The 80’s are back, how to use this trend in your home. 2023 Trends

A dining room with chunky burnt orange upholstered chairs and a white marble table.

If you're a child of the 80s or simply love the bold, colorful aesthetic of that decade, you're in luck – the 80s are back in a big way, and they're making their presence felt in home decor. From geometric patterns to bold colors and metallic accents, the 80s trend is all about making a statement and having fun with your decor. But how can you incorporate this trend into your home without going overboard? In this article from Cutler Schulze's Design Journal, we'll explore how to use the 80s trend in a fresh and modern way.

Color Palette

One of the most iconic elements of 80s decor is the use of bold, bright colors. Think neon pinks, electric blues, and sunny yellows – the bolder, the better. But incorporating these colors into your home can be intimidating, especially if you're used to a more neutral palette. The key is to start small and use pops of color as accents rather than overwhelming your space with them. Consider a bold throw pillow or a vibrant piece of artwork to add a playful touch to your decor.

This living room has wall to wall couches and a dining area. The main color is monchromatic pastel.

Pastel throw pillows are a great way to add a touch of the 80s to your style.

Shapes

An upholstered chair with soft curved edges.

Another hallmark of 80s design is the use of geometric shapes and patterns. Think triangular shelving units, hexagonal mirrors, and circular rugs. These shapes can add visual interest to your space and give it a playful, retro vibe. But again, it's important to use these elements in moderation – a single geometric statement piece is often all you need to make an impact.

A white nightstand with a drawer the has a curved bottom.

Sense of whimsy

An 80s style Memphis Designed room with bright colors and eclectic shapes.

When incorporating the 80s trend into your home, it's important to balance the bold and playful elements with more subtle, neutral pieces. Too much neon and geometric shapes can quickly become overwhelming, so be sure to ground your space with plenty of neutrals. Consider a beige sofa with bold throw pillows, or a neutral rug with a bright geometric pattern.

An Ikea Ivar Cabinet hacked to bring whimsy to your living room

This Ikea hack of the Ivar Cabinet is a totally cool, cost effective way to bring a little whimsy into your living room, the color is dead on trend as well.

Accessories

A potted plant is an easy way to incorporate 80s interior design.

Metallic accents were also popular in the 80s, with everything from brass candlesticks to chrome accent tables. Today's take on this trend involves mixing metallic finishes for a more modern look. Consider pairing a brass lamp with a chrome side table, or mixing gold and silver picture frames for a playful take on the metallic trend.

Texture is also an important element of the 80s trend. Think shaggy rugs, plush velvet sofas, and fringed curtains. These textures add depth and warmth to your space, and can also help to balance out the boldness of the colors and shapes.

A totally tubular chrome bookend.

Bookends are a thing for me. I think bookends are a simple way to introduce style to a room, and these tubular ones are perfect for a retro style decor.

Incorporating the 80s trend into your home decor can be a fun and playful way to add personality and character to your space. But it's important to do so in a way that feels modern and fresh rather than dated and over-the-top. By using bold colors and geometric shapes as accents, mixing metallic finishes, balancing with neutrals, and incorporating texture, you can create a space that pays homage to the 80s without feeling like a time capsule.

In conclusion, the 80s trend is making a comeback in home decor, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming or dated. By incorporating bold colors, geometric shapes, metallic accents, neutrals, and texture, you can create a modern take on this playful and iconic trend. Don't be afraid to have fun with your decor – after all, the 80s were all about expressing yourself and having a good time!