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Playful shapes, bold colours, striking statement pieces, decorative finishes, and abstract lines: circa the 1980s and architecture and design leaned into a Postmodern world. Eclectic was a common word, and ideas were an intentional break from the extremely minimalist aesthetic of the modernist decades before it.
Is the 80s design aesthetic making a comeback in 2026?
Characterised by an urgency for larger home spaces during this decade, patterns were in, mixing fabrics was a vibe, and stone textures (from finishes to furniture) were all the rage. It was an era of exploration of “more is more.” Geometry pushed the boundaries, and hues were intentionally borrowed as a conversation piece.
Whilst the current interior design trends are still about warm woods and natural elements, richer, moodier colours, chrome finishes, and curves are making a comeback.
The Modern 80s Aesthetic
Chatting with millennial couple, Jolene (31) and Brandon (32), they might not have lived through the 80s, but this was very much the design vision the husband-and-wife duo recreated in their first-ever home.
“We’d describe our home as ‘80s modern,” the couple say, “sensual and playful — with a bold palette of pink, brown and burgundy, balanced by secondary tones like olive green and blue.”
With this in mind, the architectural elements, colour palette, texture choices and furniture selection were all very intentional. Each home corner, finishing or decorative piece transports you to the bygone era, whilst still maintaining an air of contemporary today.
Achieving the Modern 80s Design Look
“We wanted our furniture to sit in the ambiguous area between modern and retro,” summarises Jolene and Brandon.
The Living Room
The open-plan concept was extremely popular for living rooms during the 80s. Furniture leaned into this. Bridging the gap between conversations or being the starter for them. Modular sofas were extremely popular, due to their curves, flexibility, and large, people-accommodating size.
Jolene and Brandon opted for a velveteen seven-piece Hay Mags Soft modular sofa in Lola Rose.
‘Mags Soft Sofa is designed with rounded edges and soft cushions to create a more relaxed silhouette, featuring deep seats that provide an open, welcoming space with optimal comfort.’ Source: Hay.com
Valencia Rug in Green from iRugs
Arco Led floor lamp. Designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 1962, as seen in Jolene and Brandon’s living room.
Valencia Rug in Green from iRugs
The Four Table from Kartell has differently angled-facing legs for extra dimension. Six chairs from Vitra in Bordeaux and Pale Rose. Featuring a Flos pendant light, Diabolo, designed by Achille Castiglioni, 1998.
The Dining Space
Matching shapes, colours and textures was a common home feature during the 80s. Whilst these homeowners specifically wanted a mix-match of chairs, the matte deep red wine and dusty pink tones blend not just well together, but with other nearby elements. For example, the Lola Rose modular sofa, or the cherry red pendant lamp hanging above the table.
On the flip side, creating a continual shape throughout the home was also in high demand during this decade. These homeowners decided on the triangle.
Four Table from Kartell
Vitra Panton Chair
‘Diabolo pendant light with direct lighting designed by A. Castiglioni, composed of a ceiling rose and diffuser. Body in aluminium with external paint in 3 different colour options (shiny white, beaver brown, and cherry red), while the inside of the diffuser is shiny white.’
‘Bedford Avenue, 9:58 pm’ by Mary Royall.
Original Oil on canvas framed in White Oak Floating Wood Frame.
The Kitchen
Chrome and metallics were a key feature of 1980s interior design, favoured for their futuristic and sleek appearance.
Decked out completely with hairline stainless steel, the finishings and appliances match in Brandon and Jolene’s kitchen, including the iconic triangular Alessi Il Conico kettle designed by Aldo Rossi. The world-renowned kettle series, pioneered by the legendary Alessandro Mendini in the early 80s. The collection remains one of Alessi’s best-sellers.
Stone textures were often used to create contrast, including a lot of patterned marble. The homeowners custom-built bedside tables from brown marble. The headboard is from King Living.
The Master Bedroom
Fans of deeper bedroom shades, you’d love the 80s, where a darker palette was favoured in bedroom spaces, along with rich, luxe textures like velvet and satin.
Red Marble, Rosso Levanto. ‘Rosso Levanto marble is a dramatic red marble with white veins.’
Red Marble, Rosso Levanto. ‘Rosso Levanto marble is a dramatic red marble with white veins.’
Artemide Tolomeo Faretto Wall Lamp. Designed by De Lucchi-Fassina.
Tiles are from Mosaico+ Tanticolori selection in verde S TC0117.
The Guest Bathroom
Stepping into a bathroom during the 80s meant a colour overload. It was very common for floor and wall tiles to match, creating a striking entrance. Think OTT. Dark green glass mosaic tiles on the walls and floor were chosen by Jolene and Brandon, painting the ceiling in the same green tone to match the mosaic tiles.
TX488SCZ Curio Fixed Shower Head.
TX488SCZ Curio Fixed Shower Head.
HT016 Curio Classic Hand Shower.
Sicis Emerald 4 Murano Smalto. ‘Smalto glass mosaic, both sides are finished, square chips with smooth and polished surfaces.’