7 Easy Ways to Bring ’80s Style Home

Today’s post is all about ’80s style on a budget! Getting an ’80s look at home has never been easier, thanks to a range of new products that channel the past. Not to mention, sites such as Tumblr are filled with design images scanned from interior decorating books of the 1980s. They provide so. much. inspiration. Today I’m sharing a few of my favorites (and the design tips they inspire), so keep reading for a few quick ideas that will bring an instant ’80s feel to your interior…

Purchase a curved table

See the photo at the top of the post (from Tumblr Supreme Interiors)? A curved console table, side table or coffee table is streamlined, chic and retro. Don’t have time to hunt down an original from the Decade of Decadence? Purchase a new one, such as this selection.

Bring on the color

How stunning is the image below (from Showcase of Interior Design: Pacific Edition via Palm & Laser)? Color and geometry create an ’80s feel, so look for interesting patterns on wall art and fabrics. Society6 is a great source for new designs that channel the past.

Incorporate red accents

In the 1980s, red was an oh-so-popular color for accents (such as task lamps, telephones and knobs). This photo from The Decorating Book by Mary Gillatt shows how red pops in an office setting. While light wood and bright white tones provide the backdrop for this image, grey saturated many ’80s offices punctuated by red accents. Check out more clean-lined ’80s office style in this post.

Display a black vase of tropical greenery

Black Deco vases are undeniably ’80s (and available at Goodwill and other thrift stores for a few dollars). Yet the vase doesn’t have to be embellished with sweeping curves to channel an ’80s look. Just make sure it’s glossy black. Fill it with tropical leaves and a couple of bright blooms, and you’re set! [image below from Domus Magazine Interior Design, 1984 from 80sretroelectro via Tumblr 80s Deco]

Top your sofa with pastel pillows

This technique also works for armchairs and beds. After all, there’s nothing like a trio of pastel pillows that look good enough to eat, as shown in these photos from The Lighting Book by Deyan Sudjic. Check out more ’80s pastel style here.

Layer your towels

While you may not want to paint your entire bathroom teal, peach, mauve or burgundy, why not pair two colors of towels in quintessential ’80s hues? Throw in a floral arrangement and some over-the-top wall art, and guests will know your choices are cheeky not outdated! [photo from The International Collection of Interior Design (1985) via Palm & Laser]

Paint adjacent walls bright colors

You pick the paint, then let the ’80s magic settle in! Bonus points if the two walls meet in a protruding corner, as shown in this photo of the Kraus Apartment via Zonkout. Check out more colorful ’80s interiors here.

Wishing you and yours a vibrant week!