Trends, however ill-advised they were the first time round, always seem to resurface. Whether or not you have been seduced by the highly glamorous lifestyles of the Rivals cast, with their swathes of aqua blue eyeshadow, rippling muscles and chest hair, you can't have failed to notice that elements of 1980s design has been creeping its way back into all kinds of areas of the present day – not least into the world of interior design trends.
You might, quite understandably, be feeling a little nervous of this 1980s interiors revival. After all, some things are most definitely best left in the past – carpet in the bathroom anyone? But fear not, this renaissance is all about bringing back some of the best elements of the era, reimagining them in a modern, far more refined, way.
We reached out to some top interior experts for their advice on how to work this look into your home, while avoiding it looking like flashy, gaudy or overdone.
Weave in bold 1980s colours – but do it with subtlety
Homes in the 1980s were dominated by several, some might say clashing, colour schemes. Eye-popping neons were big news, but so too were candy shop-inspired pastels. Primary 'power' colours were much-loved too, as were stark black and white schemes (Google the Deetz's dining room from Beetlejuice if you want proof.)
Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn, explains how these paint trends are being used in 2026. "The 1980s is returning in a much softer and more refined way than many people remember. We're seeing a renewed appreciation for colour, individuality and interiors that feel expressive, which were all key characteristics of the decade.
"One of the biggest influences making a comeback is the use of richer, more confident colour palettes," continues Cathryn. "Soft peach tones, dusty pinks, terracotta shades, warm browns and deep blues are all finding their way back into contemporary interiors. The difference today is that they're often paired with natural materials which stops them from feeling overly nostalgic."
Cathryn Sanders is Head of Creative at Earthborn and has worked for the brand for over a decade, meaning she has a wealth of knowledge on paints, trends and the interiors industry as a whole. Working on several colour launches, she is well-versed in trend forecasting, particularly with regard to colour, and subsequently gets the final say on all of Earthborn’s new colours and colour names.
Use small details to give the 1980s a nostalgic nod
The key when embracing any kind of design revival, be that Georgian style or the 1980s, and particularly when referencing those that were not known for their subtlety, is to introduce elements of the era, as opposed to creating a carbon copy.
Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV, explains how to bring popular patterns from the era, such as abstract shapes, kitsch florals and geometrics, into the home. "Expressive design, rich jewel tones and graphic prints are having a moment right now, thanks to our renewed love of the 1980s. The key difference is that today's homeowners are using these elements more thoughtfully.
"For a contemporary take on the trend, we'd suggest introducing these 1980s-inspired accents through soft furnishings," continues Debbie. "Cushions, curtains and upholstery are a great way to experiment with bold patterns or vibrant colours without committing to a full room redesign. As for what to leave in the past? We'd be cautious of overly busy schemes where every surface competes for attention."
"1980s interiors are definitely gaining popularity, thanks to TV shows like Rivals and Stranger Things," picks up Lizzie Mosley, creative director at Hug Rug. "Its interiors are defined by palettes of bold neon tones, as well as softer pastels like mint green and baby blue, while patterns range from sleek geometrics to country florals. Rugs can easily be used to incorporate a touch of 1980s style without overwhelming the scheme."
Debbie is an expert in creating beautifully coordinated fabric collections that can be easily combined to create harmonious interior schemes. With more than 30 years of experience, she takes every design from conception right through to the finished textile - inspired by the latest trends and techniques from every continent.
Lizzie Mosley is Creative Director at Hug Rug. Produced by Phoenox textiles in the heart of Yorkshire and managed by the third generation of the family, Hug Rug was founded by Lizzie Mosley, alongside Adrian and Charles Mosley, in 2007 to make its pioneering washable rugs and doormats available to every home.
Shop 1980s decorative flourishes
Available in three pretty colourways, this frilly floral cushion is perfect for injecting a little 1980s chintz in a non-overwhelming way – pair it with a Gingham throw for a layered look.
Wall art offers an easy way to reference a trend, and this abstract print, with its pastel hues, is ideal for bringing in some current fashions as well as adding a little texture to your scheme.
Featuring bold, primary shades and a strong pattern, this rug comes in a range of sizes and has a soft thick pile – plus, it is water repellent so spills are easily remedied.
Get on board with colour drenching – it's nothing new
Ever heard of the saying 'there is nothing new under the sun'? It basically means that everything is cyclical and this is most certainly the case with interior design trends – colour drenching being an excellent case in point.
We might all think we're being terribly modern by dousing the same shade of paint over the entirety of a room, but the 1980s saw homeowners doing just this – although perhaps in a less refined way. After all, this was an era when clashing colours and a more-is-more approach was to be embraced.
"We've already seen a return to colour drenching, statement paint colours and a willingness to embrace decorative details," says Cathryn Sanders. "What people often remember about 1980s interiors is the excess, but what designers are taking from the era today is the confidence. It's less about recreating a period look and more about embracing colour and individual personalities."
