When you think of design from the 80s, you probably think ‘bold,’ maybe even ‘overstimulating’ or ‘gaudy.’ As the era cycles back into fashion, designers are considering how we can tap into the vibrancy of the decade, without recreating its reputation for excess.
An archival image of Joan Baez’s living room from 1980 is the perfect blueprint. It is full of quintessential details from the period without looking overwhelming, inspiring us to consider the outdated 80s trends we should bring back into our homes in 2025. Done right, the style is utterly timeless.
Joan’s space includes a curved yellow lamp, a maroon velvet sofa, and a white shag rug. Black and white photographs in different-sized gold and black frames stretch across the wall. Small details like a wooden sofa and a red plaid cushion help to ground the space. 80s-inspired colors have never looked so fresh.
(Image credit: Paul Harris via Getty Images)
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Easily coordinate your frames with this gorgeous gallery wall set in black and white. A collection of black and white photos in these frames would look so stylish.
I absolutely love the color of this sofa, and it echoes the plushness of Joan’s. It would pair beautifully with white walls.
Composed of shed-resistant yarns, this lush, white rug is versatile and oh-so-soft. Though it has echoes of the ’80s, it feels incredibly elevated.
Recreating the 80s interior design trend in an elevated way, like we see in Joan’s living room, requires an eye towards minimalism.
Claudia Kampmann, Brand Manager at innovative interiors brand Ruggableexplains: ‘The colors that come to mind when we think of the 1980s are bright, bold tones such as neon pinks, electric blues, and vibrant oranges, which can be tricky palettes to work with in an interior space due to the powerful nature of the tones. However, there are a couple of tips and tricks to follow if you’re wanting to incorporate these types of colors into your room to ensure a cohesive flow that encapsulates the retro look without overwhelming the room.’
Creating a retro living room can be easy. She advises: ‘For those looking for a contemporary, 80s interior style, I would recommend thinking about the bold colours used in 80s decor and opting for very subtle and muted versions of them instead. For instance, opt for burnt oranges and mustard yellows over brighter tones and softer greens and pinks over neon shades.’
Finally, Cladia recommends completing the look with subtle details. She states: ‘You can accent with less noticeable detailing like contemporary neon lighting and minimal abstract geometric patterns to tie in the decade, too. This way, you’re subtly nodding to the 80s era, whilst creating a more modernised and sleeker retro look.’
Whether its an 80s kitchen, living room, or bedroom, tapping into the 80s trend with subtlety will ensure that it’s timeless for years to come.
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