In today’s fast-paced world, there’s something uniquely comforting about stepping back in time and picking an iconic decade for some much needed inspiration for your home makeover. Standing the test of time, our interior design inspiration today comes from the 80s.
The 1980s was the era of pretty patterns, floral wall coverings, scallops, frills and chintzy style. The style of the 80’s had an unapologetic sense of romance. These graceful pastels continue to captivate homeowners looking to infuse their spaces with a dose of nostalgia. We were urged away from the much loved style by campaigns to chuck out the chintz, consequently, home design became bland, devoid of personality.
The essence of the ’80s era offers vibrant inspiration to splash personality packed style onto your blank canvas. 80’s style for bedrooms, living rooms or kitchens, creating truly memorable interiors that feel so fresh and personality packed. The style is once again exciting and new after the white washed spaces we see all over social media introducing a well overdue and welcome shift.
Some homes are rebelling against the bland. Like a mix tape, you can cherry pick inspiration, track by track, room by room, to make beautiful personalised homes. It’s out with the new and in with the old.
This stylish kitchen uses scalloped shades and patterned wall coverings. Chintzy country kitchens are trending and why wouldn’t they be? You’d even be looking forward to doing the dishes in this beautiful space. Jolly colour bursts and interesting accessories, such as lighting, lifts the mood as well as the light level.
Let’s explore some 80’s inspired lighting.
Colour pops:
Brightly coloured lights evoke the spirit of the era. With popular choices including neon pinks, electric blues, vibrant greens and bold reds. These colors were often used not just in accessories but also on walls, furniture and even appliances. When minimalism was at an all time high, clashing patterns and colours were celebrated.
Fluted or scalloped edges:
Curtains had swag, cushions had fringes and embellishments were added everywhere, so yes lighting too had wavy edge details. Adding texture to your appliances can certainly help them pop through the rich patterns of the 80s aesthetic.
Globes with white glass:
The café style white globe lights made a perfect accent in a busy patterned room. Being far from being a neutral, regardless this white stood out as a nice contrast.
Tinted Glass Lights:
Throughout the mid-century, the lighting that remained popular, and still is to this day, is tinted/coloured glass. In a range of colours from Smokey grey, muted brown or amber glass being the most widely chosen. Adding a tint of colour as the light shines through the glass, undeniably even the lighting fixtures were accessories.
From table lamps to hanging ceiling pendants, these eclectic coloured glass fixtures are a statement for an authentic 80’s era. With a range of colours, these fixtures are guaranteed to match or occasionally clash with any interior.
Living in Luxury on a Budget:
The style of Laura Ashley was widely desired. With the grand chandelier look becoming more accessible to a range of budgets. Previously only the well off had access to such sophisticated and extravagant light fixtures. Laura Ashley lighting had all those qualities, but paired back and refined, diversifying the style and availability.
As you know, the 80s were anything but traditional. With a love for the abnormal, that quality was appreciated in chandeliers too. From the classic pink glass crystal to multi light hanging coloured pendants, obviously the quirky was celebrated.
Pleated Lampshades:
Little pretty pleated shades became popular as the era moved away from the hippy vibes and became a little more feminine. Embracing the delicacy of the up and coming decade, while still adding texture and interest to your table, floor and ceiling lamps.
The Ceramic Lamp:
The Memphis design movement, which emerged during the early 80s, was influential in shaping interior aesthetics. It featured asymmetrical shapes, unconventional colour combinations, and a playful, eclectic approach to design, unlike the muted designs of modern interiors. This was seen in mainly the ceramic lamps, with quirky and flowery patterns hand painted onto various shapes and sizes.
Track or spot lighting:
A retro spotlight was only ever used for task lighting, sleeker styles of the classic big bulbous spotlights did not exist at the time. Consequently there were no recessed spotlights for your kitchens or dining rooms, statement was the word. For an era faithful spotlight, go large.
Wall Paper:
Nothing defines a Luxe Maximalist room quite like the wallpaper. The 80s love affair with Laura Ashley, marked by the sweet ditzy prints, candy striped walls or full on floral patterns were the desired choice for the trendy. The bolder the better, the wall especially was an accessory and they were far from plain.
Want to stay modern with a 80’s flair? Consider adding an accent wall can make your room seem smaller with darker colours and bigger with lighter colours. But don’t get out your roller just yet, consider different painting techniques which were popular in the 80s, from sponging to washing and why stop at the wall? So why not try an accent ceiling or a wall paper trim boarder.
Clashing Comfort:
If one thing can be said about the 80s interior design, is that everything was designed around leisure, back when comfort and style were synonymous, from big plant pots to decorative cushions, the era oozed funky patterns and comfort. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to rest your head or to host the weekly group hang, there was always somewhere comfortable and stylish for you to park up.
Novelty and Quirky:
With style being on par with utility in the 80s, there’s no surprise that there were some novelty lamps kicking around too. Everywhere that you looked, there was something interesting. From Kangaroos to Koalas, these utterly adorable lamps certainly add a statement and interest to your space.
Conservation Movement:
Recycling finally clicked in the 80’s, previously known as the ‘environmental movement’ then became known as the ‘conservation movement’. Reducing, Reusing and Recycling became popular, hand me downs and fly tipping was a valid way of shopping, out with the old and in with the old. What these days was considered normal, was back then, the innovative, with the introduction of wheelie bins and recycling boxes, with the added effort of weekly curbside collections, recycling was in.
The 80’s Attitude:
Adopting the lighting, decor and bright optimistic attitudes of the 80’s, this combination simultaneously will set you on the right track to creating an iconic 80s inspired interior for your own home.
One of the defining features of 80’s inspired interiors is their fearless embrace of colour. Be it a muted mix of pastel palettes, vibrant berry rich colours or plethora of patterns, as long as you go about it wholeheartedly you’ll be embracing the 80’s, all about vibrant hues or full on patterns that demanded attention. There’s nothing shy and reserved about this era.
Of course, no 80’s inspired interior would be complete without a nod to the era’s post glam rock era of which shine and glamour are signature looks. Later home interiors too had a more glam edge. Sleek chrome finishes to bright brass lighting played a significant role in shaping the aesthetics of the decade. Incorporating elements such as metallic accents, onyx and mirrored surfaces can help evoke the futuristic spirit of the ’80s in your home.
One of the potential reasons an 80’s inspired home may be perfect for you is it did not rely on a specific shop bought look, originality was born with hand me down furniture which was worked into the aesthetic by using the patterns and colours of decor to steal the attention of the eye. With a bold wall covering and statement lighting you are well on the way to creating a personality packed 80’s inspired room makeover.
The era of big shoulder pads and even bigger personalities, the 80’s interiors also had a sense of expression be that through statement wall papered walls, colourful furniture pieces, accessories or lighting and lamps, don’t be afraid to let your space reflect the exuberance of the ’80s.