A foyer featuring glass block
Hello all you ’80s-lovers! Today we spotlight glass block, also known as glass brick–those square-shaped blocks of wavy glass that have been around since the early 1900s. Their popularity seems to fluctuate cyclically, and boy, did they boom in the 1980s! Think “Miami Vice,” or those tropical plant-filled interiors of ’80s Deco mansions where Neon Noir mysteries unfolded…
Funny how rooms with glass block windows can still evoke the 1980s, especially if other ’80s-style flourishes are in place! We’ve combed popular design inspiration site Houzz for images of present-day homes that borrow the best of ’80s modern design elements. Above we see a foyer in a California home built by Mark R. Eggen Construction, Inc. Tropical foliage, a chandelier, a diamond-shaped window and other glossy details can’t help but add a hint of ’80s while still being undeniably contemporary.
Below we see a sport court locker room built by John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. How can you go wrong with glass block windows and a red- and-gray color scheme? I hope one of those cubicles on the left is holding an unlimited supply of sweatbands.
A red and gray bathroom with ’80s flourishes
Peach was a popular 1980s interior design hue, so it’s no wonder that dark peach marble would take us back in time, especially when used as a dramatic accent color in this master bath by Podesta Contruction (shown below). It’s hard to say what we love more–the diamond tile inserts, the triangular shower bench, or the way the marble dramatically divides the glass block wall (as you can see in the mirror).
A modern bathroom with glass block details
Sometimes simplicity is the key. We end with one last image from home stylist Leteke Ruypers Volpini. This next featured room is all- white and ultra modern. A clean-lined bed, metal work lamps, and a potted dracaena are true highlights. And then there’s that elongated glass block window…perfection!
A bedroom with a glass block window
Hope your Monday is bright and stylish!
Have a brick fireplace with glass cubes on bottom of the fireplace. I would like some help modernization it.