'80s design is remembered for being boldly patterned, brightly colored, and totally over the top – so, when decorators start to talk about the '80s revival, homeowners are understandably skeptical. However, not all interiors of the 1980s were so garish.
Though Céline Dion is known as the 'queen of power ballads,' her approach to interior design is surprisingly subtle. Archival photos of the singer in her Montreal home in 1988 reveal a minimalist approach to the decade's trends. Céline's living room features beige wall-to-wall carpets, dark wood panelling, a rattan TV console, and a lace-covered table. It's certainly retro, but feels much more approachable from a modern perspective.
As 1980s interior design trends grow more popular, we're turning to Céline, not , to guide our vision.
So, how do we tap into the '80s look with a more minimalist approach? 'The 80s embraced gloss and glamour,' explains Mike Whitfield, luxury interiors expert at Lusso. Thus, embracing a look like Céline's requires taking this bold look and adapting it to be quieter.
Mike advises: 'We’re seeing a modern reinterpretation of that through reflective cabinetry, polished natural stone, rich veneers, and layered lighting that create a more opulent atmosphere.'
From swaths of dark wood to functional updates, here are picks for creating a similar '80s-inspired look at home.
A wooden side table is a fun way to brighten an unused corner of the living room, and this brass and checkered one has just the right amount of extra personality. The pedestal base is so chic.
This sturdy, wooden media console is a modern alternative for displaying your television in the same way we see in Celine's living room. It is adjustable, depending on how you want to store and display your items.
Instantly add a touch of vintage charm to your side table with a doily, like we see in Céline's living room. This style is beautiful by itself or layered with personal decor.
With its softly distressed foliage pattern and muted tones, this rug brings subtle interest to a minimalist living room without making the space feel busy. The hand-loomed texture adds warmth and dimension while keeping the overall look pared back - it's beige, but more compelling.
A sculptural vase is the perfect option for uniting modernity and tradition in your living room. This pretty glass one from Anthopologie has an interesting shape and reflective style.
Axmotut Cob LED Strip Light
Though they don't look like much, that's kind of the point. Line the bottom of your shelves with these warm LED strips for invisible but impactful illumination, as we see in Celine Dion's living room.
Certain accents feel like direct nods to this period. For example, we're loving the dark glass on Celine's cabinets, which is an easy look to recreate on your own console, or even with a dark glass piece of furniture. 'Smoked glass instantly creates a moodier, more luxurious feel,' explains Mike. 'It softens a space visually and creates a more atmospheric environment.'
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As '80s colors make a comeback, the one we're most excited about is dark wood. As we see on the console in Celine's living room, it helps create a moody, deeply textured space.
Interiors Expert Danielle Castagna explains: 'Dark wooden furniture and finishes will make a strong comeback this fall, as lighter Scandinavian-inspired interiors begin to lose momentum. Rich walnut, oak, and mahogany allow homeowners to introduce depth and warmth that complements fall interiors perfectly.'
If you're hoping to integrate a piece of Celine's look into your own living room, dark wood is the perfect place to begin because it is so versatile. Danielle says: 'Dark wood has lasting appeal because it can work fluidly in both classic and contemporary homes. Pairing darker furniture with carefully placed framed artwork can tie the room together and create a look that’s unlikely to go out of style any time soon.'
Finally, though all-over bold pattern is a thing best left to the '80s, integrating a smaller accent, as we see with Celine's lace-covered table, is resurging in popularity this season.
Danielle advises: 'Vintage-inspired patterns, including chintz florals, will return this fall. Rather than covering entire rooms, as they often did in the 80s, these prints are now being incorporated in smaller accents such as cushions, lampshades, or a single piece of upholstered furniture, adding character to a space without overwhelming it.'
Rather than replicating the past wholesale, vintage-inspired decor takes the best of a look and elevates it.
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