Back to the future as the 1980s interior design trends take over
A glut of films from the 80s on TV right now are easy reference points for the style of the decade.Think Three Men and a Baby (1987) with its stylish bachelor pad, and Harrison Ford’s apartment with its Scandi-style furniture in Working Girl (1988).Like any era, multiple trends prevailed, some polar opposites. Black leather sofas on chrome frames sat on one end of the taste spectrum, with floral prints, pastels and what we now call brown furniture on the other.Sorcha Harman, interior designer at Porcha Design, integrates vintage into modern and sees the potential of this 80s-style revival. “With 80's interior design being all about maximalist, more was more,” she says. “Elements that were once dismissed as old-fashioned, such as chintzy floral wallpapers, can work beautifully when used thoughtfully. I love them in spaces like pantries or utility rooms, or small bathrooms, where they add character and charm when done right. They can make the space feel alive, lived in and very much loved. There's a striking blend of streamlined contemporary dining furniture and opulent textures and fabrics in this room by Porcha Design. Picture: Ruth Maria Murphy“I think after such a long period dominated by Scandi and minimalist aesthetics and designs, it feels sort of natural that people are craving interiors that feel more comfortable, layered and lived-in. Brown furniture carries a lovely visual weight that can ground a room. It makes interiors feel considered and collected rather than overly styled.” The question is, though, what are the prize pieces vintage hunters ought to look out for?“The 80s embraced a wonderful ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it’ attitude, and I absolutely love this approach,” says Sorcha. “Interiors were expressive and personal, and everything was on display. Think beautiful china hung on walls, stacks of rustic baskets, copper pots and pans, and shelves upon shelves of collected treasures.” Until recently, many dark brown pieces languished unloved, but now that their value is being noticed by a new generation, they might need a steer as to where to shop. “I’m a big fan of slowly and aimlessly exploring shops, markets and flea markets,” Sorcha says. “The Store Yard in Portlaoise is a must-visit. The Vintage Hub is another favourite, with an inspiring selection of furniture and accessories. It’s also a lovely place to visit simply to chat with the owners and learn more about the pieces.” Sectional sofas were a feature of the 80s, although most were either leather or floral fabric. The Oslo faux-fur mink small three-seater is an up-to-date version; €994, Next.Design director and project manager, David O’Brien of RJ O’Brien Building Contractors, sees what he terms a fascinating shift in interiors. “Darker woods are having a major revival, and it’s about time,” he says. Pastel interiors were an 80s trend, with ruffled finishes on cushions and bed valance sheets, such as in this bedroom interior set-up courtesy of Dfs.“This resurgence of brown furniture like mahogany, walnut and teak alongside the 1980s aesthetics is driven by a craving for warmth and character. We are moving away from calm, cool and collected spaces, and looking to add excitement and depth to our homes. Our eyes are hungry for contrast, and darker furniture anchors a room, adding necessary weight to spaces that can feel too light or temporary.” While we’re all obsessed with regency interiors thanks to Bridgerton, the last time it saw a revival was the 80s, when dining sets inspired by the period became the "in thing". Quite a few of the tables and matching chairs are to be found, with the chairs often having benefited from a makeover with new seat upholstery. “I have never been the biggest fan of faux-regency,” says David. “I usually advocate for hunting down the antique originals. However, these pieces are now becoming family heirlooms, and I love the narrative layer that inherited furniture adds to a home. For a contemporary take on ruffled linens, add a cushion selection to decorate bed linen in trending olive green; €49, Soak & Sleep."I hate to say it, but I think the key to making them work in modern homes is breaking up the sets. Don’t use them all at once. Keep the dining table but pair it with contemporary chairs to modernise the look, or take a single dining chair and repurpose it as a bedroom accent chair. It honours the sentiment without overwhelming the room.” As David’s social media followers and fans of RTÉ’s Home of the Year know, his home is a tasteful mix of modern and vintage, having developed a keen eye for a vintage gem. :The 80s were a masterclass in playful shapes and bold materials," adds David. “Vintage lovers should look for pieces that mix tubular chrome or black leather with those rich, dark woods. A personal favourite of mine is the Well Tempered chair by Ron Arad. It captures the sculptural, metallic spirit of the decade.” See Instagram.com/porchadesign and Instagram.com/theblackhouse.
