"The optimistic 1980s were quite the eccentric decade. It was the era of leg warmers, vigorous aerobics, and some of the most iconic movies ever made. It was also the time of kooky and opposing kitchen design trends. On one side were the brown-centered kitchens, still reminiscent of the '70s, embracing consistency and earthy tones. On the other side of the spectrum were kitchens exploding with funky neon colors. In the middle stood country-style white kitchens with bold pops of color."
"Despite how much interior styles differed in terms of color, some things were the same across the board. Each 1980s kitchen was over-the-top in its own way, as maximalism ruled interior design. Even today, the '80s-inspired kitchens still lean into excess to bring the style of the decade to life - wallpapered walls, patterned floors, unconventional backsplashes, etc. At the time, there really was no such thing as too much."
"To be entirely upfront, the above photograph was taken very much in the present day, so that might be the reason for its minimalist-leaning style. The owner of the kitchen described it on Instagram as "the definition of fancy '80s kitchen gone so wrong." Still, the authentic 1980s elements are all there and a beautiful sight to behold, reflecting how the decade slowly started moving away from wooden cabinets and towards a laminated look."
The 1980s produced wildly varied kitchen styles, from brown-centered, '70s-influenced designs to loud neon color schemes and country-style white kitchens with vibrant accents. Maximalism dominated, leading to over-the-top personalization like wallpapered walls, patterned floors, and unconventional backsplashes. Some homes transitioned from heavy wooden cabinetry to light, glossy laminate across floors, countertops, and furniture. Period kitchens often embraced excess and individuality, creating some of the most distinctive domestic interiors. Photographed contemporary recreations sometimes mix authentic 1980s elements with modern minimalism while retaining key period features such as laminated surfaces and bold color choices.
Read at Tasting Table
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