5 Ways to Bring Back ’80s Charm in Your Home Decor

Whether you’re simply refreshing your home or embarking on a new design journey, decorating can be both exhilarating and daunting. The excitement builds as you browse Pinterest or Instagram and envision your dream home, but you might get cold feet when faced with the endless array of decisions. While access to home decor has expanded significantly since the 1980s, the overwhelming feeling isn’t new.

To overcome decision paralysis, find inspiration with these time-tested design principles from the ’80s to create a charming and nostalgic home you truly love. Whether you’re drawn to sleek minimalism or vibrant maximalism, these timeless tips will simplify the process and inspire you to craft a space that reflects your personality.

1. Make Mix and Match Easy

The ’80s championed maximalism with a “more is more” philosophy, and the trend has returned in the form of cluttercore. This approach celebrates abundance, layering bold colors, patterns, and textures. However, achieving a stylish, curated look requires design intentionality rather than random chaos.

To simplify mixing and matching, a 1980s BHG issue recommended curated design collections. “Collections provide foolproof ways to combine colors, mix and match patterns, and add professional flair to DIY projects,” they advised. Paint suppliers offer curated palettes, while fabric suppliers provide collections with cohesive textile combinations. Remember to vary the scale and incorporate solid textured colors to create balance when layering patterns. Visit showrooms and seek professional guidance—expert advice can make all the difference.

2. Capitalize on Color

Be bold with color. A fresh coat of paint and a new color palette can transform a space dramatically with minimal expense. Paint’s color, finish, and placement all alter how a room is perceived and experienced.

Paint can solve a plethora of design problems. Want a cozier feel? Paint the ceiling a darker shade. Looking to add height? Use the same color on the walls and ceiling. Want to make a space feel bigger and brighter? Opt for a light shade or high-gloss finish. Craving a bold statement? Introduce solid blocks of vibrant color. If you’re unsure where to begin with your color palette, draw inspiration from a favorite piece of art or decor, selecting accent hues to ensure a cohesive look.

3. Accessorize Artfully

As Pamela Wilson Cullison noted in our November 1981 issue, “To be effective, accessories must be selected as carefully as other furnishings.” Often called the “jewelry of the home,” accessories infuse spaces with character, completing the design like a belt or pair of earrings does an outfit. Thoughtfully chosen accessories add depth and personality, preventing a home from feeling impersonal or generic. The best approach? Let decor accumulate organically, collecting meaningful pieces over time. Your home should reflect your identity, with accessories that evoke memories, spark conversations, and transform a house into your home.

4. Seek Simplicity

“Less is more,” proclaimed modernist architect Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe, a principle that has proved popular for nearly a century. In contrast to the iconic ‘80s maximalism, modern simplicity has served as a steady backdrop to evolving trends. A neutral white color scheme might seem predictable, but it provides the perfect canvas for vibrant artwork and striking decorative accents. Not every wall and surface needs to be filled—negative space allows the eye to rest and highlights those carefully selected pieces.

This philosophy of simplicity extends beyond aesthetics to functionality. As advised by Cullison in 1981, “Modular seating pieces are the key to simplicity. The units can be easily rearranged to suit various living needs.” This remains true today, as modular furniture offers adaptability and space optimization, particularly in smaller homes.

5. Save Space with Innovative Joinery

Modular, multifunctional joinery was an innovative solution for compact living in the ‘80s, and it remains just as relevant today. Advances in technology and sleek mechanisms have enhanced both form and function. If you work from home and occasionally host guests, consider a Murphy bed system that seamlessly integrates a bed into a fitted wall unit. If having a proper bed is a priority, hide a desk area inside the joinery with a pocket door system instead. Either way, these clever designs effortlessly convert the spare room into a multifunctional space.