6 ideas to steal from kitchens of the 1980s
Sometimes, looking to past decades is the best way to find fun, unique features to add to your kitchen. And if there’s one decade that truly embraced bold design and statement colors in the kitchen, it’s the 1980s.
Now considered retro kitchen ideas, designs of the era saw bold colors, geometric tiles, and bold wallpapers at the forefront of trends. And some of these statement features are still proving popular.
From the busy prints and patterns that dominated the eighties to the materials that still endure, these are the kitchen features designers say are still surprisingly stylish and still deserve a place in our schemes in 2025.
The 1980s kitchen features designers still love
Whether you want to bring a sense of nostalgia to your kitchen or are simply looking for ways to decorate with bold, retro colors, these features, synonymous with the 1980s, there are plenty of ideas here to inspire.
1. Graphic wall tiles
(Image credit: Bert & May/@a100xbetter/@virtuallyherestudios)
There were a few different patterns that were popular throughout the 1980s, but geometrics and florals in the same bold color palette of yellows and oranges were incredibly prominent, especially in kitchens.
‘Graphic tiles and geometric shapes also have staying power,’ says Maddy Bull, senior interior designer at HollandGreen. Think kitchen backsplashes covered in a constant geometric pattern, or a full feature wall for a striking focal point, both of which can look totally retro in kitchens today. And it’s not the only pattern returning in 2025.
‘Floral patterns are synonymous with the ’80s. Using tiles to create a vibrant backsplash that stands out is a simple yet effective way to bring some 80s charm into your home. Cream tiles with orange or red floral patterns were extremely popular back then, and they can add some color and nostalgia to an otherwise neutral modern kitchen,’ adds Claudia Kampmann, Europe brand manager at Ruggable.
2. Tiled countertops
Perhaps a controversial feature, but tiles in 1980s kitchens weren’t just reserved for the walls. In fact, a tiled kitchen countertop was perhaps the most coveted feature, but over the years, there have been some concerns over how practical it is.
‘I’m still not averse to the 1980s idea of a tiled countertop, I appreciate the question of hygiene is a concern to some people, but a stiff brush and bleach work wonders on keeping things clean,’ says interior designer Benji Lewis.
While in the 1980s, every kitchen countertop would have been tiled, there are smaller ways to introduce this infamous feature. Stick to just tiling your kitchen island countertops, so your perimeter surfaces can still be a more durable, easy-to-clean design.
3. Wooden kitchens
It’s one of the biggest kitchen trends of 2025 – but it turns out, wooden kitchens were just as popular in the eighties. It’s another feature that got replaced by more modern, neutral cabinet colors, but their comeback is one many designers are celebrating.
‘Wood kitchens were extremely popular back in the 80s, and incorporating them into your space today can give it a nostalgic feel, while also leaning into that farmhouse interior style that has been popular over the past couple of years,’ says Claudia.
Although Benji is quick to add that the wood kitchen cabinets we see today are a more stylish interpretation, without the ‘questionable syrupy varnish’ most wooden designs of the era had.
‘Whilst the varnished look isn’t one I’d love to see the return of, nor too much of a bevel, the natural beauty of wood is fabulous on simpler cabinetry doors,’ he notes, speaking of the more timeless, cooler-toned woods currently popular.
And you don’t have to go for a full wood kitchen if it’s not your style. ‘If you don’t want to go all-out-80s, just incorporate pieces of wood in other ways in your kitchen, through shelving, flooring, and other accents like a kitchen island,’ Claudia suggests.
4. Bold colors
We couldn’t talk about eighties kitchens without highlighting the color palette of the era. As white kitchens continue to slow in popularity, there’s never been a better time to embrace the hues of a classic 1980s cooking space.
‘Bold color is back. In the ’80s, color was often used expressively in kitchens, and we’re seeing a resurgence of this now, particularly through cabinetry and tiles. Clients are once again drawn to bolder, more characterful choices that make the kitchen feel personal and energising,’ says Maddy.
