The perfect blend of comfort and mystery. That’s what it feels like to revel in the interior design of a movie or television series set in the 1980s. Especially when the story involves an other-worldly element, such as the extra terrestrial in E.T. or the alternate dimension of Stranger Things…
7 Easy Ways to Bring ’80s Style Home
Today’s post is all about ’80s style on a budget! Getting an ’80s look at home has never been easier, thanks to a range of new products that channel the past. Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite design tips, so keep reading for a few quick ideas that will bring an instant ’80s feel to your interior…
The Yuppie Shuffle
Ah, to be a young upwardly mobile professional (yuppie) in the ’80s! Having goals never hurt, especially when accomplishing them landed you a killer job, a fabulous New York apartment, and the ability to live a life of decadence on your night off. Today we’re taking a look at the way yuppies were portrayed in film and magazines during the 1980s…
Colorful AMAC Boxes
If you remember these M-Series plastic boxes from the ’80s, you may be surprised to know that AMAC has been manufacturing them since the ’60s. In fact, they’re a vibrant piece of design history, and you can find them in the permanent design collection at MoMA!
Patterned Wallpaper: Then and Now
Remember when design lovers couldn’t wait to take a scraper to the walls after moving to a new home marked by patterned wallpaper? My, how things have changed! With a wallpaper revival in full effect, there’s never been a better time to surround yourself with an array of colors and patterns…
Top Gun Style: A Tropical Patio
When it comes to relaxing this summer, I’ve been watching a LOT of ’80s movies, and last week was all about Top Gun. This 1986 film directed by Tony Scott features one-liners like “I feel the need…the need for speed!” But today the focus is on slowing down and chilling out from the comfort of a retro-style patio. Yes, this entire blog post is devoted to the patio scene from Top Gun…
Marble, Granite, Pattern and Texture
Let’s talk about texture, shall we?! One of my favorite ways to create visual texture is through pattern, and marble is a great place to start. It has the power to evoke instant ’80s style, whether you’re looking to channel modern or Deco flair. Yet other stone-inspired patterns (such as granite) can create a Memphis-Milano look at home…
’80s Movie Style: Wall Street
Welcome to New York in the ’80s, where money is power in a city that never sleeps. This is the dynamic setting of Wall Street, a movie that features skilled acting by Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas, as well as a plot involving a romance with an interior decorator, wonderfully played by Daryl Hannah. Directed by Oliver Stone in 1987, the film explores issues such as excess and decadence. And interior design!
5 Sources for 1980s Design Inspiration
Lately I’ve been working on a collection of creative projects for my house, mostly of the wall art variety. I’ve gathered a slew of images, and it’s been wonderful to discover a WIDE RANGE of sources for 1980s design inspiration. Whether you’re creating a collage for your living room, assembling a modern “sculpture” out of everyday items, or taking on a larger project (such as building furniture), any image that celebrates color and form has the power to spark your next big endeavor!
Retro Architectural Features
In the ’80s, architectural features such as columns, arches and structural beams were true focal points. Not only were they geometrically interesting, they were often painted candy colors to make a big impact. In today’s post, I’ve rounded up some of my very favorite spaces, some of them residential and others commercial.
