Welcome to Mirror80, a blog that celebrates the magic created when modern design meets the retro style, specifically the mid-’70s through the mid-’90s. Mirror80 explores what’s coming back, how you can incorporate pieces from/inspired by this era into your modern home, and why it’s made such an impression on design enthusiasts from different generations.
I’m Kate, and Mirror80 is my baby–an endeavor that draws on a lifetime love of ’80s style. When I first started this blog in 2010, the ’80s revival had hit the fashion realm, but people weren’t quite ready to take a look back at postmodern interior design. There weren’t many ’80s design images online, and a number of them were mine. It’s been amazing watching the ’80s interior design revival begin and EXPLODE, thanks to social media and a renewed interest in movements and phenomena such as Memphis-Milano design and still life photography.
What can you expect to find on Mirror80? A slew of retro-meets-modern images! From authentic ’70s, ’80s and ’90s photos to new DIY projects that channel recent retro style, there’s something for everyone who loves clean lines, Deco curves and candy colors. I highlight new decor finds that channel the past, as well as authentic retro pieces available through Etsy, eBay and 1stdibs, such as ’80s art. And don’t get me started on my love of ’80s music video…
A little bit more about me… Growing up, I was that kid who spent hours redecorating the house (thanks, Mom and Dad)! I also spent hours writing, so it was only a matter of time before I merged my love of writing with my love of design to create this blog. I watched way too much MTV in the ’80s, I spent the ’90s wishing it were still the ’80s, and when I grew up I finally “got it”—you can appreciate the past without living in it. That’s why I love writing about how people reinterpret the past through new decor and design motifs.
I’ve been a drummer, a teacher and an antique dealer (yes, I tried to sell ’80s merchandise in my booth—people weren’t ready for that in 2009, but things are changing)!
I also moderate the ’80s Design group on Facebook. This thriving community is very active and full of “recent retro” design inspiration. Join the conversation!
If you like what you see on the blog, be sure to follow Mirror80 on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram. You can also find my original retro-modern photographs and products in the Mirror80 Society6 shop. Thanks for stopping by…I hope you stay awhile!
XOXO,
Kate