Mirror80

Reflecting on recent retro style

Love My Way

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A post on learning to run the race, even if you’re still figuring it all out…

Retro Design: Decorating with Black

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I recently ordered The Mary Gilliatt Book of Color (1985), and I’ve enjoyed browsing an array of photos filled with retro design goodness. I’ll be sharing a few rounds of pics from the book, and I thought I’d start off by spotlighting the color black. Because it’s fun to revel in a little bit of darkness and drama during the month of Halloween! In the 1980s, black added boldness to interiors, often with Deco flair. Black lacquered headboards, black mini-blinds, black chair frames and black vases were popular. Ready to let the photos do the talking?…

Cacti, Succulents and Other Retro Plant Photos

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Last week I ordered some ’80s design books from Amazon, and yesterday they arrived! Since we’re reveling in the retro possibilities of plants this week at Mirror80, I thought I’d share some of my favorite photos from The Complete Book of Houseplants & Indoor Gardening with you today. This book is packed with ’70s/’80s style. Read on for proof that our current obsession with houseplants has roots in the past…

New Memphis Decor

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Happy Friday! Today I’m rounding up a collection of New Memphis decor that celebrates the power of pattern and geometry. These aren’t Memphis-Milano pieces from the ’80s. They represent a new take on the bold style we all know and love. And there’s a LOT of it around these days, so much so that retail chains like West Elm are even giving a nod to the look in their new collections. From the work of Etsy artisans to the prints of Society6 artists, there’s a lot of color and form to enjoy. Here goes…

’90s Movie Style: Soapdish

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Today we revel in the Memphis-meets-Deco world of the 1991 film Soapdish, the story of a soap opera leading lady (played by Sally Field) whose real life drama rivals the absurd plot of her daytime drama! Not only is this film smart, hilarious and well-written, it features over-the-top set design that is a glorious mishmash of retro motifs. It’s elegant vintage meets postmodern. It’s tropical meets swanky. Ready for a closer look?…

7 Retro-Modern Instagram Accounts to Follow

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Got any favorite Instagram accounts? Today I’m sharing a few of mine. By no means a comprehensive list, these selections represent an established and emerging retro-modern design voice that Mirror80 couldn’t be more excited about. Check out the suggestions that follow, and then leave a comment telling me about YOUR favorite Instagram accounts to keep up with. Seriously, I’d love to get a conversation going. And now, without further ado…

The AW2015 Collection by ferm LIVING

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Each season I eagerly await the new arrivals from ferm LIVING, a Denmark-based design and interior products company founded by Trine Andersen. I’ve been known to check the site repeatedly when I sense a new collection is on the horizon! This season I was absolutely delighted by the retro motifs that appear in the AW2015 Collection. From Bauhaus-inspired pieces to modular tables that bring playful design home, the new offerings are rooted in the company’s Scandinavian-meets-retro aesthetic. And I’m loving the emphasis on retro!…

A Tour of My 1980s Kitchen

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Hi Everyone! Today I’m sharing a tour of my 1980s kitchen (the house was built in ’81). Truth: the space has been remodeled since the 1980s, but there are still plenty of ’80s elements, like the garden window above the sink and the pairing of cream and black! When we moved in two years ago, this room became my very favorite in the house.

High/Low: The Retro Style Game

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Luxe retro finds can be expensive! But if you’re willing to shop for look-a-likes, you can save a pretty penny. Today we introduce a new series called High/Low. It’s a guessing game of sorts…each High/Low post will pose a question, and today’s question is this: 1stdibs or Z Gallerie? That’s right, we’re asking you to guess which is the high-end retro 1stdibs find and which is the more affordable new, retro-style Z Gallerie item. Check out the photos below and then scroll down to the bottom of the post for the answers. They just might surprise you!

A Memphis-Meets-Deco Home Tour

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Today’s home tour is a celebration of creativity and resourcefulness! Combining elements of Memphis-Milano style with ’80s Deco flair and eclectic touches, Meg Gustafson and Neal Miller have filled their Chicago abode with unique collectibles, innovative DIY projects and loads of personality.

Target Goes New Memphis

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With New Memphis design and still life style going strong in the realm of product photography, it’s no surprise that big brands are wholeheartedly embracing the look for their large campaigns. The latest is Target, whose back to college shoot is covered with grids, sprinkles, squiggles and geo flair. And since one of my favorite pastimes is “spot the Memphis,” I had to share these photos as soon as they came across my radar…