In the 1980s everything was big and bold, colors, shoulder pads, hair, even cars. The look was bright with color-blocked artwork, furniture, and clothing. Pastel colors made an appearance again as well but even those were dramatic. Sage green and coral tinged pink were often punched up with brighter accent colors. Pops of lavender and sky blue along with a few shiny metallics in polished brass or chrome finished off the look. It was a modern look that offset the natural tones of the 70s.
There was a focus on architecture again and the curved lines of the Art Deco era became the foundation upon which many of the 80s aesthetics were based. Shows like Miami Vice and everything on MTV inspired looks incorporated strong shapes with soft colors used in large swaths.
The cotton candy colors and surreal interpretations of the MTV age coupled with the “Golden Girls” look gave everything a sugar-coated look and feel.
At the other end of the design spectrum, homes done in the style of Rachel Ashwell and Laura Ashley made us feel like everything would be alright. Muted pastel colors and softened edges created less contrast and gave rooms a more relaxed look suggestive of a hotel or a retreat in the English countryside.
Balancing out those pale tropical looks were the bold graphics by prominent artists of the day. Art by Patrick Nagel, Kenny Scharf and similar looks were extremely popular.
The opposite of the pastel version of the deco look was the bold and bright non-conformist look of the Memphis Design Group. This was an in-your-face design meant to challenge everything you thought design could or should be. Memphis was the inspiration for many New Wave album covers, sweaters and big earrings.
Sharp slick bold and bright, Memphis Design broke all the rules. It ripped off the blinders and made you take notice. A very bold statement in a candy-coated world. The look was in stark contrast to the soft colors and lines of 1980s decor.
Whichever look you choose, it’s easy to recreate as so much of 1980s decor is still readily available. Hit yard sales and vintage stores–many of the boomers who are downsizing to smaller homes have excellent pieces from the 80s. Look for brass etageres, metal and glass coffee tables, bright ginger jar lamps, artwork and vintage albums to frame for the wall.
Get the Look of the 1980s:
Note: Apartment Therapy has a wonderful article on decorating in the “Golden Girls” style. You can read more about the Memphis Design movement here.
