Explore the cooking spaces of celebrities who made it big in the decade.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

The 1980s were a time when decadence, style and entertainment reigned supreme. In this article, we’ll explore the kitchens of the rich and famous who made their names in that decade, stepping into spaces that span from posh and tasteful in San Francisco to stately and opulent in Manhattan.

1. Winona Ryder’s San Francisco Home

The charming, Dutch-Colonial-style home located in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood, previously owned by Winona Ryder and put on the market by the actor in 2020, included a grand view of the Bay, a deck, a retro bath and this modern-yet-classic kitchen. The stainless steel appliances add a polished modernity to the space that has more traditional white Shaker cabinets and wooden flooring. The elegant simplicity of the kitchen flows effortlessly into the dining room and outdoors.

2. Robert De Niro’s NYC Apartment

Located in New York City’s West Village, this apartment once rented by Robert De Niro boasted five bedrooms, a steam room, walk-in closets, private landscaped terraces and this stunning contemporary kitchen. Spacious with plenty of storage, practicality and aesthetics meet as defined by its wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances and, of course, expansive kitchen island cooktop. The streamlined glass hood elevates the space even further.

3. Michelle Pfeiffer’s LA Mansion

Michelle Pfeiffer, who rose to fame in Scarface and then went on to star in other popular  ’80s films including Dangerous Liaisons and The Fabulous Baker Boys, put this home on the market in 2021. Located in LA’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood, this mansion featured a main bedroom with a fireplace and ensuite bath, a pool and an al fresco area for dining. And, of course, this kitchen with its light wood, seamless cabinets, smooth white and pastel blue surfaces, and gold details in lights, plumbing fixtures and hardware. This harmonious effect can be seen throughout: case in point, the stainless steel range with brass fixtures beneath the gleaming, tiled backsplash.

4. Michael Douglas’ NYC Apartment

The actor, who is well-known for his roles in ’80s classics including Wall Street and Fatal Attraction, put his NYC apartment up for sale this year. Located on Central Park West, the home featured multiple imposing bedrooms, a library/study, a living room with a piano, and this sleek, modern kitchen. The stainless steel appliances, including the double range and multiple refrigerators with glass fronts to display their contents, are certainly impressive. Combined with the more traditional white trim of the kitchen, the matching Shaker cabinets and dark wood flooring, the space is ultimately urbane yet timeless.

5. Molly Ringwald’s NYC Apartment

This East Village brownstone apartment, built in 1900 and restored by the ’80s star Molly Ringwald, was put on the market in 2016 and featured two fireplaces, exposed brick walls, high ceilings and this cozy, endearing kitchen. The mostly-white interior, with hints of stainless steel, adds sophistication to the space, and the mosaic tiles bring a nostalgic feel to the historic home. The wooden furniture provides warmth, and its colorful accents a touch of playfulness.