When I start these articles I always do a bit of research beforehand because, alas, I was not born with infinite knowledge of all things past and present. Having worked my way up from the 20’s, I have to admit that the 80’s has to be the least attractive decade for interior design that I have faced so far – all those pastel colour schemes. That said it had its’ good features alongside the bad – all that chintz! – and for the benefit of those reading this who adore 80’s interior design I shall try to refrain from too much negativity. So much floral!
I’ve come to notice that there are almost two distinct styles from the 80’s. Theres the slightly hip, sophisticated, clinging-on-to-the-60’s-and-70’s look which I’m more a fan of.
image source: http://mirror80.com/2011/11/1980s-interior-design-styles/
And then there’s the traditional style, the one with all the pastels and chintz and floral patterns.
image source: http://www.housebeautiful.com/photos/1980s-interior-design-trends#slide-1
There’s nothing wrong with any of those things, naturally, but the 80’s seemed to do it all in excess. The 60’s and 70’s brought so much fun to the living space, so much colour and vitality and exuberance. Somehow we went from futuristic furniture and abstract art to living at your grandma’s house.
Common Features
I won’t mention the famous three again or I’ll have used them as much as the 80’s did. Home-offices, or conference room chic, became popular with office-style furniture being implemented in the home. Again, this can be done very well or very poorly but in the interest of staying positive I’ll use a good example.
image source: http://vintagegoodness.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/vintage-80s-home-decorating-trends.html
Some more slightly nicer trends could be found in the kitchen and dining room. Glass-topped dining tables add an element of sophistication and class, I believe, and white laminate cabinets were very popular. Pairing it with a bright coloured countertop is a great way to add some personality to your kitchen.
For an example of a really well done 80’s style home checkout this Tucson abode. Granted it’s a little bit bigger and more expensive than any of us would be ready to go for but it’s one of the better looking 80’s homes I’ve seen.
To keep up with more of our Decor Through the Decades articles, check out our blog.
Jessica Lawrence
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