Embrace statement furniture – but with less of the gloss
Shiny, lacquered furniture, surfaces and finishes were all highly desirable back in the 1980s when the more synthetic materials you could squeeze into your home, the better.
Laura Rich, interior designer at Furniturebox, explains that statement furniture is definitely back, but without the bling. "1980s interior design is like Marmite. We’re seeing elements creep their way back into our home decor but I’m doubtful we’ll see a full-blown revival. The era saw theatrical statement homes that were often filled to the brim with unapologetic maximalism – bright, clashing colours, geometric shapes, chintzy patterns, and glamour in excess.
"Curved, sculptural furniture is one of the easiest trends to embrace because it instantly adds character to a room without feeling overpowering," continues Laura. "Adding a focal point with a statement tub chair-inspired sofa or curved coffee table complemented with textured fabrics, wood and stone makes a home feel warm and inviting but with personality," continues Laura. "Embracing 1980s interiors isn’t about replicating them but rather drawing inspiration and borrowing elements."
Julia Bilotta, creative stylist at Sofology, agrees that a refined take on statement pieces is the way to go if you want your living room design to stand the test of time.
"Rivals has brought a renewed appreciation for the 1980s, especially the era’s confident use of sculptural seating and generous, low‑slung silhouettes. It was a decade that embraced form as much as comfort. To introduce the era into the home, look for sofas with softened geometric lines and modular configurations that allow you to build out a statement shape. Pairing these forms with textured upholstery or subtle contrast piping brings a contemporary refinement."
Laura is an interior design expert and Creative Lead for Product at Furniturebox. She's a former architectural illustrator and seasoned home renovator with 20 years of experience. She juggles life at Furniturebox alongside being a successful artist and knows a thing or two about colour, design and how to get the best out of any room on any budget. Footie lover, mum, and lead product developer making sure Furniturebox is always offering gorgeous on-trend styles for all budgets.
Julia Bilotta is the Creative Stylist at Sofology, with 26 years of experience she helps shape the brand’s interior design inspiration and styling advice. With a passion for timeless, liveable spaces, she specialises in creating homes that balance comfort, functionality and personality. Through expert guidance on colour, texture and layout, Julia encourages people to design interiors that feel authentic, welcoming and uniquely their own.
Shop statement 1980s-inspired furniture
Merging modern and retro design in perfect unison, this statement sofa will not only take centre stage within your design scheme but is also perfect for those after a little more support from their sofa thanks to its high-density foam filling.
The curves of this eye-catching coffee table tick all the right boxes for 1980s style, while the mango wood and marble finish add a little modern-day luxury. The marble top is also available in a choice of two other colours – ready to be adorned with an artfully arranged display of personal items.
The curves of this sculptural dining table might slide in perfectly with a 1980s interior scheme, but the elegant ceramic top, in a walnut finish, brings a distinctly modern touch – all it needs is a retro-themed buffet for you to feel like one of the Rutshire set.
Swap shiny orange wood finishes for pale matt
An abundance of orange, glossy wood finishes – everywhere – was seen as very sophisticated in the 1980s (a quick peek inside Freddie and Mousey's Rivals home should be all you need to convince you of this).
While wooden flooring and timber wall finishes are very much on-trend right now, the look has been totally reimagined, as Adam Robertson, MD of Urbane Living , explains. "When looking back at flooring trends from the 1980s, it is easy to see how dominant orange-toned woods became, often paired with mid-width planks and high-gloss finishes that can now feel quite heavy within a scheme. While they were of their time, those stronger undertones tended to dictate the rest of the interior palette."
"For anyone looking to reinterpret 1980s interiors in a more contemporary way, the key is to move away from the high gloss, heavily polished finishes that defined the era and instead focus on a more understated and natural approach to wood," picks up Ian Tomlinson, MD of Chaunceys Timber Flooring.
"For a more timeless look, we’re seeing a shift towards softer, more natural tones with a matt finish, which allows the character of the timber to come through without overpowering the space. Wider boards also help to create a calmer, more contemporary feel, as they reduce visual busyness and better showcase the grain."
Managing director of Urbane Living, Adam Robertson draws on extensive expertise in premium flooring and materials, helping homeowners create elegant, long-lasting interiors rooted in craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
Chaunceys Timber Flooring is a family-run company based in Bristol with Ian becoming the Managing Director in 2012. They have been supplying sustainable, high-quality timber flooring to homeowners, award-winning architects, design and build companies, and renowned interior designers since 1988.
Don't rule out wall-to-wall carpeting
While we're on the subject of types of flooring, wall-to-wall carpet has seen a major comeback of late – yet another 1980s trend making a reappearance.
