Oh to the sweet 80s. A time when shoulders were wider, hair was bigger, and power ballads were exorbitant. It was brash and it was bold, and it left many of us with an aching nostalgia for the era, as the styling in our latest Matching People and Property campaign suggests.
The 80s turned everything on its head to come up with something bolder and better, so it’s no surprise that we’re witnessing something of a revival in the world of interiors.
From bright, primary colours and bold shapes to retro styles in furniture and accessories making a comeback in recent years, it seems we’ve taken the best of the 80s to introduce glorious pops of colour into our homes. Better still, some of our favourite brands have joined the disco, making it easier than ever to get the look.
Achieving the look
We spoke with Geraldine Tan, editor of award-winning design and interiors blog, Little Big Bell, to share her tips on how to achieve the 80s look by experimenting with different colours and shapes.
“The Memphis trend that embodies vibrant hues and bold geometric patterns, defined the colourful interiors of the 1980s.
This colourful style is currently seeing a revival in interiors.
To create a similar look, use bright shades of blues, yellows, pinks and greens. Keep the backdrop a solid base colour, against which the patterns and bright prints of geometric shapes can pop.
The solid backdrop colour could be the wall or sofa, and the geometric patterns could come from the artwork on the walls, cushions on the sofa, rugs on the floor, or even the objects on a coffee table.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match colours and patterns. Try standing back frequently, to visualise and adjust the decor pieces as required. I believe, if done well, there is no such thing as colour clash. Feel free to experiment with colours and shapes.
One way of keeping visual harmony is to use small doses of the same colour in the background, mid-ground and foreground of your room set. The end result is a bright space that stimulates and makes you happy.”
Taking inspiration from our Matching People campaign, Geraldine has styled her own take on the Memphis trend in her living space. We particularly love the way Geraldine has positioned bold, patterns and prints on the walls, complementing these with soft furnishings and colourful accessories.
Feeling inspired by the 80s look to brighten up your home interiors? We’d love to see the results! Share your look on Instagram and tag @marshandparsons and use #getthelook.
Keep an eye out for next week’s blog post where Geraldine will be shedding some light on creating soft, neutral tones for your baby’s nursery room.
Feeling inspired? Check out our colourful properties below…
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