From bold colors to jungle-inspired prints, here are ’80s trends you can still find in homes today.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

The ’80s was a decade of mixing and matching, dramatic fashions and pumped-up hits from artists like Madonna and Prince. Design trends were daring and eclectic, and colors popped. Even though popular choices  — such as tile kitchen countertops — may have gone out of style, some are still found in homes today. Here are five surviving classics from the ’80s.

1. Big Brass

Brass was in vogue in the ’80s because it was bold, brash and brave. In today’s modern bath space, however, the material is used a little differently, as shown here. Perfect for a minimalist space, brass adds a touch of elegance and contrast in an otherwise calm, streamlined bath. A great option for hardware, as well as plumbing fixtures and mirrors.

2. Pretty Pastels

Bold colors might be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking ’80s  — and we’ll get to that! — but pastels were also very popular. And they’re back. Whether a peachy pink, pistachio green or warm yellow, today’s pastels are soothing, uplifting and add a touch of charm to a kitchen space.

3. Tropical Prints 

Drawing inspiration from the Golden Girls’ South Florida backdrop and the Hawaiian setting of Magnum P.I., ’80s homeowners were really into tropical prints, notably illustrations on wallpaper of ferns, banana plants and palm tree leaves. Today’s homeowners bring in the jungle by using wallpaper, and those who prefer a more natural look might use an actual tropical plant.

4. Limpid Lucite

The lucite trend began in the ’80s, and it has been more or less a constant ever since. The see-through, plastic material is great for a modern, streamlined look.  And if you want to show off a gorgeous kitchen island, it’s a perfect choice for the chairs surrounding it.

5. Vivid Colors

The ’80s were all about bright colors — and, of course, neon. While design has become more minimalist since then, strong colors are beginning to return to the kitchen and bath space.  In the bath space, for example, bold pops of color are used to augment a clean, simple design.