Jodie Hatton, design manager at Brintons, explains why this is one trend to get back on board with. "Wall-to-wall carpeting was a symbol of true luxury in the 1980s, with homeowners opting for plush flooring that would introduce a sense of refined comfort and luxury in living rooms and bedrooms.
"In the 2020s, our homes have become sanctuaries, and with that we're seeing a return to homeowners embracing wall-to-wall carpet that creates a cosy and cocooning atmosphere.
"The colours and finishes of 1980s carpets are also making a comeback," continues Jodie. "Plush Berber carpeting and cut and loop finishes were favoured for their plush comfort and sophisticated appeal. Carpet was often chosen in light neutral tones like beige or a warm off-white that would form a versatile backdrop for the pastel colours and neon accessories also popular during the decade."
Jodie is a textile designer with over 10 years of experience in bespoke design, focusing on high-end interior projects. She is the Design Manager at Brintons, purveyors of designer carpets, and she is currently working towards completing a master's in design research, focusing on sustainable and regenerative design solutions.
Layer – don't match – patterns
There was a very matchy-matchy approach taken to interiors during the 1980s – matching three-piece suites, matching furniture within bedroom design, matching curtains, lampshades, cushions and, deep breathes, curtain pelmets.
While many of the popular patterns from the 1980s have resurfaced – pretty florals, stripes and geometric designs, for example – these days they are being used in a more imaginative way.
"We're seeing a renewed appreciation for colour and pattern," explains Sophie Chapman associate and interior designer at The Vawdrey House. "Rather than using a single statement print, today's approach is about layering patterns, textures and colours to create interiors with personality and depth."
Dairine Nethercott, head of design at MOON, has some tips on the types of fabrics and textures to incorporate. "We’re seeing the return of traditional checks and tartans in the rich aristocratic shades of forest green, navy blue and oxblood, which provide depth and grandeur.
"Used in a wide range of bedroom ideas, these fabrics look great as skirting or allow for creative freedom on upholstered headboard ideas. Alongside modern colour blocking this gives the effect of the elegant country home without looking dated. To recreate the lived-in feel of 1980s interiors, layering together multiple textures – whether that’s velvet, mohair, wool or linen – is a good place to start."
A founding member of The Vawdrey House, Sophie oversees the design team bringing her trademark energy & creativity to projects. With a BA in Interior Design & Environmental Architecture, Sophie develops unique furniture packages, styles projects and loves sourcing trips to antique fairs and French brocantes.
Since 2023 Dairine has led the design team at MOON, working with production to develop innovative designs in wool and natural fibres across interiors, home and fashion accessories. A Royal College of Art graduate with over 30 years’ experience in woven fabric design, Dairine’s career has seen her work in a number of mills where she has developed a real passion for the hands-on approach of creating fabric in a working mill.
Get reacquainted with cork flooring
As a child, my parents fitted all our bathroom with varnished cork flooring – and so did all of my friends' parents. Cork flooring was huge – and its back on the scene once again.
"Cork is making a welcome return," says Sophie Chapman. "Once considered a practical and affordable flooring option, it's now being recognised for its excellent sustainability credentials, acoustic properties and warmth underfoot."
The cork I remember was distinctly orange in colour, and a little shiny – how does Sophie say it has changed? "The difference today is in the finish – think natural, matt cork rather than the heavily varnished floors many of us remember from the 1980s."
Introduce elements of farmhouse-style into the kitchen
This is one trend many people will be really happy to hear is making a comeback – the farmhouse-style kitchen. That said, it has has definitely had a bit of a makeover.
Long gone are the overly-decorative, dark wood cabinet fronts, with their varnished finishes and visible knots, as are the wavy pelmets and matching wooden knobs. These days, the look is far more pared back.
Modern wooden kitchen ideas are a great place to start building the look – keep the design simple and then layer on homely details, such as gingham soft furnishings and a streamlined ceramic sink.
FAQs
Is the 1980s trend of carpet in the bathroom making a comeback too?
While the popularity of wall-to-wall carpet really peaked in the 1970s, it continued on into the 1980s and it was still common to fit carpet in the bathroom during this era – seen, at the time, as the ultimate in comfort and luxury. But carpet in the bathroom...really?
"Perhaps the biggest trend that should remain firmly in the past is carpeted bathrooms, whether on the floor or up the side of a bath which, believe it or not, I have seen," says Sophie Chapman. "While they may have felt luxurious at the time, practicality has thankfully prevailed."
If you like the idea of something soft underfoot in the bathroom, washable bathroom rugs or cork are both good alternatives.
While taking inspiration for your house design ideas from trends of the past is a great idea, it is important to ensure they are not passing fads.
If you are worried about investing in a look that will date fast, use smaller, more affordable, elements to get the look, such as decorative objects and soft furnishings.
