Why is party decor so inherently ’80s?! We’ve explored this phenomenon in the realm of Halloween decorations, and now we’re on the cusp of the new year, once again blown away by the 1980s flair that oozes from mainstream party supply retailers. What’s at the root of this glittery revival?! The flash, the eye-catching aspect of festive occasions, a nostalgia that has entered the minds of product designers? Or perhaps ’80s design mimicked party pizzazz back in the day. Whatever the inspiration, how can you not love the results? Especially when everything is so darn affordable…
We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
Mirror80 wishes you the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of Holidays! Enjoy this match-up of ’80s-style holiday decor, inspired by the 1987 film Less Than Zero. And more than anything, as busy as this day can be, take a minute to enjoy the love and peace it brings, even in the smallest of kind gestures.
’80s-Style Sconce Lighting
Fifteen years ago, I came across a book about lighting. It had been published in the ’80s, and it spoke extensively about how 1980s lighting (especially sconces) were largely influenced by Art Deco designs. If the book hadn’t been in a library, I would have bought it! I was still a student, but even then, I was obsessed with the ’80s, and this was the first time I’d consciously linked that decade with Art Deco. My mind was blown! Today we feature sconces that can’t help but look ’80s (and ’20s). Some are old and some are new. All are awesome…
An ’80s Interior Design Round-Up
Happy Monday, Everyone! This past weekend, I was scanning the internet for ’80s design images, and I came across a few great finds. Like this Miami commercial interior from B-Pila Design Studio. OK, so it’s not “hit you over the head” ’80s, and any resemblance to our favorite decade is likely unintentional. But the geometric carpet, pastel shades and unique lighting certainly have a 1920s-meets-1980s vibe! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…
A Crystal Swan Extravaganza!
So I was doing some Christmas shopping at a store which I won’t name. One of those stores that has really great deals, but questionable taste on about half of its merchandise. Things are either “right on” or “way, way off.” And then I stumbled upon a series of crystal figurines. Don’t get me wrong–most of them were in the “way, way off” category, but one or two of them were inadvertently “right on.” Which got me thinking… I went home and googled “crystal swans.” And the rest is history!
Neon Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas
This weekend I began wrapping my Christmas presents! Last year I used paper in muted colors, ribbon in rich hues, and bits of jewelry as decorative accents. This year I decided to go all out with a full-on color explosion. And it’s funny how just a few bright touches do the trick. Since we’re in the middle of a neon revival and neon was a true ’80s trend, why not make it a fluorescent holiday? Read on for more details…
Friday Video Pick: “Never Let Me Down Again” by Depeche Mode
Today the beauty of Anton Corbijn’s imagery reigns in his 1987 video for “Never Let Me Down Again” by Depeche Mode. In fact, this renowned Dutch photographer, film director and music video director has crafted many a stunning visual for Depeche Mode over the years, and “Never Let Me Down Again” showcases his striking use of dark and light. Which works well for a song on the darker side…
’80s Style in the Waiting Room
There are some amazing things happening in the world of waiting room design! In fact, some waiting rooms are leaping into the future with innovative furnishings, diverse materials and edgy motifs. Others are a bit stuck in the past. And we’re totally OK with that! You know that wonderful feeling you get when you visit your dentist’s office, and you realize his ’80s Southwestern art and furniture are now back in style? Yeah, we love that feeling too! Today’s post celebrates the beauty of slightly out-of-date waiting areas.
An ’80s Christmas Luncheon
You know those crazy ’80s parties steeped in nostalgia? Where everybody dresses up, drinks sunset-colored martinis and goes home with a Rubik’s cube or an arm full of plastic jewelry? We’ve hosted one of those! Today’s featured ’80s-themed gathering is a little different… I recently threw an ’80s Christmas luncheon for family to ring in the holidays. The focus: ’80s glamour and decadent food! In fact, in the 1980s, food was displayed in a “big” way! At the finest restaurants, each plate was a canvas that used tools such as ground pepper, chives, nuts and other “garnishes” to make a culinary statement. Read on for more ’80s foodie fun…
Friday Video Pick: “Burning Up” by Madonna
Today’s video pick comes from Madonna–a track that isn’t the first to come to mind when you think of this style icon. Why not? Perhaps because “Burning Up” was only her second single, or maybe because it received mixed reviews at the time of its release. But let’s face it: this stripped-down song with the pounding sounds of a drum machine, guitar and bass has got something. And even though the video is from early in Madonna’s career, she is true to form, using it as a vehicle to stand her ground and make a bold statement.
