When I first learned of Jason D. Lesonic’s ’80s-fabulous apartment, I was sure of two things: 1) Rarely does an interior so seamlessly blend authentic bold elements of 1980s style, and 2) I had to feature the apartment on Mirror80!
As I corresponded more and more with Jason, it became clear that there were many details I had to share with Mirror80 readers, from the plethora of ’80s decor items that have been in Jason’s family since the decade of decadence to his amazing thrift store finds (like the shower curtain you’ll see below). By the way, the Art Deco radio above is from the 1930s–it belonged to Jason’s Grandfather! But why would I relay the details? Today we feature Mirror80’s first guest post, written by Jason D. Lesonic himself! Take it away, Jason…
What is it with the 80s? Most people my age (VERY early 30s, and let’s just leave it at that) are all about the 70s because it was so funky, and none of us remembers it. Or the 90s because it was so edgy, and we remember too much of it. But then those same people usually come along and shit all over the 80s. Why? Because it was the decade of decadence? An era of conspicuous consumption? Hmm . . . seems to me like not much has changed except for peoples’ politics these days . . . but I digress. For me, the 80s were my first conscious memories; a really creative time for a lot of people, where imagination was not without taste. My home decor has evolved out of one simple principle: to surround oneself with meaningful objects which tell a story of good times past. Some people do it with photographs and tchotchkes, I just happen do it with furniture and art.
There are two ways I have achieved the ultimate 80s look at home.
The first is to simply use things you already have. A lot of my stuff has been in my family for almost three decades now. If your parents are like mine and never throw anything away, it never hurts to ask. Chances are if you’re a young urban professional (AKA a yuppie, haha) trying to establish yourself in the big city you probably need it more than they do.
Secondly, knowing where to shop.
Let us not forget the almighty thrift store. I currently reside in Norfolk, Virginia, which is a great place for 80s thrifting, believe it or not. The reason is because of the large amount of beach houses in nearby Virginia Beach (as well as the Outer Banks) that were built and furnished in the 80s, and are only now getting a face lift.
Since everybody these days seems to abhor the furnishings and artwork that they themselves purchased 25 years ago, all of these goodies will randomly show up en masse, day after day at the local thrift stores (which is great if you’re going for that Miami Vice / Golden Girls look). Check out www.thriftstoreusa.biz, ranked one of America’s top thrift stores.
Other resources include those retro pop culture emporiums that specialize in vintage gaming consoles and cartridge games, as well as posters, action figures, and other assorted pop culture memorabilia. Check out “Cool Stuff” in Virginia Beach (but I don’t think they have a website).
I also highly recommend IKEA for “foundation” pieces. I’m not suggesting doing the whole home in IKEA, but let’s face it . . . someone else’s thrift store 80s sofa can look pretty gross sometimes. IKEA’s Karlstad sofa frame when paired with the matching arm cushions (sold separately) suddenly takes on the appearance of what is known as a “tuxedo sofa” — the kind where the arms are the same height as the back. I am pretty sure that about 9 out of 10 sofas sold in the 80s had this frame. Toss on a few vintage throw pillows and you’re in business.
For draperies and window treatments, JCPenney can not be beat. Let’s face it, ready-made pinch pleated draperies aregetting increasingly harder to find. JCPenney’s Supreme Antique Satin line of pinch pleated draperies have been manufactured for decades. These come fully lined, pinch pleated, and are available in a wide range of colors with top treatments (think swags and cascades) to match.
Thanks for sharing your ’80s design pointers, Jason! Your apartment is amazing. And in case you didn’t know, folks, Jason has a background in visual merchandising. From fashion windows in New York City to high-end home furnishings, his design experience is one of the many reasons he knows what it takes to create interiors that make a statement. Not to mention, his current work in the realm of antiques has put him face to face with authentic finds from our favorite decade and more.
By the way, all of the images in today’s post are courtesy of Jason D. Lesonic. Hope you enjoyed the tour–Happy Thursday!…
John Nevitt says
LOVE this post! What I really like about the 80’s-ness of Jason’s house is that it doesn’t go too literal. So many times, when someone tries to capture an era or a theme of some sort, they go with the kitchen sink approach. They’ll put everything from that decade into one space, never minding that no one in those decades decorated like that. Look at 50’s-themed diners for an example of this. There will be stuff all over the walls: framed albums, hubcaps, car ads, and all the kitschy stuff on every shelf. Contrast this with the real 50’s decor which was mostly modern and clean and it’s a complete miss.
Most people do not buy all their furniture at once and the look of a home evolves over time. There will be pieces that are meaningful or still useful that work their way into the current decor. In 1987, my mom went all out and redecorated their 50’s ranch style home in all mauve, cream, and country blue with punches of burgundy and black throughout. Dated as it sounds, it was very sharp.
The Early American sofa from the 70’s was replaced by smart, long-and-low white leather sofas from Natuzzi, but the end table was a trunk from the early 19th century. The audio equipment was stored in a 1920’s armoir. New art mixed with old. She vacuumed the mauve carpet with her harvest gold vacuum cleaner from the 1970’s and made cake batter with her olive green mixer from the 70’s in her turquoise mixing bowls from the 50’s in her new blue kitchen.
