7 Design Trends From the 1980s That Are Making a Comeback

Gone are the days of all-white kitchens, muted bedrooms and other minimalist spaces. In 2025, homeowners are expressing themselves through their interior design style, leaning into personality-fueled trends like dopamine decor and wallpapered ceilings.

Unsurprisingly, people are looking to the past — think retro design features like decorative molding and antique mirrors — to inspire their current home design. Specifically, interior designers are noticing a revival from one decade in particular: the 1980s.

“The 1980s were a vibrant and lavish decade when interior design embraced bold, eclectic styles, mixing luxury with playful, futuristic elements. Neon colors, as well as pastels, were popular, thanks to shows like Miami Vice,” says Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors.

While certain 1980s trends are making a comeback today, they’re resurfacing with a modern twist. We spoke to three interior designers about the ’80s design elements they’re seeing in 2025 and how homeowners are incorporating them into their spaces today.

Cozy Maximalism

The term ‘maximalism’ might bring to mind wild patterns and clashing colors — but that doesn’t truly capture the essence of the style. While maximalism often involves bold design choices, the style can be cozy too. In the 1980s, pops of color throughout the home were commonplace, but these spaces still felt comfortable.

“One of my favorite aspects of 1980s home design is the cozy, lived-in feel of the spaces,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design. “I love that the cozy, maximalist aesthetic is back where there’s a balance between comfort and style, and spaces feel lived-in and character-ful — while also feeling modern!”

Wooden Accents

Matching wooden chairs and tables are part of the 1980s signature style. While you might not see those sets often these days, wooden accents are making a comeback in other forms. “Wood hardware is trending, whether it is integrated into cabinets or designed to stand out,” says Jessica Flake of Copper Sky Design + Remodel.

Think wooden knobs on cabinets, stained bookcases and vintage wooden picture frames. Regardless of how it’s incorporated, wood adds character to any space, and homeowners are rediscovering that in new ways.

Colored Tiles

Homeowners are continuing to move away from neutral color palettes, welcoming vibrant furniture, daring patterns and unique wall design and flooring into their spaces. Designers are noticing that their clients are especially becoming more adventurous when it comes to their walls, opting for bright colors and new textures around the house. “Colored tile specifically has seen a big revival,” says Flake.

Oversized Furniture

Chunky furniture is a defining characteristic of 1980s interior design. While it might not sound appealing to have extra-large furniture all over the house today, there’s been a reinvention of this furniture style that designers are loving.

“The 1980s were known for their big, bulky furniture, such as oversized sofas and armchairs with thick cushions and large frames. While oversized sofas are still popular, they now have cleaner lines. The focus is on comfort without the oppressive bulk, so you’ll find lower-profile sofas, with a narrow track arm, covered in visually lighter upholstery fabrics,” says Jay.

Curved Detailing

Contrary to the more modern emphasis on simple, clean lines in home design, the 1980s style was all about curved furniture and detailing around the house. Not only can curved lines be more visually interesting, they can also add character and charm to a home like this fluted marble surface does.

“Some trends making a comeback today include curved, fluted and reeded detailing,” says Flake. “We see it in materials such as wood, marble, tile and even glass — applied to cabinets, furniture and walls.”

Bold Wallpaper Looks

It’s no surprise that wallpaper is making a major comeback in 2025. While homeowners are taking a step back from the patterns seen in the 1980s, they’re experimenting with all kinds of different colors and designs.

“In the 1980s, floral wallpaper was everywhere, and the patterns often featured rich, jewel tones that overwhelmed a space. We’re now seeing wallpaper being used in more creative ways, not just the traditional four walls. My clients are always open to wallpapering a ceiling, or adding a touch of wallpaper in the backs of bookcases,” says Jay.

Neon and Pastels

If bright colors are your thing, you’re in luck. Neon hues and pastel color schemes are working their way back into interior design.

“The use of bold color from the 1980s is making a strong comeback, offering a refreshing contrast to the dominance of neutral tones like gray,” says Williams. “Small doses of vibrant colors, such as neon accents or jewel tones, are being used in modern interiors to add energy and personality, often through accent walls, colorful furniture and textiles.”

Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com