The '80s were a fascinating decade. It was a time of excess, brash attitudes, and bold colors. A period when artists dared to dream in every possible direction, and cultural icons didn’t hold back with the creative forces they unleashed. But even though the '80s are widely known as the golden age of Western culture that blessed us with countless gifts, let’s be honest — it's equally weird. Especially stylistically.
It’s easy to look at the design choices from the decade, whether clothes, gadgets, or decor, and know it was a completely different era. But once you look past the strange, wacky, and tacky, you may find a certain charm in its gaudiness. And thankfully, there’s an Instagram account that’s working hard to showcase a delightful compilation of the best of the decade.
Enter 'The 80s Interior' project that offers its 381k followers a peek "inside the rooms of the eighties." The account is full of bright and colorful interiors that are the total opposite of the trendy obsession with minimalism where everything is carefully arranged. We’ve gathered some unique examples to offer you a daily dose of inspiration, so continue scrolling! Be sure to upvote your favorites and let us know which ones you loved most in the comments.
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My 80s Conservatory Is Better Than Yours!
Who Wants To Snuggle Up In Bed In This Loft Apartment, Watching And Listening To The Rain On The Slanted Windows? Decor By Design - 1988
Was There Ever A More 80s Bedroom?
oooooh, a golden girl ! i love you Blanche ! (and Sofia !)... (and Dorothy !)... (and Rose !)... Allll of you <3
I Wouldn’t Need A Holiday If I Had This Fabulous 80s Slide At Home!
When Your Office Building Has A Foyer With A Restaurant, Waterfall With Pond, Skylight And Tropical Planting 🌴 Commercial Interiors International - Grosvenor Press 1986
I like the green spaces, that's nice. Why did we stop doing those.
Esplanade Mall 1988
I loved the water feature in the mall by our house growing up. There was literally a waterfall and a stream in the middle of the mall. It was beautiful. Then they remodeled in the early '00s, Now it looks like every other generic mall.
Mall 1981
Mcdonald’s Party Room - 1981
Decorating On The Cheap - Mary Gilliatt 1986
Hanging Plants, Wicker And Windows! The Los Angeles Times California Home Book, 1982
Cove Haven - Pocono Resorts. The Legendary And Kitschiest Of Couples Resort Boasts Honeymoon Suites With 7-Foot Champagne Glass Whirlpool Baths Overlooking Glass Heart-Shaped Pools. Promo 1989
Pool Party Anyone? Sunset: Ideas For Swimming Pools - 1981
Who’s Coming Dancing? Restaurant Design - 1987
“Making The Most Of A Wonderful Location On America’s West Coast, The Architect Has Designed The House Around The Windows.” Terence Conran’s New House Book 1985
I hope the ac is good, because this is beautiful, but when the sun is shining in through those windows.... Upvoted!
This Bathing Annex On The End Of A Modern Suburban Home Epitomises Peace And Relaxation. A Sunken Tub Of Pure White Tile Is Trimmed With Hand-Painted Blue And Gold Tiles In A Room Equally Clean, Pure And Neatly Boarded By Tile, Plants, And Windows
Skylight Anyone? The International Book Of Lofts - Susan Slesin, Stafford Cliff, Daniel Rozensztroch 1986
I saw this and I instantly thought of the last scene in Before Sunset. Not too similar but I don't know why, it felt like it.
Me: I Just Want A Subtle Look To My Dining Room. Also Me:
80s Home Spa Realness! Beyond The Bath: A Dreamers Guide - Thomas Cowan 1983
Bedroom Decor - 1981
What I Wouldn’t Do For This Iconic IKEA Sofa From 1988!
Is It Comfortable? Who Cares When Your Bathroom Looks Like This! Bathroom Design - 1987
Imagine it's evening and it starts raining torrentially. How satisfying would that be?
Brick, Wicker And Ferns Oh My! This Bathroom From 1982 Is Giving Me Life
The Los Angeles Time: California Home Book - 1982
Apartment Life Magazine - 1980
Imagine Climbing These Stairs Drunk! The Complete Home Book - Pamela Ferguson 1983
The Complete Home Book - Pamela Ferguson 1983
Psychiatrist's office where mystery guests from my past make surprise appearances?
Keith Haring Pop Shop - Store Design - NYC 1989
Decorating On The Cheap - Mary Gilliatt 1984
The International Book Of Lofts - Suzanne Slesin, Stafford Cliff, Daniel Rozensztroch 1986
It looks OK -ish, until you notice plumbing on ceiling and slippery tiles.
