Home Renovations: 80s Interior Design Trends to Comeback in 2023
According to polls, the 1980s is one of the most popular decades for music. The swathe of modernised nostalgia for the retro era of the 1980s can be seen and heard in the movies we watch and the music we listen to. The decade is seemingly always undergoing some sort of renaissance – and we are all for it. Holdovers from the 1980s interior design are making their way back into our homes, such as the retro minimalism kitchens and the shabby chic aesthetic of living rooms.
Today, we will be taking a closer look at the 1980s-inspired themes and design staples that will be coming back in 2023.
1980s Aesthetic – A History
Looking back at the 1980s, you may notice a clash of ideals: new buildings and real estate were uninspired, cold, monolithic structures and appeared dated the moment the decade was over. On the other hand, the fashion and artistry of the era were flamboyant, mischievous and free-spirited.
Thankfully, the economy-based structural design philosophy has mostly been left behind, and instead, the creativity and freedom of the decade have shone through. ‘80s kids’ (and you will know if you are one or not) have grown up and have the income and autonomy to dive headfirst into their nostalgia.
Colour ripped into a black-and-white world. Brash hair, shoulder pads, breakdancing, synth music, the emergence of hip-hop, and the birth of horror movie icons were all staples of the 1980s and are now making a comeback: just look at the current value of cassette tape Sony Walkmans.
For UK homeowners, iconic 80s interior design is next on the list, with the art deco living room, the sophisticated kitchen and the bright, postmodernist bedrooms all appearing in home refurbishment plans nationwide.
16 Staples of 1980s Interior Design to Reinvigorate Your Home
If the 1980s aesthetic continues to make waves in the mainstream, statement features, geometric patterns, art deco, glass and pastel colour palettes will be a surefire smash hit. Here are our picks for the top 1980s interior design trends likely to make a triumphant return this year.
1. Pastel Colourways
Though much of the 1980s was dominated by stoic glass, monochrome shading and gloss blacks – particularly in professional settings – homes were a lot freer by way of pastel colours and Memphis Milano design.
Soft shades of pink, purple and muted greens were popular at the time, often arranged in geometric shapes and patterns and accompanied by bold, minimalist neon accents and abstract art.
2. Iconic Bathrooms
Continuing the theme of soft, pastel shades, everyone remembers the avocado bathroom decor. Colourful surfaces were everywhere, but avocado green was the most popular by far. The image is truly iconic.
One design often forgotten is large corner bathtubs. They were often used as a focal point of the room, providing a beautiful, comfortable spot to relax and rejuvenate.
3. Corporate Minimalist Maximalist Style
In a world where storage space is at a premium, the corporate minimalist style of 1980s interior design and the suave ambience of the corporate go-getter, priding a combination of style and functionality may be highly tempting for young professionals, as opposed to artistic flamboyance and clutter. Think Michael Douglas’ Wall Street (1987) or Christian Bale’s American Psycho (2000: but set in 1989).
In a world where storage space is at a premium, the corporate minimalist style of 1980s interior design – think Michael Douglas’ Wall Street (1987) or Christian Bale’s American Psycho (2000: but set in 1989) – the suave ambience of the corporate go-getter, priding a combination of style and functionality as opposed to artistic flamboyance and clutter may be highly tempting for young professionals.
4. Glass-Block Walls
If you had the pleasure of staying in a 1980s hotel, you know of the 80s interior design staple known as glass-block walls. Often used as a replacement for windows or shower screens, they add stylistic chic to your home, letting in more natural light whilst obscuring the view from the outside.
5. Glass Surfaces
The glass phenomenon was not restricted to the walls; you could also find it on coffee tables, TV stands and cabinet doors. You can also add a ruffled fabric skirt to your tables under the glass top.
