For years, the design world has been dominated by safe choices: understated mid-century modern furniture, walls painted in shades of gray, and a general “less is more” mentality. But the tide is turning. A new wave of maximalism is washing over interior design, and it’s bringing back some of the most audacious and exciting styles from the 1980s.
That’s right, the decade of big hair, shoulder pads, and synth-pop is influencing how we decorate our homes today. This time around, the look is less about overwhelming excess and more about curated confidence. It’s about borrowing the fun, color, and personality of the 80s and giving it a sophisticated, modern twist.
We’re diving into four iconic ’80s home trends that are making a major comeback. We’ll explore what made them so popular then and give you practical tips to make them work in your home now.
1. Radical Rattan and Wicker
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Rattan and wicker were staples in 80s design, offering a natural, relaxed texture to interiors. From peacock chairs to dining sets, these woven materials were everywhere, providing a casual contrast to the decade’s more formal styles.
How to Style It Today
- A single rattan chair, a wicker headboard, or woven bar stools can add interest without overwhelming the room.
- Pair rattan with sleek elements like metal or concrete for a compelling contrast. A wicker cabinet against a dark wall looks fantastic.
- Introduce the trend through woven light fixtures, storage baskets, or mirror frames.
2. The Return of Glass Block
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Glass blocks, an ’80s classic, are making a comeback with a modern twist. Once prized for their light-filtering privacy, they’re now used for stylish accents and textural flair.
How to Style it Today:
- Partition open spaces with a glass block half-wall to maintain light flow.
- Add a spa-like glow in bathrooms or kitchens with backlit glass block.
- Try a glass block kitchen island base or shelving for retro charm.
3. Mirrored and Lacquered Surfaces
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The 80s loved glamour, and nothing delivered high-impact shine quite like mirrored and high-gloss lacquered furniture. From smoked glass coffee tables to glossy black laminate cabinets and entire walls of mirrors, reflective surfaces were used to make spaces feel larger, brighter, and more luxurious.
How to Style It Today
- Let a bold item, like a cobalt credenza or mirrored coffee table, anchor the room.
- Choose contemporary shapes, like a round smoked-glass table, or softer-tinted mirrors for elegance.
- Use mirrors to brighten dark spaces or create depth, like a mirrored backsplash in a small kitchen.
4. Playful Memphis Design
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The Milan-based Memphis Group rejected minimalism for playful geometry, bold colors, and asymmetrical shapes. Its influence led to furniture with squiggly lines, confetti-like “bacterio” prints, and clashing colors. It was whimsical and fun.
How to Style It Today
- Use accents like geometric pillows, a quirky vase, or abstract art in a classic Memphis palette.
- A statement chair or graphic rug can bring in energy without overwhelming the space.
- Capture the style by painting a geometric mural or an archway in a bold, contrasting color.
Embracing the Bold
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The return of 80s design is an invitation to have more fun with our interiors. It’s a chance to move beyond the safety of neutral palettes and embrace color, pattern, and personality. By choosing one or two trends and styling them with a modern eye, you can add a layer of individuality and sophisticated fun to your home.