1980s Makeover

Inspired by the purchase of a 1980s-era house, the new owners seek advice on retaining that 1980s vibe while renovating, redecorating, and modernizing their home.

Certain classic design eras provide continuing inspiration for homeowners and creators — think mid-century modern or Arts and Crafts. But how often does a designer get the chance to revisit the decade of showy excess known at the 1980s?

Clear interior design began the design process with a visual storyboard of the good and the bad of the decade — clothes, fashion, furniture, and wallpaper. Essentially, they took the cool colors and finishes popular at the time and discarded “the big puffiness” of the era.

Key elements are carried throughout the rooms. An original blue stained-glass window in the master bathroom and gold sconces in the kids’ bathroom provide a starting point. The vibrant blue from the window is carried through to an accent wall in the kitchen nook, while the gold tones are picked up in modern fixtures in both bathrooms and three striking pendant lights in the kitchen.

Light woods such as maple and birch were popular at the time so Clear interior design sourced a local wood known as wormy maple for the cabinetry in the kitchen and bathrooms.

In the kitchen, a modern tiled floor references that fact that cork was just becoming popular as a covering three decades ago. The essence of the 1980s is here, but beautifully modernized.