The 1980s was a wild time with neon everywhere, iconic pop music, and legendary movies like The Breakfast Club and E.T. As for the interior décor of homes during this decade, some of the options people chose were epic, while others left something to be desired. Get ready to hop in your time machine and check out these 31 1980s retro-style kitchens to take a step back in time and discover just what people were doing with their cooking spaces during this iconic decade.
1. Funky Pattern Play
This classic 1980s kitchen features a mixture of patterns including floral and striped wallpaper and a faux tile linoleum floor. Light pink tiles adorn a section of the walls, while the cabinets definitely scream the 1980s with their terra cotta tones. I wouldn’t say this kitchen fits in today’s modern context, as the combination of muted (and slightly tacky) colors and weird patterns make it a little bit too cluttered for a sleek, cohesive cooking space.
2. Pastel, Pastel Everywhere
Pastel colors were certainly a classic decorative element in 1980s homes, and this kitchen is no exception. The light blue pastel wallpaper and light pink wall tiles make the space feel more like a child’s nursery than a working kitchen. White wall trim, white laminate countertops, white cabinets, and white appliances bring it all together. I don’t particularly care for this choice of color combination, as it feels a bit too childish and basic rather than elevated and functional.
3. Dark and Brooding with a Splash of Pink
A lot of people remember 80s homes as being dark and drab, and this kitchen definitely fits the bill. The dark green wallpaper and matching dark green tiles make it feel a bit closed-in. A splash of pink also makes this space feel a bit confused with touches of pink or peachon the appliances, along with matching peachy-pinkcountertops. Overall, I’m not a fan of this kitchen color choice, but the open upper cabinets and dark blue lower cabinets are beautiful and still on-trend today.
4. A Warm Kitchen with an Unusual Color Combo
This retro-style 1980s kitchen features bright blue wall tile and faux tile floors with a white and bright blue grid. Lighter-colored cabinets and countertops play off of the blue color, giving it a nice, warm look and feel. A large window over the sink allows natural light to flow into the space. While I don’t particularly care for the color combo in this kitchen, the overall vibe is bright, airy, and inviting.
5. Green Floral Jungle
Florals were a hit in the 1980s and this kitchen makes it clear with a mint green wallpaper adorned with peachy-pink roses. The peach-colored wall tiles and matching laminate countertops tie it all together, while dark blue cabinets with white trim create an unusual combination. The floors are dark tan or brown tile or laminate, which really doesn’t make sense in this space. I definitely don’t care for the wallpaper, tile, or countertop choice, although the rich blue hue of the cabinets looks attractive and would work in most modern kitchens today.
6. A C-Shaped Kitchen with Mixed Materials
This small, c-shaped kitchen features an unusual mixture of materials on the countertops combining dark tile, white tile, and brown laminate. The floors are wood-look laminate, which creates a nice, neutral base. Teal or aqua blue wall tile and white floral wallpaper don’t do much more than give the room a head-spinning blend of patterns and colors. I generally don’t mind the neutral floors or cabinetry, but the confusing blend of countertop colors and materials along with the wall covering choices make it a bit too busy.
7. Iconic 1980s Kitchen with a Skylight
Skylights were all the rage in the 80s and this kitchen features a raised tray ceiling with a center skylight along with a nice window above the large tri-vessel sink for added natural light. The white tile floors match the white tile countertops, creating a cohesive look. Warm brown wood cabinets that don’t reach the ceiling give the homeowner some space for plants and other decorative items. I don’t mind this kitchen because of its neutral palette, but tile countertops could (and should) be replaced with a solid surface like marble, quartz, or granite to bring them up to date.
8. Rich and Earthy Retro Kitchen
Warm, rich colors and earthy tones give this retro 1980s kitchen an inviting vibe thanks to the hardwood floors, dark brown cabinets, and matching butcher block countertops. The black appliances add to the sophisticated vibe and a nice, large window brings in some natural light. A smattering of houseplants gives the space a boho-inspired feel, while a small outcrop provides space for a few stools so the family can gather to eat breakfast. I like this kitchen, even if the colors are a bit outdated, as the cohesiveness gives it plenty of versatility today, too.
9. A Clean and Simple 1980s Kitchen
With its simple color palette and soft colors, this retro 1980s kitchen has brown parquet floors and light brown wood cabinetry. A large window makes it bright, and the tray ceilings are an iconic element found in many 1980s homes. The white wall tile looks nice, but the white-striped wallpaper on the opposite wall doesn’t seem to fit. Overall, I don’t mind this kitchen, but I do feel like it’s a bit drab and dull, and it could use a modern makeover in terms of the countertops, walls, and cabinets.
