‘80s opulence

The '80s are back, but not in the way you might think.

Far from shoulder pads and neon spandex, the ‘80s opulence interior trend brings with it bold patterns, geometric shapes and quirky accessories. This revival goes beyond nostalgia, it's a celebration of maximalism and luxury. Embrace a pinstriped Resene Brown Sugar and Resene Quarter Alabaster colour palette for the ultimate retro feel.

The 1980s were a time of excess and exuberance, reflected in the design trends of the era. Rooms were energetic and often a little flamboyant – much like fashion at the time. Key elements included geometric shapes (featured on furniture, floors and wallpaper patterns) and a liberal use of metallics. Avant-garde accessories and playful, graphic touches played a significant role – interiors were often adorned with zigzags or stripes. Elements like stripes added a sense of structure and formality while simultaneously breaking away from stuffier design norms. Metallic finishes were popular too in the '80s, adding glamour and opulence. Gold, silver and chrome accents were particularly fashionable, often found in fixtures and decorative pieces.

The ‘80s weren’t just about excess but also experimentation. Experimental shapes in furniture and decor challenged traditional aesthetics – innovation was celebrated. These shapes often incorporated curves and unexpected angles. Designers are currently embracing the '80s opulence trend – it’s emerged as the ultimate celebration of self expression. The maximalist approach of the '80s allows for a personalised and eclectic aesthetic, catering to those feeling daring enough to make a bold statement at home.

To bring an '80s flavour into contemporary homes, designers are turning to colours like Resene Brown Sugar, Resene Wax Flower, Resene Reef and Resene Marzipan. These hues offer a modern twist on the classic '80s palette, offering a sophisticated yet playful backdrop for interiors.

This groovy living space captures the essence of '80s opulence with a modern twist. A back wall in Resene Brown Sugar sets the scene, a warm, inviting hue that anchors the room. While we may not immediately associate the colour brown with the flamboyance of the '80s, the hue played a crucial role in grounding more extravagant elements. Brown was often used to create a warm and inviting base, balancing bold patterns and metallic accents. Shades of brown were often used in intricate patterned designs, from wallpapers to upholstery.

For a punch of personality, our skirting is striped in Resene Brown Sugar and the delicate Resene Quarter Alabaster. This graphic touch is quintessentially '80s. A centred arched wall panel in Resene Rolling Fog introduces a sense of structure, symmetry and sophistication. This soft, neutral grey contrasts beautifully with the richer tones of Resene Brown Sugar. Abstract art on the arch adds life to the living room, purple hues like Resene Perfume and Resene Seance drawing the eye.

Battens on the back wall in Resene Urbane brings a dynamic, graphic element to the room. This milky beige contrasts sharply with the warm tones of Resene Brown Sugar, creating a striking visual impact. The interplay between these colours makes the space feel vibrant and alive. Battens are a classic look that add sophistication in any room and won’t date quickly. Battens and panels can be easily attached to walls using screws before painting, or to avoid the hassle of filling nail holes, you could use construction glue. We opted for floor to ceiling battens here to accentuate the height of the room. As a rule of thumb, smaller rooms will benefit from smaller scale panelling, and vice versa.

Flooring painted in Resene Quarter Alabaster offers a clean, bright base that allows the bolder elements of the room to shine. This crisp white hue enhances the room's sense of space and light, preventing the darker colours from feeling too heavy. A back wall side table painted in Resene Soulmate (a soft pale rose) introduces a subtle pop of colour, while a squiggle vase in Resene Fog (a delicate lilac) adds a playful, graphic touch. These elements are understated nods to the '80s love for bold, whimsical decor.

Our showstopper in the room is our brown and white striped couch, a perfect homage to the '80s penchant for over-the-top graphic patterns and curves. The curves of the sofa soften the lines in the room. Curved elements are key in '80s design, as they ensure spaces feel more inviting and cosier. The sofa’s tones have been colour matched as closely as possible to complement its Resene Brown Sugar and Resene Quarter Alabaster setting.

The '80s opulence trend offers a refreshing departure from minimalist design, inviting us to embrace bold patterns, luxurious materials and a sense of playful extravagance. By incorporating hues like Resene Brown Sugar, Resene Fog and Resene Urbane, you’re able to create spaces that capture the best of '80s design with a contemporary twist. Whether you’re a fan of bold graphic patterns or understated elegance, there’s something in this trend for everyone.

Colours mentioned in this article

Styling by Melle Van Sambeek. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024