You know what they say: What goes around comes around, and in no industry is that truer than in design. Decor trends are largely cyclical, so chances are good that something you loved decades ago will have its moment in the spotlight again soon. One era that’s currently back en vogue? The funky, fun, and oh-so-original ‘80s.

“The ‘80s were all about bold statements,” says designer Meredith Still of The Meredith Project. “Think oversized silhouettes, vibrant color palettes, and unapologetic maximalism—there was a sense of fun and experimentation, but also a tendency toward excess. It was confident, sometimes chaotic, and often unforgettable.”

Designer Christina Kelley agrees, noting that the modern interpretation of ‘80s design is decidedly more nuanced. “As always, elements from the 80s are reemerging, but in cleaner, more sophisticated ways,” she adds. “I recommend taking inspiration from its boldness and drama—leaving behind the excess—and reinterpret key aspects with a refined, modern approach.”

Below, we’re rounding up five 80s-derived design trends that are seeing a resurgence today—plus, how to make them work for your home in 2025.

Next-Level Neon

In the ‘80s, you basically needed to wear sunglasses to walk into anyone’s home. These days, hits of neon are much more understated, with intentional mixing and matching that combines punchier hues with a minimalist aesthetic. “Neon is making a comeback, but instead of entire rooms washed in hot pinks or electric blues, we’re seeing it used as a playful accent, like with sculptural lighting or a pop of color in an art piece,” says Still. “A touch of neon feels fresh when used sparingly and framed by minimalist surroundings. The key is to borrow the spirit of the 80s—its energy, its sculptural silhouettes, its love of contrast—without leaning into the kitsch.”

High-Shine Metallics

It used to be that nothing dated a home quicker than a hit of gleaming ‘80s metallics, whether that was a shiny chrome armchair or a yellow-gold shelving unit. Over the years, our love for metallics has endured, with a preference shown for more natural iterations, like unlaquered pieces that will patina over time. “The ‘80s embraced a kind of maximalism where style was all about making a statement, which could sometimes feel overdone or gaudy,” says designer Jacqueline Goncalves of Moksa Studio. “The high-shine metallic surfaces of the ‘80s are reappearing again, but with a modern twist. Unlacquered metals that age and patina over time give the look a sense of history and add just enough shine to catch the light without feeling like an overload of glitzy, shiny surfaces. Pairing these subtle metallics with natural materials, like wood, stone, or matte textiles, creates a more balanced, grounded look that modernizes the excess of the ‘80s.” 

Sophisticated Stone Furniture

The materiality of the ‘80s was all over the place. On one hand, you had the warmth of wood paneling and boisterous fabrics; on the other hand, you had the sleekness of stone, glass, and graphic geometric furniture. It was a time of excess and, honestly, a bit jarring—but luckily, these days, we’re honing in on the vision in a refined way. “Tables made entirely of stone were seen prominently in the ‘80s,” says Kelley. “That same look has made a big comeback recently, with many designers even incorporating vintage travertine pieces from the 80s, or new, more modern interpretations with refined details and honed finishes.”

Not-So-Precious Pastels

We all know that mauve hue. You know, the one that was all over your parents or grandparents’ house, from the color of the curtains to the paint on the walls. It’s iconic to the era—and back on designers’ radars, this time paired with tailored furniture and modern accents that help it bridge the years. “For me, the ‘80s is perfecetly represented by a pastel palette, with mauve taking center stage,” says designer Missy Steffens of M. Steffens Interiors. “Usually it was mixed with other pastels, like sea foam and yellow, but sometimes there were richer colors incorporated too, like teal. I love reinterpreting this classic palette today, like in this recently completed sunroom, where I played with ‘80s colors but updated the space with cleaner lines, modern art, and statement lighting.”

Statement Upholstery

The ‘80s had a certain “crunch” about them, which was likely the sound of overstuffed upholstery or intricate window treatments rustling as you brushed by. In a surprising twist, the chintz of the ‘80s is back, but with a more relaxed attitude that invites you to sit and stay a while. “In the ‘80s, chintzes were used in a more maximalist way, but now we’re seeing them included in design schemes in a more grounded way, with muted colors or paired with solids,” says designer Bailey Ward. “ I love seeing the matchy-matchy space come back into style and using pattern repetition to make a big statement,” adds designer Emily Butler. “The look is especially great for smaller spaces, like a hallway or powder bath, where you can enjoy the drama for a fleeting moment.”