10. A Kitchen with Tons of Texture
This throwback kitchen boasts beautiful hardwood floors, wood cabinets, and brown wood-look laminate countertops. The white tile on the walls is featured in a classic square shape on one wall, and a more modern subway tile on the other. It also features classic white appliances and a white enamel sink. I do like the natural light and the floors in this kitchen, but the same style of tile should have been used on every wall to give it a much more fluid and symmetrical look.
11. A Comfy and Cozy Kitchen
If you loved to eat with your family in the 80s, then this kitchen is probably a reminder of the good old days with its warm colors of brown and white. The large, eat-in floorplan includes a table and chairs, and the big window above the sink makes it nice and bright. I don’t particularly care for the white appliances or laminate floors, but this kitchen does evoke feelings of warmth and family, which makes it a decent space.
12. Brilliant and Bold
The designer of this retro kitchen clearly had an eye for the unique thanks to a mixture of bright pink and blue wall tiles. A fun geometric-shaped window adds a ton of light to the space, and the white countertops, cabinets, and appliances tie it all together. While I normally don’t care for funky color combos, there’s something about this kitchen that makes it fun and unique, even in today’s modern times.
13. A Study of Dark and Light
A combo of dark and light hues gives this 1980s kitchen a classic aesthetic. It features brown and white wood cabinets, light brown wood-tone countertops, and matching hardwood floors with classic white wall tiles. I do like the layout of this kitchen, but the cabinet and counter choices definitely need an upgrade to something monotone and with more modern materials.
14. A 1980s Aquamarine Dream
Teal and aqua blue were popular in the 1980s and this kitchen boasts bright aqua-blue appliances, trim, and countertops. The dark mauve floral wallpaper and two-toned cabinets with white and mauve give it an unusual touch. I am not a fan of the mauve color or the wallpaper choice, although I do like the aqua-blue elements in moderation.
15. Southwest-Inspired Cooking Space
Touches of terra cotta and teal give this retro 80s kitchen a southwest-inspired vibe. The dark blue floral wallpaper plays off of the terra cotta trim, countertops, and cabinet hardware. A host of houseplants gives this space an earthy feel, and it’s all tied together with large terra cotta-colored floor tiles. I actually like this kitchen’s cozy feel, but the wallpaper and countertops should be changed to something simpler and more modern.
16. Bright and White
White cabinets and appliances make this retro kitchen bright, while the mixture of aqua blue and pink lend it a classic 80s touch. The dark blue aqua floor tile and trim featuring both aqua and pink on the cabinets lend it an iconic retro feel along with a white tile backsplash and blue grout lines. I don’t like this kitchen because it feels too stark and cold, even with the colorful touches.
17. A Bold Checkerboard Kitchen
Black and white checkerboard floors give this kitchen a 50s diner feel, while the white cabinets, wall tile, and appliances lighten it up. A large window over the sink adds natural light, and the dining table with stools creates a homey, inviting feel. I don’t mind this kitchen too much, but I do think it could use a lot more storage and counter space.
18. A Kitchen with Lots of Lines
A myriad of lines in all directions makes this kitchen a bit dizzying with plank hardwood floors, white square wall tiles, and etched horizontal and vertical lines on the white cabinets. The all-white counters, cabinets, and appliances play nicely off of the dark bluish-green floors. I like this kitchen except that the lines make it a bit too much – smooth, flat front cabinets would fix the issue easily.
19. Lovely Little 80s Kitchen
This small kitchen features white wall tile, cabinets, and appliances with a touch of peachy pink accents and blue tile floors. Dark brown countertops add a bit of warmth and a series of open shelving above the fridge provides a place for storage and display. I think this kitchen is much too cluttered and chaotic, and the peach, blue, brown, and white color combo isn’t very visually appealing.
20. There’s a Lot Happening in This 1980s Kitchen
The 80s was a decade of excess, and this kitchen is a prime example with its checkerboard floors, funky peachy wall tiles, and peachy appliances. The cabinets feature warm brown wood with carved door fronts, and it has room for a table and chairs to create an eat-in experience. A window above the sink adds light, and the white laminate counters are a 1980s staple. I don’t like this kitchen because of the weird color choices, cheap materials, and cluttered feel.
21. A Charming Country Kitchen
A lot of spaces from this decade had a country-inspired feel, like this kitchen with its floral wallpaper and cream and brown color palette. The bright aqua blue fridge and hood fan add a pop of color and retro 80s style to the space. White tile-look laminate floors and cream and brown colored cabinets finish the look, and it has room for a table and chairs in the corner. I don’t care for the cabinets, wallpaper, or floors, but I definitely love the blue appliances.
22. 1980s Kitchen with a Bit of Bold Blue
Pops of blue add a fresh touch to this retro kitchen featuring the hue on some cabinet drawer fronts and wall trim. The funky patterned wallpaper adds an element of surprise and the white appliances, counters, and wall tile help to calm things down a bit. The dark brown wood cabinets make the space feel a little bit closed-in, but a window above the sink helps to bring in some extra light. I’m not a fan of this kitchen because the dark colors don’t match, and the wallpaper just makes things look even more chaotic.