I now own the Natuzzi sofas and the trunk still sits next to them in my house. They now intermingle with other 80’s pieces including a tubular chrome chair from Milo Baughman, as well as cool items from the 60’s and 70’s. It’s not totally 80’s, but the spirit of that fabulous decade is certainly there. Great job, Jason! And great post!
Kate says
I couldn’t agree more, John! Jason’s space really feels like a “real space,” and the fact that he uses items that have been in his family for years adds another layer of authentic design.
I also loved the suggestions of adding in newer items, such as IKEA sofas or those draperies from JCPenney.
By the way, John–your Mom’s redo of her ranch-style home sounds amazing. That color palette IS sharp!
Jeff says
Excellent job Jason!! The ’80s were a great time for me and I still rock out to Hall & Oates and Huey Lewis. I cannot be Rickrolled: I liked that song when it came out and still do!
While I don’t have a land line phone anymore, I wish I did so I could buy the phone I used to have when I was in high school: a TeleQuest Grand Prix, in red. One’s on eBay now, auction #231020206978, maybe you could use something more stylish than the Panasonic you keep near your (very nice btw) Commodore64 workstation?
Kate says
Thanks for your comment, Jeff! I recorded Rick’s video as a kid and would watch it over and over again in the late ’80s (and probably even into the early ’90s ; – )
Yakov says
wow! great post 🙂
Kate says
I thought you might like this one, Yakov! More home tours to come next month…
Skylar Strickland says
Always nice to see someone keeping greatness alive!
Retrophilia says
Love it! The photo of the living room looks just like it could come from an Interior Magazine from the 80’s!
Jason D. Lesonic says
Whoa! Thanks for the great response! Back to John Nevitt’s comment, you are absolutely correct. My goal was to create the “look’ of the 80s using the appropriate lines and authentic color palette to make it feel like you have literally stepped back in time. This as opposed to the “50s diner” approach you had mentioned. There is a huge difference between the two, and latter approach usually tends to overwhelm, and feels more like a thrift store than a private residence.
John Nevitt says
Well, Jason, you certainly hit all the right notes. The living room with that punch of teal on the throw and the black dinette are my favorites. Seeing how you put this all together just proves how ahead of the time much of the 80’s style really was. You’ve taken something that would be hard to do for many people and made it look effortless!
Jason D. Lesonic says
Thanks John, Your reassuring words mean a lot. The teal throw was meant to be just that; a punch. It’s hard to see in the photo, but the abstract painting I am standing in front of has that same teal in it, and adding the throw was an attempt to bring that out and tie it all together, You mention how ahead of its time much of the 80s style really was, and I can not agree more. I still consider 1980s interior design to be the modern standard. Nothing since has really been quite as elegant.
DJ says
I need that lucite chandelier in my life.
Jan Griffiths says
My mother in law has that same bed headboard. It will be mine one day. Great article, and style. We have a few 80s pieces in our home, too.
Kate says
Thanks for your comment, Jan! This has become one of Mirror80’s most popular posts. Jason’s home tour really reinforces the fact that people are ready to see ’80s pieces in today’s homes. Sounds like you’ve got some great ’80s pieces of your own!
Mr Kim says
I really love the tong in cheek pose with the empty cup in hand and the Donjohnsonesque styling. Very 80ish indeed.
ZX says
Hey Kate, happy new year! Can you help out a little dilemma I’m having. I’m doing an 80s style bedroom for a project and considering one of these two lamps:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ceramic-Abstract-Table-Lamp-With-Glass-Globe-Shade-/331104178318?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Lamps&hash=item4d1758d08e
(or would that be too kids/teenagers room)?
…is this more for the adult’s room (coupled with a peach coolie shade):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ceramic-Crackle-Glaze-Effect-Table-Lamp-/331104178331?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Lamps&hash=item4d1758d09b
I love the first lamp but can’t really find a way to fit it in with the adult/pastels decor. Is that because it wasn’t made for that kind of room in the first place?
Kate says
Hey There!
Thanks for writing! I’m actually in the middle of an ’80s bedroom makeover as well, so this is fresh on my mind. My apologies for the delay in responding…
I’m a BIG fan of the first lamp–the ceramic abstract design. I think the bold geometry of the piece cancels out any teen bedroom element. Plus, the colors are striking without being too “cute.” If you’re undecided due to the color issue, I know that here in the states there are thrift stores like Goodwill that always have ’80s Deco lamps in store–for a few dollars. A bit like these (but not as high-end)…
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PAIR-Vintage-80s-Art-Deco-White-Pottery-Lamps-Sculptural-Retro-Haeger-Ceramic-/151101494303
I’ll let you know if I come across anything interesting, like this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/154745309/coral-lamp-vintage-80s-eighties-muted?ref=market
Keep me posted!
Robin Elizabeth says
I’m super late, but I love this! I’m in my early 20s but I love ’80s style, and I’m trying hard to recreate it in my college house. I completely agree that most people go way over the top when they think “80s”- I personally don’t even like the neon trend, and that’s what most people think of! Thrift stores are definitely your best bet, I have a plum and gold deco-style vase that I recently found, a mirror with a red plastic frame that’s in my bedroom, some place mats that were in my parents house before I was born. Thanks for the inspiration!