‘Think reds, oranges, and yellows to brighten up the space and make it feel cozy and homely. You could also opt for bright colours like yellow in the form of your kitchen appliances or accessories, such as fridges, rugs, and tea towels, to hone in on the 80s aesthetic. Adding pops of color like this can bring that nostalgic feel with a contemporary edge,’ adds Claudia.
5. Checkerboard flooring
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Another popular way to bring in bold tiles, kitchen flooring was also a big focus during the decade of bold style. ‘Checkerboard flooring has stood the test of time due to its versatility and bold impact,’ says Edward Martin, of the eponymous tile brand.
‘While the iconic black-and-white scheme still holds timeless appeal, today’s checkerboard trend is all about reimagining the look. Think marble look tiles for a high-end twist, earth tones for a softer palette, or bright, contrasting hues for a playful statement,’ he adds.
Warm neutrals and earthy us are a big kitchen color trend right now, so embracing these softer hues is a stylish way to nod to the 80s aesthetic without feeling out of place or out of date.
6. Wallpapered kitchen walls
‘In the ’80s we enjoyed wallpapering our kitchen walls and then suddenly we didn’t. I don’t know why we wouldn’t revisit this; there are some beautiful papers around that would work perfectly in the context of a kitchen,’ says Benji.
If there’s one word to describe kitchens during the 1980s, it’s bold. Almost every cooking space featured kitchen wallpaper in some capacity, and the prints were anything but minimal.
‘Patterned wallpaper is another thing we’re seeing in kitchens again, which is comparable to the 80s. Back then, bright and vibrant wallpapers were used to adorn the walls of kitchens worldwide, whereas more minimalist kitchens have been popular throughout the 2010s and 20s,’ says Claudia.
‘Wallpaper in the kitchen is gaining popularity again, thanks to eclectic home decor taking over neutrals. More people are showing their personality through their homes and bringing more life to their kitchens with the help of colour and patterns.’
Shop 1980s kitchen decor
Pantone
Pantone Latte Cup Set of 4 Yellow, Red, Orange, Light Pink
Add pops of color with Pantone’s vibrant coffee cups. These sweet latte mugs have a dishwasher-safe handleless design in four playful hues.
Walmart
Better Homes & Gardens Fitzgerald Bar Cart With Matte Gold Metal Finish, 2-Tiers
It doesn’t get more ’80s than a bar cart. This Walmart pick is affordable without looking cheap, all you need is to stock it with Martini and Cinzano for the ultimate ’80s set up.
H&M
4-Pack Beverage Glasses
Olive green glasses are the ideal subtle nod to ’80s style that you can add to your kitchen in an instant.
West Elm
Pierce & Ward Floral Grid Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Designed in collaboration with renowned design duo Pierce & Ward, this retro-meets-modern peel-and-stick wallpaper is perfect for DIYers who love to switch things up.
JONES CLOCKS
Jones Clocks® Movie Wall Clock
An easy way to add an ’80s touch to your kitchen while not leaning to cliché, the wall clock is as timeless as it is trendy.
Urban Outfitters
Subtle Art Studios Chocolate Checkered Glass Tile Coaster
If you don’t want to commit to the checkerboard floor, some cute accessories can add a nod to the era like these cute handmade glass coasters from Urban Outfitters that are available in 20 different colorways.
Looking back is often the best way to find inspiring design features to bring retro style to your kitchen. But bringing them into your kitchen today requires a careful balance so it doesn’t feel outdated.
‘Choose one or two 80s-inspired touches – perhaps a bold tile pattern or open shelf display – and combine them with high-quality, tactile materials,’ suggests Maddy Bull, of HollandGreen.
‘Think graphic tiles paired with honed stone countertops, or colorful cabinetry grounded by natural wood details. The goal isn’t to recreate the decade, but to borrow its best ideas and make them feel fresh, grounded, and personal.’
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