Why were ’80s office interiors so cutting edge? Was it an abundance of corporate cash that translated to “sky is the limit” design? Was it a desire to fill a sleek space with equally sleek decor? Perhaps it was a wish to inspire employees and impress colleagues with decadent choices. Whatever the cause, we love the result! With the help of some of our favorite movies and television shows, we spotlight 1980s commercial design motifs.
Best ’80s Video Hairstyles
In lieu of a Friday Video Pick, today we’re getting follical. Or shall we say follicle? Yes, it’s a celebration of ’80s hair, executed by counting down the top five 1980s music video hairdos of all time. Let’s start with a disclaimer: TODAY’S EXERCISE IS PURELY FOR FUN. We know we’re being totally subjective.
A Very ’80s Valentine’s Day
It must be love–a love of ’80s style. Whether you enjoy reveling in Valentine’s Day motifs or you’re looking for some seasonal reading material, these blog posts below should pique your interest with their heart-filled content. Love through the lens of the ’80s was brighter, shinier and flashier. Not to mention super cute! Enjoy:
I Heart ’80s Silver Jewelry
Remember those days when the only thing brighter than the sun was the radiant sheen of your polished sterling silver jewelry? And you were probably too young to be wearing giant bows, hearts and teddy bears on your earlobes, wrists, fingers and neckline? Not that the motifs weren’t pre-teen fabulous, but man, was that stuff big! As Valentine’s Day approaches, I thought I’d dust off my old sterling silver heart jewelry and see what was worth revisiting..
Friday Video Pick: Sofa Mart in the ’80s
It’s hard to believe that diamond étagères and smoke glass swing tables were once sold for $39.99 apiece. If only I had a time machine with room for storage… Enjoy today’s video pick–a Sofa Mart commercial from 1986! Don’t be fooled by its humble intro. Things get real good real fast.
’80s Color Themes
If you haven’t been introduced to the color theme website Kuler, today is your lucky day! Are you looking for that perfect combination of hues for your redecorating project? Perhaps you need a new motif for your website? Visit Kuler, and peruse the many unique color themes created by users. Today our mission was to find a handful of ’80s color combos that took us by surprise. We hope you love the results as much as we do!
The Return of 1980s Postmodern Design
This past weekend, our friends at The 80s Gallery were featured in a San Francisco Chronicle article titled “Collectors Give 80s Postmodernist Design 2nd Look.” The piece, written by Bertrand Pellegrin, celebrates the return of bright, bold and shiny 1980s furniture and collectibles.
Friday Video Pick: “Candy” by Cameo
Today’s video pick elevates the concept of a “posse” to the level of art. Never have so many random characters drifted in and out of one frame. And for the record, our award for “The Most Successful Orchestration of Random Group Dynamics While Wearing a Codpiece” goes to Cameo lead singer Larry Blackmon.
Hazy ’80s Music Video Stills
Has your Wednesday been a little crazy? I know, me too. Don’t worry–we’ve got the cure. A heavy dose of backlighting will make your problems fade away. At least, that was a common tactic in many a 1980s music video. In fact, it seemed like a divine light was perpetually shining down on many of our musical heroes. Not only did it give them a healthy glow, it added a hazy effect that at times was just what the doctor ordered. Who needs clarity anyway?
Pic Fix: Our Favorite Images
For today’s Pic Fix, we’ve grabbed our favorite images from past Mirror80 blog posts for a snapshot of 1980s style. From a colorful dessert to a celebration of album cover graphics, these pics reflect the vibrancy and geometry of ’80s design.
