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…

’80s Food Photography

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Happy Wednesday, Everyone! If you caught last month’s post on early ’80s food styling, consider this a “part 2”! We’ve explored some fun photography trends of the ’70s-meets-’80s time frame, including dark backgrounds, creative garnishes and plenty of whipped cream. Today we take a look at a few more photos from the 1982 edition of The Encyclopedia of Creative Cooking, which is packed with amazing color photos of retro-fabulous food, like the hot baked grapefruit above. Ready for a few more?…

’80s Patterns and Prints

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There’s no denying that patterns have made a comeback. Designers and illustrators are creating some amazing patterns and prints for textiles, wall art and more (and don’t get me started on the pattern phenomenon on Pinterest)! In light of recent developments, I thought I’d take another look at one of my favorite books: 1980s Fashion Print by Marnie Fogg. Here are a few patterns that seem as relevant today as they did back in the ’80s!…

’80s Style: Hotel Lobby Luxe

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Lately I’ve been looking back at past Mirror80 posts, and certain ’80s style elements continue to emerge. I thought I’d write a few new posts about specific 1980s aesthetics, and one that I can’t seem to get enough of is the lobby look. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been obsessed with hotel and bank lobbies, and the Decade of Decadence was an amazing time for this marble-, glass-, and brass-infused design.

New Mirror80 Series: Out and About

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Happy Wednesday, Everyone! Today I’m announcing a new Mirror80 series called Out and About. In an effort to collaborate with others and widen the perspective of the blog, I’ll be visiting different locations (such as shops and restaurants) around Austin—establishments that somehow contribute to the retro-meets-modern design aesthetic we know and love. This isn’t a new concept for Mirror80, so in preparation for our first Out and About post, I thought I’d share some of our past “field trips,” complete with links so you can check out the full posts if you’re interested…

’80s Design Spotlight: Three Men and a Baby

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Today we’re taking a “tour” of the retro-fabulous apartment featured in the 1987 hit film Three Men and a Baby. Somehow this one dwelling manages to pack in a multitude of 1980s interior design styles, as the rooms showcase everything from Memphis-Milano finds and neon arcade decor to glass block and eclectic architectural pieces.

’80s Art Picks: Foliage Fever

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Today’s edition of ’80s Art Picks shines the spotlight on vegetation, from flowers to branches. Foliage motifs were very popular during the Decade of Decadence, especially florals. Speaking of floral vignettes, above we see a Rare ’80s MIRAGE EDITIONS Poster Set from Etsy shop I Luv Belle Arte. Contrast is the name of the game in this duo of iris-themed posters featuring blooms and leaves outlined in gold metallic foil. Keep reading for more great ’80s art finds…

Succulents, Palms and Bromeliads

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Yesterday I made a trip to Shoal Creek Nursery in Austin, Texas. I seriously recommend walking through a nursery this spring. It’s a fun way to be outdoors at a beautiful time of the year, and if you’re obsessed with plants like I am, even better! I got a ton of inspiration for my yard and my home (gorgeous tropical selections in the greenhouse above, right?), and I even picked up a few plants. Here are some of my favorite snapshots from this impromptu field trip…

The Work of Camille Walala

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If you’re a fan of the New Memphis movement, you’re likely already an admirer of Camille Walala. The work of this London-based artist has graced many realms, from mural art and interior design to art direction and textile prints. I’ve fallen in love with her colorful creations for Darkroom, but there’s much more to this designer than prints and patterns. Walala’s influences include the Memphis Movement, the Ndebele tribe and artist Victor Vasarely. There is indeed something Memphis-meets-tribal-meets Op Art about the work of Camille Walala. Read on for a glimpse into her world…

Plants!

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Plants make a big difference in my world. They’re an easy, often inexpensive way to add that perfect finishing touch to a room or an outdoor space. Today I’m sharing a few snapshots of new spring plant purchases, starting with the succulent planter arrangement in the image above. You can read more about the selections (including the flowering erysimum) in this post, which I wrote for Decoist. Here are a few more of my current faves…

Mirror80 March Favorites

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Happy April Fool’s Day! Before we officially move into a new month, let’s take a look back at March. From SXSW to a home office tour, there was plenty going on in my world these last few weeks. I also took time to focus on a few retro-modern design trends, from a new take on ’70s style to the intricacies of the still life movement. And as always, I’ve enjoyed reveling in some nostalgia here on Mirror80 via photos and movie stills from the Decade of Decadence. Some highlights, in case you missed anything…