6. Lucite Furniture
Art Deco is the interior design philosophy that will never entirely disappear: it has made so many comebacks that it is more surprising when it is not in vogue. During the 1980s, art deco received a revival by way of clear furniture – Lucite. Clear and sturdy acrylic, Lucite is a brand of plastic that was a hugely popular furniture component – particularly in dining chairs and stools. It is resurfacing today as the iconic kitchen design makes its comeback.
7. Floral Prints and Upholstery
You cannot talk about 1980s interior design without mentioning that the upholstery of the time was floral, floral and more floral. Curtains, bedspreads, chairs and sofas all featured the floral and chintz-patterned umbrella that made an 80s bedroom.
Misunderstanding the use of florals in the 1980s is easy. They were not strictly utilised for a feature wall, as you may see today. Rooms often featured a kaleidoscope of varying floral patterns and arrangements – and, somehow, it worked.
8. Tropical Prints and Houseplants
Green is the new black, at least in the 1980s. If you weren’t a plant parent, you would have, at the very least, had a room featuring tropical palm-print wallpaper – originating from designer Dorothy Draper during the post-WWII era.
Tropical prints hit their stride – they were everywhere imaginable, especially in the living room and often accompanied by houseplants or synthetic plants.
9. Shabby Chic
Consider shabby chic as a sophisticated, mature form of grunge before grunge was even a thing. Emulated in popular modern dives and craft beer bars of today, it features a ‘lived-in’ look with rustic features you would expect from the English countryside and farms.
10. Artex Ceilings and Walls
A common feature of 1970s interior design aesthetics, this type of ceiling or wall remained popular for the majority of the following decade. Artex did not require plastering and was typically characterised by swirly patterns or striking slashes. Although not the most popular of looks today, its abundance in UK homes may convince someone, somewhere, that it has had a mainstream revival. After all, fashion tends to go in cycles. You can also pair it with woodchip wallpaper for the complete retro aesthetic.
If you ever change your mind, it is safe to remove Artex down the line.
11. Colourful Carpets
You cannot picture a typical British home without your mind being drawn to wall-to-wall carpet, and 1980s Britain was no different. However, the choice of carpet was far louder than is commonly seen today.
Though some of the bold patterns and vibrant colour-ways of the time may seem gaudy, the more adventurous homeowners will consider lively carpets as a way to add fun and playfulness to their rooms.
12. Mirrored Wardrobes
Having a hall of mirrors for clothes storage was vital for maximising space and light. Sliding mirror wardrobe doors stretching from ceiling to floor showed you had your finger on the interior design pulse.
13. Gadgets Everywhere
Gadgets and technology exploded in the 80s, and no home was complete without a selection of the latest toys to play with. Vinyl was out, and CDs were in. You might have had a SodaStream, a stereo or a VCR. Don’t forget your pastel-coloured rotary phone too.
14. Leather Loungers
Every 80s kid can picture their dad in a leather lounge chair watching their push-button TV. The reclining Laz-Z-Boy was the height of luxurious living for prime-time Saturday Night viewing with a TV dinner.
15. Matching Mahogany
A matching mahogany dining set of a dining table, chairs, cabinets and coffee tables gave your downstairs continuity. The rich cherry colour of the wood is perfectly elegant and you can match them with your 8-sided Johnson Brothers Eternal Beau China every dinner time. Or you can place them on top as decorative ornaments. Choose high-backed chairs and pair them with floral cushions for the ultimate retro furniture.
16. Lighting
Neon was definitely the colour of the 80s, and signs were perfect additions to your rooms to add a unique personality. Think pop stars like Madonna or Wham.
Then you needed halogen bulbs in all your desk lamps. So what if they could burn through rock?
Set Up Your Interior Design with Expert Plastering
Are you looking to revitalise your home? If so, AB Drylining can simplify the process and deliver an expert finish in plastering, suspended ceiling installation, external rendering or dry lining. Don’t hesitate to call us; we are more than happy to help you.
Interested in more home improvement trends from the past? Check out the top 70s interior design trends that can rejuvenate your home.
