A month ago we featured the work of interior designer Rafael de Cárdenas of Architecture at Large. Not only does de Cárdenas delight in ’80s geometric motifs, he is an ardent proponent of color! You can imagine how delighted we were to stumble upon Sight Unseen and their in-depth tour of de Cárdenas’ New York apartment! Perhaps what we love most is the way the designer integrates the ’80s into his spaces while maintaining his own sense of style. Above we see a 1980s sculpture that de Cárdenas found at his grandmother’s house.
Goodwill Find: An ’80s Deco Vase
Those who know me well are aware of my addiction to ’80s Deco vases. It’s an obsession that started a few years ago when I saw a red plastic floral vase at an antique mall, and it reminded me of the plethora of curvy ’80s ceramics that graced many a table and shelf top during my favorite decade. When I couldn’t find the vases at any thrift shops in the area, I headed to Goodwill, also known as the mother ship. At any given point in time, there will be at least one ’80s Deco vase and several ’80s Deco lamps on the shelves of the local Goodwill, often in shades of peach, blue, mauve and white. My latest purchase–a blue glass piece–can be seen above!
’80s Redux: Globe Lighting
So right about now you may be wondering what makes globe lighting so ’80s. After all, globe lamps and sconces were a mod staple of the ’60s and ’70s. Guess what? They stuck around for the ’80s and added just the right amount of other-worldly glow to many a living room during our favorite decade. Today we explore the globe lighting phenomenon and show you how to bring the look home for a reasonable price.
’80s Redux: Black Marble
Today we spotlight an ’80s trend that has found its way back into our design vocabulary: black marble. After the 1980s, many black marble finds were dismissed as the stuff of bachelor pads or Vegas bathrooms. Think again, folks. Today we’ve gathered a range of black marble furnishings to fit a variety of price points. We start high with the 1970s black marble coffee table above, available for $2900 through Metro Retro Furniture. The cylindrical base and marble top give the piece its modern form. She’s a beauty!
New ’80s-Style Tribal Art Finds
Here at Mirror80, we’ve covered the emerging 1980s design revival, noting how the areas of fashion and graphic design have been the first to celebrate ’80s motifs. Yet the world of interior design has been slower to embrace the 1980s. It’s no wonder then that for ’80s tribal style to be welcomed back into our homes, it would first have to appear in the fashion world, as the last few years have shown. We’re thrilled about the ’80s tribal redux, especially since it has now jumped from shirts and dresses to the walls of our interiors thanks to today’s talented Etsy artists.
When You Get Caught Between the Moon and ’80s Deco: A Scene from “Arthur”
I know it’s crazy, but it’s true! Please excuse my reference to the theme song from the 1981 film Arthur, which features the best 1980s Deco-style bathroom I’ve ever laid eyes on. If you were a millionaire, wouldn’t you want to bathe in that tub? I wonder if Dudley Moore enjoyed being surrounded by pedestals of calla lilies…
Acrylic Dining Sets
One look at the furniture featured in today’s post, and you may assume these pieces are straight out of the ’80s. Strangely, even the pictures have a retro quality. To everyone’s surprise, these acrylic dining sets from Muniz Plastics are brand spanking new…honestly, we’re a bit confused, but it’s a blissful fog! ’80s-style Deco furniture is being manufactured once again?! We should throw a party and bring our crystal swans to decorate the tabletops!
The Work of Architecture at Large
Today we’re thrilled to spotlight the work of Rafael de Cárdenas, founder of Architecture at Large, a resource for design vision and execution focused on residential and commercial interiors, architecture, furniture and integrated objects. Stunning color and bold geometry are key qualities of Architecture at Large pieces and interiors. We can’t help but see undertones of 1980s Memphis-Milano motifs!
The Art of Francesco Mancin
Today we are delighted to spotlight the art of Italian graphic designer and videomaker Francesco Mancin. Art, music, fashion and film inspire his work, as does the style of the renowned 1980s design collective The Memphis Group. A talented artist, Mancin has created numerous posters that celebrate Memphis design while adding a contemporary touch to ’80s motifs. Modern yet retro, Mancin’s work exemplifies the artful blend of past and present.
’80s-Style Acrylic Furniture from Alexandra Von Furstenberg
If you think the image above is a set piece from the movie Tron, think again. This acrylic desk is one of many stunning pieces offered by designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg. Once married to the son of designer Diane Von Furstenberg, Alexandra has made a name for herself by creating a series of colorful acrylic furnishings. Our favorite part: many of these showpieces have a distinct ’80s vibe!
