Styles That You Have Loved In The 80s

Memphis art white sun in turqouise poster in interior

Take a walk down memory lane and see how beautiful the styles that are popular even in films are. You probably have used them in your home for years until other trends have come along. These days, the styles of the 80s are making a comeback and are being used in many homes, offices, restaurants, and other establishments. Read on to know more about the styles that many people have loved over the years. 

Chintz

Chintz is a printed cotton fabric with a glazed finish and multicolored patterns. It was originally used for upholstery, curtains, and clothing. These days, chintz refers to the floral patterns seen in fabric and other decorative materials, such as wallpaper. It is common to see designs and patterns such as nature, flowers, and leaves. 

Pastels

Pastel colors belong to a pale family of colors that are described to have high value and low saturation. The colors of this family are considered to be soothing. The most commonly used pastels are pink, mauve, baby blue, mint green, peach, periwinkle, and lavender. 

Country Style

Country interior style is any design that appears casual and cozy. The overall appearance eludes the feeling of simple country life. It includes color palettes that are bright along with pastel colors. In addition to these, the colors should also be able to blend perfectly with other design elements like vintage wares and second-hand accessories.

Verdigris

Verdigris is a green or bluish patina that forms on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces that is exposed to air for long periods of time. It consists mainly of copper sulfate. 

Open Kitchens

The open kitchen is a remarkable design for homes that are small. The absence of barriers or doors allows spaces to flow into each other. This design makes the home look more spacious than it is. The good thing about open kitchen design is that it also keeps the family in touch by integrating meal preparation with nearby activities like watching television in the family room. 

Memphis-Inspired Design

The Memphis Design is one of the most popular styles ever created. It is known for the use of bright neon, primary and pastel colors, geometric shapes, and bold, repetitive patterns, such as black and white stripes. 

Preppy

Preppy interior design showcases genteel mix patterns. Plaid is the traditional pattern of preppy style, but not the only one. Think about stripes, houndstooth, herringbone, and gingham checks mix to create a curated look that is anything but stuffy. 

Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic is defined as having a soft, relaxed, romantic style that appears cozy and inviting. The design style usually is related to females, On the other hand, masculine shabby chic appears to be rusty, along with deeper or richer colors. Other decorative items that may be used to achieve the design style are rustic furniture, unfinished wood, denim, burlap, sailcloth, and homespun. 

Japanese Zen

Soothing and spiritual, Japanese-inspired design was a popular trend in the 80s. Zen refers to meditation and has become a popular principle for interior designers. The design style focuses on creating balance, harmony, and feelings of relaxation through a minimalist approach. 

Memphis art lined circle and triangle poster

Memphis art lined circle and triangle poster

Have fun with colors and shapes in this Memphis-inspired poster. Set a trend in your home while preserving a retro appeal. This poster will be a cool and lovely addition to your wall art.

Memphis art white sun in turqouise poster

Memphis art white sun in turqouise poster

Stylish poster of colors, lines, and shapes that will add accent to your walls. A simple yet interesting design that will have a big impact on the overall appearance of your wall.

The Memphis Design

Just like the appearance of the design, Memphis design also has a colorful history. The style emerged from the celebrated Memphis Design collective of Milan-based designers in the early 1980s. With combined ideas and creativity, the design style was born to add colors to the world. The style is not for the faint of heart as it is packed with bold colors, patterns, and a radical approach to design. 

A brief history of Memphis Design

The movement was spearheaded by Italian designer, Ettore Sottsass in 1980. He assembled a team of bold and daring designers from around the globe to transform the design industry. As a result of this gathering, they introduced their controversial, eye-catching, rule-breaking style that became famous around the world. The name “Memphis Design” was inspired by the Bob Dylan song, Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again, from his 1966 Blonde on Blonde album that has been playing during the night the group of designers had their first official meeting. 

The style is incorporated with pop culture and historical references. Memphis Design was the answer to the clean and linear aesthetic of midcentury modern and the minimalism of the 70s. In addition to these, it is interesting to know that Memphis Design was influenced by Art Deco and Pop Art. The design style also influenced popular culture, inspiring the set of several television shows like Pee-wee’s Playhouse and Saved By the Bell. Several celebrities also are fans of the design style. 

Characteristics of Memphis Design

  • Designed to initiate an emotional response.
  • Loud, brash, spirited, playful, uninhibited.
  • The use of bright colors is exaggerated in unique and interesting combinations.
  • Use of bold and clashing patterns
  • The use of geometric shapes.
  • The popularity of squiggles.
  • Use of materials such as terrazzo and plastic laminated in various finishes. 
  • Out of ordinary style that may clash different styles. 
  • Rounded edges and curves.

Give Your Home A Retro Appearance

Memphis art half center orange cirle with line poster in interior

A retro style in decorating your home does not only focus on one aspect. It actually encompasses different decades of styles. These have been influenced by several trends and styles from the past. Although the term “retro” refers to something in the past, it actually describes the decor from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. A retro design style has a fun and lively feel that is characterized by bright colors, wild designs, and an overall sense of flair. The retro design style requires a bold approach and likewise requires a certain personality to achieve it. Bring the design style to your home with the elements and inspiration below. 

Furniture

Furniture pieces in retro style have an abstract feel to them. It also seems like every piece is almost fighting to be the focal point of the room. The sofas are usually broad and elongated that are also decorated with multi-colored pillows. The materials used in barstools are usually shiny and metallic along with bright red seats. The retro design style is also complete when Mitt chairs and puzzle-piece ottomans are added.

Colors

Choosing the colors that help achieve the design style is not that hard. You can choose from avocado green, mustard yellow, brown, black, white, and red. The combination of purple and hot pink is great to achieve the style. You can also have mixes of bright orange, green, indigo blue, and yellow. The retro era is also popular for tie-dyed fabrics, checkered patterns, and elaborate paisley prints. 

Textures

Go retro with shag carpeting, smooth plastics, soft vinyl, and crushed velvet. When achieving the style, remember to go bold.

Accents and flooring

When it comes to decorating, there is actually no limit. Add accents and accessories like fuzzy throw rugs, door beads, lava lamps, skate tables, and scoop stools. It is also common to see bold and unusual art and sculptures. These pieces tend to be abstract in nature rather than simple still-life and landscapes. When it comes to flooring choose from natural wood, shag carpeting, and a bold mix of tiles. Placed in a checkerboard pattern. 

Lighting

Get the retro style with floor lamps and lamps with square or tasseled shades. You can also choose a swag multi-colored chandelier that plugs into a wall socket and feature a dangling cord draped from hook to hook. 

Final thoughts

The retro design style is fun and exciting. There’s no doubt about that! It is all about the blending of shapes, textures, and colors. The furniture of the retro era is sturdy, durable, and functional. Achieving the design style is requires attention to detail and it is important to be versatile with the materials and decors available. Remember, anything goes, and do not tone down a retro-style decor.

Memphis art half pink triangle and line poster

memphis art half pink triangle and line poster

Art that shows the combination of shapes and colors. Triangle represents manifestation, enlightenment, revelation, and a higher perspective. The color pink symbolizes youth, good health, and playfulness. While green is the color of renewal, life, nature, and energy.

Memphis art whole and half circles poster

memphis art whole and half circles poster

Shapes add depth to your walls. They may also represent who you are. Circles, like in this art, represent the notions of totality, wholeness, original perfection, and infinity. This trendy art will make any room appear perfect for any occasion.