💗💅🏻
Kitchen Design & Decor 1980
Sunshine Breakfast. Living Under Glass: Conservatories And Sunrooms - 1986
You know those curtains used to be white ...... but all the nicotine has turned them yellow lol ahhhhh the 80s
Las Vegas Airport, 1980s
Kitchen Planter On Point!🌿 1983
The Complete Interior Designer: How To Bring Style And Character To Any Home - Nonie Niesewand 1984
Conran’s Stylish Interiors 1986
Under Stair Greenery Is A Must! . Inside Today’s Home - Ray And Sarah Faulkner 1986
Yes, that is a creeper grabbing your ankle. Now you have to guess if it's human or plant.
The Dream Come True: Great Houses Of Los Angeles 1980
Colourful Laminate Cabinetry In The European Style Is The Outstanding Feature In This Kitchen. Rodale’s Home Design Series: Kitchens - 1986
Designing And Planning Bedrooms - Ward Lock Limited 1988
(Better Homes And Gardens: New House Book - 1981
Perfectly Practical In Everyway. Living In Small Spaces - Lorrie Mack 1988
The International Collection Of Interior Design - Grosvenor Press 1984
Is no one going to mention the giant plastic hand hanging out in the closet?
🌴☀️📺
How can you see the TV with all that light/glare? Hopefully you just want to listen to to evening news, not watch it until it's dark out
Glass Bricks, Plants And Fried Egg Shaped Bath, What More Do You Need! Bath Design - 1986
The Video Store - Cincinnati 1988. What Home Movie Would You Be Renting
I Want A Glass Brick Wall Bath Now!! Freestyle - Tim Street-Porter 1986
Exploit The Restricted Area Under An Attic Window By Putting Your Bed There - An Especially Good Idea If You Like To Be Awakened By Streaming Sunlight. 1988
. This Skylight Was Installed In A Serious Renovation For $55,000 In 1983
It took me a minute to realize the picture is split! I thought they used a giant line of white caulking to seal the corner of the skylight lmao
Who Wants A Bath? Bath Design - 1989
Seen Here From The Bedroom Balcony, The Glazed Corner Makes The Most Of An Attractive North-Facing Canyon View. 1986
All these big windows are gorgeous! The windows in my house are tiny 😫
💚 With Envy
Afternoon Snooze Anyone?
Just Because It’s Ridiculously Good!
The Ultimate Illumination - This Expanded Space Was Created By Joseph And Bea Solomon From Areas That Were Once Small And Boxy. Light-Infusing Skylights Were Added To The Informal Dining Area After Ceilings Were Raised To Dramatic Heights. The Gallery Like Setting Showcases People And Art In The Most Complimentary Way. 1982
I Miss The Word Processor! Eva Jiricna - Belsize Park Flat, 1984
I’m All About The Office Today! 1985
Decor By Design - 1985
The Iconic 80s Art Deco TV-Am Studios, Camden, London 1983
Nspired By His Homeland, Italian Born Designer Danilo Silvestrin Devised For His Munich Client A Star-Crowned ‘Bel Gioco So Tetti’ - A Fine Play Of Roofs. The Diffuse White Glow From The Windows Merges With The Warmer Light From The Baseboard Horizon. Rooms By Design - Thames And Hudson 1989
What Show You Gonna Watch On This TV? Room For Improvement - 1987
Living In Small Spaces - Lorrie Mack 1988
Do You Ever Feel Like You’re Being Watched? Dream Come True: Great Houses Of Los Angeles - 1980
Didn't see Laura Ashley in any of them, absolutely huge in the early 80's, you couldn't escape it
Haha. Worst brides maids dress I've ever worn and I've worn a few too many.
Load More Replies...These are mostly from "fashion" books. (Why does "fashion" have to be weird?) The REAL eighties were more like these posts: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/children-of-the-80s-will-remember-these-home-trends
I was a teenager in the 80s. I had forgotten what a big role plants played in homes and public spaces. I do remember all the skylights. They were lovely, but I think they fell out of favor because they tend to leak, they're hard to clean, and they're not energy efficient.
Didn't see Laura Ashley in any of them, absolutely huge in the early 80's, you couldn't escape it
Haha. Worst brides maids dress I've ever worn and I've worn a few too many.
Load More Replies...These are mostly from "fashion" books. (Why does "fashion" have to be weird?) The REAL eighties were more like these posts: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/children-of-the-80s-will-remember-these-home-trends
I was a teenager in the 80s. I had forgotten what a big role plants played in homes and public spaces. I do remember all the skylights. They were lovely, but I think they fell out of favor because they tend to leak, they're hard to clean, and they're not energy efficient.
