Is Stranger Things Bringing ‘80s Design Back?

They say that trends are circular, and while ‘80s interior design might not thrill lovers of sleek Scandi style or earthy minimalism, there’s no denying that retro is making a comeback – and it seems that the highly-anticipated new season of Stranger Things is the catalyst.

‘80s Design Ideas: Stranger Things-Inspired Interiors

Image courtesy of Netflix © 2022

After much speculation, Netflix has finally revealed the release date for Stranger Things season 5 – the final installment of the record-breaking series. Set to arrive on our screens in November (as part of a staggered release that sees the very final part air on New Year’s Eve), Stranger Things is officially back; and so too is ‘80s interior design, apparently.

It’s no secret that TV, film and even literature can have a huge influence on design trends; just take a look at the charming ‘Austenmania’ aesthetic, or the buzz surrounding Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment in the new season of And Just Like That…. So, it’s no surprise, that Stranger Things is bringing retro into 2025 – according to experts at Ruggable, in fact, Google searches for ‘80s-inspired interior design surged in the wake of the Netflix announcement, with trends including ‘maximalist living rooms’, ‘neon signs’ and ‘art deco geometric patterns’ among the most popular.

How exactly do you nail the ‘modern retro’ look, however? We asked the Ruggable team for some tips.

Image courtesy of Liz Kamarul / Ruggable

Warm Wall Colours

‘The colours that come to mind when we think of the 1980s are bright tones such as neon pink, electric blue and vibrant orange,’ reflects Claudia Kampmann, Ruggable’s brand manager. Of course, these can be tricky hues to work with without overwhelming your space, so it’s best to opt for ‘bold shades with the same undertones, like reds, oranges and yellows; since these are all classed as warm colours, they can create a cohesive look without causing visual overstimulation,’ says Claudia.

Whatever your preferred palette might be, make sure to ‘choose shades with a similar brightness, and try to use each colour evenly throughout your space,’ Claudia advises. ‘Alternating between block and patterned methods is a great way to maintain balance in the room while achieving that iconic retro finish.’

Image courtesy of Netflix

Contrasting Finishes

‘If you’re after a truly bold ‘80s look, you’ll need to go brave with your design choices and tap into colour theory practices,’ says Claudia. ‘Orange and blue sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, for instance; when paired together, they compliment each other perfectly due to their high contrast tonal differences, allowing each colour to stand out. The same applies with purple and yellow, as well as red and green.’

You don’t have to go all-in with geometric designs or colour-drenched walls, however. ‘I would suggest painting a feature wall with one of your chosen colours and then incorporating the opposite colour using statement pieces like sofas and sideboards,’ Claudia tells us. ‘Then, use more pared-back tones for smaller decor and finishing touches, to ensure that the eye isn’t drawn away from the contrast look you’re creating.’

Muted Accents

‘For a more contemporary take on ‘80s interior design, try opting for very subtle and muted versions of those bold colours,’ says Claudia. Think burnt orange and mustard yellow rather than vibrant sunset hues, or softer green and pastel pink rather than more vivid alternatives. 

‘You can always accent a room using less-noticeable detailing like neon lighting and more minimal patterns,’ Claudia notes. ‘This way, you’re giving a nod to the era while creating a sleek and more modernised look.’