IF you're thinking about giving your home a glow-up this year then you might want to take note.
Interior designers have revealed that vintage retro aesthetics is set to take our homes by storm in 2025.
Not only that, but they found that 80s living rooms are set to be the next big thing as more and more homeowners look to decorate their spaces with timeless classic designs from the popular decade.
So in a bid to help, Michael Rolland, interior expert and Managing Director atThe Paint Shed, shared his top tips for DIYers to get the look in their own homes.
He revealed the best colour combinations, shades and design choices for those who want to bring this 80s vision to life.
But Michael warns that there is a key colour that homeowners should avoid if they want to create an authentic 80s vibe.
1. Yellows are your best friend — but avoid ‘banana’
Yellow is often attributed to 80s interiors, so adding the bright summer colour is an easy way to jump back a few decades.
However, Michael says that bold, brash banana shades are the kind of yellow that shouldn’t make a comeback in 2025.
He says: “80s interiors are often attributed with yellow shades, and luckily there are some beautiful, vintage-feel shades on the market.
“However, instead of bright, brash banana shades, which can often feel a little gimmicky, try out cooler-toned yellows or yellows with a brown or orange undertone.
“Shades that come to mind are Farrow and Ball’s ‘Farrow’s Cream’ and Little Greene’s ‘Linen Wash’.
“These create a perfect, more neutral base to complement other bold tones used in furniture and accent pieces.”;
2. Explore orange
Another colour that homeowners should embrace is orange.
Not only is it a recurring colour theme in both original ’80s interiors and 80s-inspired homes, but it is also set to be a popular choice for 2025.
It's the perfect colour to incorporate into the living room because it evokes feelings of warmth, happiness, and energy, creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
It's also a versatile colour that can be used in various styles, from bright and cheerful to more muted and earthy.
Michael explains: “Pops of orange can enhance the retro feel.
“Use this as an opportunity to be creative.
“Instead of buying new accent pieces, consider painting the ones you already have.
“Try a quality furniture paint like Benjamin Moore’s Scuff X on a lifeless coffee table, for example.
“Once drenched in orange shade, it will fit right into its new role as an 80s capsule.”;
3. Embrace wood panelling
It's not just bold colours that were popular in the 80s – bold design choices were also common in most homes.
And Michael explains that wooden panelling can be a great design choice to enhance the vintage feel of a home.
He said:“When I think of an 80s living room, I picture wooden features — shiny wood panelling on walls, long TV sets, you name it.
“So, it’s important to incorporate these wood elements into your space.
“Waxy wood panelling is a great option.
“I’d personally recommend keeping it as an accent wall feature while maintaining a cohesive colour scheme throughout the house.
“Exploring bold architectural designs like these can add an exciting ‘blast from the past’ complexity to a modern home.”;
