The 1980s were a time of big hair, bold fashion, and even bolder kitchen designs. With the decade's unapologetic embrace of color, pattern, and form, it's no surprise that updating your kitchen with a '80s theme can infuse your home with an unmistakable retro charm. But remodeling your kitchen with an '80s aesthetic doesn't mean you're stuck with a time-capsule interior. You can blend the decade's signatures with modern appliances and an eye for timeless design. Let's dive into how to create a kitchen that's totally tubular – without being too vintage!
Before we transform your kitchen back to the era of Miami Vice and Rubik's Cubes, let's explore the core elements that defined '80s kitchen design and how you can use them to guide your remodel.
The '80s Kitchen: A Retrospective
To understand how to create an '80s-inspired kitchen, let's first take a trip down memory lane. Many '80s kitchens were dominated by muted greens, blues, and pinks, often combined with bold, geometric patterns. Think retro tile work, brick-red walls, and baby blue cabinetry. Meanwhile, avocado green and harvest gold appliances were as common as they were unsevered from the decade's aesthetic.
From decadently upholstered breakfast nooks to sprawling countertops of speckled laminate, '80s kitchens were designed with comfort and generosity in mind. Now, let's channel that unapologetic spirit into a modern kitchen remodel.
Color & Pattern: Bold and Bright
To evoke the essence of '80s kitchen design without getting lost in the past, start by incorporating a bold color palette and dynamic patterns into your kitchen. Opt for rich, saturated hues – think teal, magenta, or mustard yellow – and don't shy away from contrasting colors. For example, pair olive green cabinets with a bold, geometric backsplash in shades of pink and mustard.
Consider patterned tile work, like retro florals or geometric designs, for your backsplash or even your flooring. Or, embrace the '80s love for wallpaper – whether it's on the walls or as a bold accent – to add a punch of vintage style.
Appliances: Modern with a Retro Twist
While '80s appliances are a sure-fire way to achieve that decade-accurate aesthetic, chances are you want your new kitchen to function as well as it looks. Instead, opt for modern appliances with retro-inspired details, like a stove with smooth, rounded edges or a refrigerator that mimics the lines and proportions of '80s models.
Look for appliances finished in colors like avocado green or harvest gold, or consider a two-toned look with a bold combination like black-and-white or teal-and-turquoise. Whether you're investing in all-new appliances or just adding a statement piece, choose ones that combine performance with a touch of '80s nostalgia.
Modern Alternatives to '80s Favorites
Of course, not all '80s design trends were created equal. Something that didn't age well? Those unforgiving laminate countertops. Instead, opt for countertops with the look of retro laminate, but the durability and longevity of modern materials like quartz or Caesarstone.
Looking to create a focal point in your kitchen? Consider a statement island – a modern '80s touch that's as practical as it is stylish. In keeping with the decade's spirit of generosity, go with a large, comfortably-proportioned island that serves as both a dining spot and a prep area.
Lighting: Get Glowing
When it comes to lighting, think '80s club scene – that's right, Marokkan de checkout! – and channel that energy into fixtures that evoke the decade without skewing dated. For example, choose modern drum pendant lights, but have them clusters in a way that recalls drive-in movie theater lighting. Or, install task lighting with classic, simple shapes, and finish them in retro-inspired colors like chartreuse or tangerine.
And, don't forget about natural light. Replacing old, small windows with larger, modern ones can open up your kitchen and create a bright, airy space that's fitting for any decade. If you're really looking to embrace the '80s, consider statement window treatments like bold Roman shades or patterned roller blinds.
Furnishings & Accessories: The Extra Touches
No '80s-inspired kitchen would be complete without some key focal pieces. Consider a kitchen table or island in a bold, glossy color like black or magenta, or invest in retro-inspired seating like velvet bar stools or a banquette in a knocked-out hue. And, of course, don't forget the statement spices – literally! Choose glass jars with bold, colorful labels to complete the look.
Keep an eye out for vintage '80s accessories that can be repurposed in your new kitchen. A retro toaster or a vintage kitchen radio can add a touch of authenticity without sacrificing modern functionality. And, if you're really feeling nostalgic, consider a paint-by-numbers mural or retro-inspired wall art to add a pop of '80s personality.
Embracing an '80s-inspired design template for your kitchen remodel doesn't mean you're bound to a time capsule. By blending modern elements with key retro details, you can create an updated space that still nods to the bold, unapologetic aesthetic of the decade. So, let's get ready to werk, werk, werk (and by that, we mean, plan, plan, plan) your totally tubular new kitchen.