of that film, the majority of ’80s homes took a less cutting-edge approach.
An image fro Sunset Books’ Flooring via Tumblr drydockshop
In fact, antique- and country-inspired furniture and accents were often the norm in the ’80s, with more formal spaces incorporating details like Persian rugs and Asian details, such as ornamental vases. Traditional decor even veered into modern territory when glossy finishes and metallic detail were welcomed into a room.
’80s traditional style with Asian flair
’80s Traditional Photo Credits: Top–an interior from 1982’s Environmental Interiors via drydockshop; Bottom Left–“Irises” wallpaper, photo by Ian O’Leary, from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt; Bottom Right–photo by Peter Vitale, from Decoration and Design for the 80’s by Pamela Ferguson
Not to mention, floral prints were ’80s traditional staples, as shown in wallpaper from the living room of television family the Goldbergs (image from Entertainment Weekly):
The living room of the television family The Goldbergs
The ’80s Traditional look hasn’t experienced a big comeback, but some would say that when done well ,this style is always classy. So certain elements may never go out of style. Others, such as brass, have found themselves at the center of a revival. With a new twist, of course!
’80s Country
New Laura Ashley bedding available at Kohls proves the ’80s Country look is here to stay
Ah…’80s Country! If you had a Laura Ashley comforter, you were a participant in this fad. While there were some designers reveling in a minimalist, rustic country look–think neatly arranged brown medicine bottles and earthy plank floors–the majority of ’80s Country living rooms likely boasted too much mauve and dusty blue, an over-abundance of wicker and dried flowers, and enough ruffles to gag a scarecrow.
’80s Country Decor
’80s Country Photo Credits: Left–“Tulip” and “Posy” wallpaper, photo by Ian O’Leary, from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt; Right–photo by Feliciano, from Decoration and Design for the 80’s by Pamela Ferguson
But there was something quaint about that country look, and when done well, elegance even crept in. As the ’80s turned into the ’90s, country enthusiasts may have held onto their oak furniture, but they likely changed an outdated wall color or worn throw pillow, transitioning the look to reflect new trends such as Shabby Chic, which encouraged the painting and distressing of wooden pieces while continuing to revel in the wonders of floral fabric.
Wicker is a signature trait of ’80s country style
Yes, wicker reigned in the ’80s country home, as shown in this image from the 1991 book Flooring via drydockshop. Also note the prevalence of houseplants, such as ferns. Is ’80s Country coming back? For many, it never left. While this style is one of the least popular in terms of influencing a new generation of design enthusiasts, there are aspects of it that exude a vintage look when taken to an over-the-top level. Like the DIY floral tower below:
An ’80s floral tower
New Developments
Geometric artwork from Ferm Living
Not only have ’80s design styles such as Deco and Memphis-Milano made a comeback, a whole new batch of ’80s-inspired works have hit the design realm in recent years. Like modern geo style, which is all about striking forms. Pair that concept with a celebration of mixed materials such as wood, marble and metal, and you have an unforgettable mix of sleek elements that blend well with 1980s design finds. Above we see artwork printed on birch plywood from Danish illustrator Kristina Krogh, available through Ferm Living.
Geo style takes on a 3-D quality with the Mirage Hex Corner and the Mirage Tri Corner Shef from Ladies & Gentlemen Studio. Also note these shelves displayed at the very top of the post, along with potted plants and an interesting collection of sculptural geometric pieces (also shown on the shelving below). Note the use of simple forms and mixed materials. Reflective design has never been so alluring…
Two mirrored shelving pieces from Ladies & Gentlemen Studio
Heard of Vaporwave? The movement has spawned an amazing collection of music (see this article for more details), as well as a distinct aesthetic that includes elements such as tropical greenery, marble slabs, and plaster columns, statues and busts.This digital illustration from Anny Wang titled Stone Collection perfectly captures the look. To check out more of Anny Wang’s work, click here.
Stone Collection by Anny Wang
I’ll end with a nod to the still life revival, which has taken the art of the simple vignette to a new level, often with ’80s references. Below we see still life photography from Wyne Veen. The use of mirrors creates a faceted effect:
Still life photography from Wyne Veen
Thanks for joining us on our journey through the diverse web of ’80s interior design styles. Tell us which looks you are drawn to, or which ones graced the rooms in your home during the decade of excess.
For more design inspiration, check out Mirror80 on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram!
That was a great, informative article. Now we know where the Ugly 80s came from!
Ugly?never,Never!!
I agree with Ursula– never ugly!!! I have quite a few pieces in my home from the 80s including my old etegere that is diamond shaped and all metal. I love that thing, and will never part with it. I bought it new in 1984. I also have the corner mirrored shelf unit (a similar one) that is in the pic at top, also bought at the same time.
This is a good summary, but don’t forget the so-called “California Look” pioneered by Michael Taylor and his peers. Light, bright, and airy; contemporary lines mixed with rustic textures. This style was all about overstuffed white sofas with pillow backs (arranged domino-style, fluffed with a knife-chop), white walls, linen, rustic pottery and natural wood, and BLEACHED OAK EVERYWHERE. This look inspired the bleached oak floors and cabinets and all-white appliances that stayed with us almost to the new millenium. It can be considered an offshoot of 80’s modern, yet it stands distinct.
Thank you for this important addition, Alex! A distinct style of its own, indeed! And thank you also for reminding me of the glory of the pillow chop : – ) I appreciate your comment!
How about the very very cool grey, black white and chrome appartement of Mickey Rourke in the mowie 9 1/2 week…. I love the blinds !!!! And also the super color ful and artistic app. of Martin Sheen in the movie Wall Street ? I never see any mentions to these amazing places…. I guess its because , especially 9 1/2 week wasnt really a big hit in USA… But still !! Its one of the most beautifully shows of 80ies asthetics:-)
I’m a sucker for “80’s Modern” approach with greys and softer lights. Especially when It’s night out so you can have the blinds down and turn up a gold lamp and it reflects off your glass top table, and not every home office has a computer yet