23. A Peach and Green Dream
This kitchen boasts a classic 80s color combo of light peach and dark pine green. Peach is the dominant color found on cabinets, countertops, floors, and appliances. A splash of dark green on the walls and the side of one cabinet along with lots of plants gives the space a nice contrast. I wouldn’t choose these colors for my own kitchen, but they do seem to play well off one another in this scenario (for the time).
24. A Kitchen with a Lot to Say
Cornflower blue floral wallpaper, black appliances, and a checkerboard-like black and white floor make this 80s kitchen confusing. The white cabinets with gold hardware and a white tile backsplash add a sophisticated look that worked for its time. I don’t like the overall feel or look of this kitchen, specifically the mixture of floral wallpaperand the white cabinets next to the black refrigerator.
25. Monotone Brown 80s Kitchen
Wood, wood, everywhere in this 1980s kitchen, including on the countertops, cabinets, and floors. The abundance of brown gives the space a warm look, but it also makes it feel cluttered and small. At least the appliances are white and there’s a window to let the light in. I wouldn’t want this kitchen for my own home due to the overkill of brown wood and brown hues.
26. A Minty Green Classic
Mint green was another popular color in the 80s and you’ll find it on the upper section of the walls and the countertops. The bright white cabinets and appliances soften it up a bit, and it also features large peach or terra cotta floor tile. I don’t enjoy the color combo here, especially the choice of mint green.
27. An Iconic 80s Kitchen Design
This kitchen screams the 1980s with a tray ceiling, brown wood cabinets, and dark green and white wall tile. The brown tile floors and floral wallpaper border add more color and visual confusion to the space. There’s just too much going on in this kitchen for me to appreciate what the original designer had in mind.
28. Fresh, Funky Cooking Space
This kitchen is adorable with its black and white checkerboard floors, retro-inspired teal fridge, and touches of baby blue teal on the tile backsplash and cabinet doors. The cabinets feature a curved shape and charming raised trim in a contrasting color. Overall, I really like this kitchen and its nod to the 1950s era.
29. Spanish-Inspired Kitchen for the Ages
This unique kitchen features a brick arch over the window and brick trim along with white tiled countertops and stone floors. The beautiful blend of colors on the cabinets features bright teal and peach and the entire space gets tons of natural light. I love this kitchen with the large, arched window, unique blend of textures and fun colors on the cabinets.
30. Funky and Bright 80s Kitchen Design
The bright blue fridge and stand mixer match the blue tile trim in this kitchen, but the dark brown cabinets seem to throw everything off. This kitchen also features a nice window, white countertops, and peach wallpaper with a peach-colored hood fan. There is just way too much happening in this retro kitchen for me to appreciate the vision the designer had.
31. If you Like Pink, This Kitchen is For You
Pink is the commanding color in this kitchen found on the walls, furniture, and accessories. The white and mauve tile style floors add a unique touch, and it also features a large window and white appliances. I don’t mind this kitchen because most of the pink can easily be painted over, and the rest of the space looks nice and functional.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of interior design, particularly in the context of the 1980s, I can confidently say that the 1980s was indeed a wild time, marked by the prevalence of neon colors, iconic pop music, and legendary movies that continue to define popular culture. The interior décor of homes during this decade reflected the bold and eclectic nature of the era, with a wide range of design choices that continue to influence modern aesthetics.
The 1980s retro-style kitchens mentioned in the article showcase a variety of design concepts that were prevalent during the period. These concepts include the use of pastel colors, funky pattern play, dark and brooding color schemes, mixed materials, and an abundance of floral and geometric patterns. Additionally, the kitchens feature a mix of bright and earthy tones, southwest-inspired themes, and bold color choices such as aqua blue, peach, and mint green. The use of checkerboard floors, wood cabinets, and a blend of textures and patterns also characterizes the 1980s kitchen design.
The article describes kitchens with vibrant color palettes, varied textures, and an eclectic mix of materials. Some kitchens feature classic 1980s elements such as skylights, tray ceilings, and unique window designs, adding to the overall character of the spaces. The prevalence of wallpaper, laminate countertops, and distinct color combinations further underscores the distinct design aesthetics of the 1980s.
In conclusion, the 1980s retro-style kitchens mentioned in the article offer a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant design trends of the era. From bold color choices to eclectic patterns and textures, these kitchens reflect the unique and sometimes unconventional approach to interior design that defined the 1980s. Despite some design elements feeling outdated by today's standards, these kitchens serve as a testament to the creativity and individuality that characterized the 1980s interior décor.
If you have any specific questions or would like further insights into the 1980s interior design trends, feel free to ask!
