Friday
Nov022007
Retro and rehabilitating the 80s
Fri, 2 Nov 2007
When God was handing out taste most people say that the designers from the 80s were holding the door for the other decades to pass through first. I'm on a mission to rehabilitate this much maligned 10 years. Not everything was horrendous and as some of you have rightly pointed out good design will out. There are good ideas here, bright painted interiors of cupboards, painted floors, bold vibrant artwork and tasteful rooms that could be from the present. Try to ignore the ruffles and the dried flowers. I love the use of house plants from the 80s. Maybe if we start with that. Baby steps remember.
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Images scanned from Better Homes and Gardens New Decorating Book, Editor Gerald M Knox, Meridith Corporation, Des Moines, Iowa, 1981.
Reader Comments (5)
When God was handing out taste most people say that the designers from the 80s were holding the door for the other decades to pass through first.
I'd venture that the only people who say this were in a coma through the 70s. Dried flowers and Laura Ashley fabrics pale into insignificance next to the clashing patterns, cheap plastics and almost intentional bad taste of the 70s.
I also think the 80s will stand up well against the late 90s/early 2000s. When, around 2020, we look back at the feature walls, stark tiled living room floors and monolithic brown rectangular couches, I'm sure we will shudder.
The 80s generally weren't so bad but WHAT IS UP with that ruffly bedroom??? EEEEWWWWWWW
i am so glad you did this post and i particularly love the last photo with the yellow chair, plants and rug. i also wanted to mention that i love your blog!
aw. i have a soft spot for the 80s, since that's when i first became a (sort-of) grownup. but i admit i still jump a little when i see a gold frame.
This whole subject makes me feel old, since I love house plants still, but not ficus trees obscuring gorgeous chair and art. Please don't make us bring back Ficus trees.