As the editor-in-chief of Country LivingI’ll admit I have a soft spot for the ’80s landscape. The magazine was launched in 1978, which means that the brand has established itself in an era of proud hands and smart-mouthed television aliens. Like me.
I like mixing Country Living archives to see which interiors still feel timeless, which collections were the most desirable, and which recipes were around. (We had a serious salad moment.) I even love the look of old ads for everything from cigarettes (sorry and about that) to wooden wagons.
Laura Ashley’s bedroom in the 1985 edition of Country Living
While there are certain trends I’ll never want to revisit (see: popcorn ceilings, teddy bears, carpeted beds), ’80s country style is more timeless than you might think. In addition, the beauty of the country may have strong moments of grip (look at you a modern farmhouse), but it will always be based on warmth and functionality, it will always be in style.
Given that trends tend to re-emerge over a 40-year period, it makes sense that the 1980s trend is at its peak, which is why we’re suddenly seeing all kinds of ’80s-era design elements working their way around the world. Even if you laugh, I say it’s a good thing! Here are the styles that are more in tune with Duran Duran than Milli Vanilli.
Hand Painted Stencils
Although stencil motifs obviously existed before the 1980s, they were everywhere during that time. (If you know, you know. ) As antiques (think painted chests, beautifully carved benches, and bobbin beds) find new homes with the next generation, young decorative artists like Tess Newall and Amy Balfour and designers like Lilse McKenna are also finding fun and new ways to incorporate traditional art into these pieces, as well as walls, stairs, and even stairs. Do you want to do it? Contemporary artist and chalk paint purveyor Annie Sloan offers stencil tutorials and books featuring contemporary patterns, while the Stencil Library collection offers a breadth of historic design.
Dusty pastels
Our friends at Sherwin-Williams refer to the 1980s as “the mauving of America” and we couldn’t have said it more. From dusty pink to cornflower blue, the country aesthetic of the 1980s was a muted version of Miami Viceas if Crockett and Tubbs splashed on a muddy river bank and soiled their suits. Recently, designers including Heidi Caillier, Emily Henderson, and Stephanie Sabbe have revived interest in these low-but-full colors, a simple and authentic way to embrace color in a country house. (Historically, paints were made from pigments and raw materials such as clay or sand, which lent them soil.)
Feathered Friends
Welcome to the rooster revival. Ducks, geese, swans, yes, roosters graze the feathers of the next generation’s nests from coast to coast. Honestly, I would have thought that geese wearing blue bows around their necks would be a step too far for Olivia Rodrigo’s older generation, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. (I probably should have seen it coming once the porch geese took over TikTok.)
To change this look to a rooster-a-doodle-do instead of a rooster-don’t do that, I recommend that you have it and go completely kitsch (see: goose porches!) And remember: If roosters are here now, sunflowers will not be far behind.
Extended Window Treatment
Go ahead and double that fabric estimate.
While we’ll forever love vintage bamboo blinds, we’re long overdue for window treatments. You could say that the loose cushion and sofa trends of recent times have paved the way for high-quality window coverings, which is why you’ll be seeing rugs and balloon shades in the near future, as well as creative and edgy takes on the traditional. The 1980s were all about maximalism, after all.
Terracotta floors
Terracotta floors bring warmth to a rustic kitchen, as do hanging baskets.
Just as brick floors are making a comeback, companies are also bringing back this material with tiles in different shapes and sizes – square, medallion, hex, rectangle – with sleek and rustic finishes. It’s a popular choice for adding warmth to kitchens and mudrooms. (Go here for more 1980s-inspired kitchen designs.)
Eye lace
There’s something about eyelet that’s sweet without being saccharine.
The early 1980s revival (see: “Laura Ashley,” below) helped popularize this romantic look seen in everything from bed linens to window treatments. The delicate embellishment has recently re-emerged in fashion trends, often leading design trends, and the simple lace embellishment is already appearing in many retailers. We especially like the look of bed skirts or cafe curtains in the kitchen.
Bed Skirts
A common sight in the 1980s and 1990s, these fabric panels—also known as dust ruffles or valance sheets—were often placed under the mattress and placed on top of the bed and on the sides of the bed to hide box springs or bed frames while keeping dust under the bed. However, a few decades ago, bed linens were not accepted, and the owners of the house chose fully decorated frames that eliminated the need for dressing – at least to say the least. But lately, given the rise of the cottagecore aesthetic and the enduring appeal of English country interiors, bedspreads have been resurrected as an easy way to add a feminine flounce to a space—just think of it as a bedspread for your bedrooms.
RELATED: Seven Effective Ways to Add a Bed Skirt to Your Home
Laura Ashley Everything
A Laura Ashley-inspired bedroom with floral wallpaper and bold stripes
With the opening in September 2025 of the brand’s first British brick-and-mortar store in five years, Laura Ashley has re-entered the conversation. (To be fair, the brand is already having a lot of fun, with vintage Laura Ashley dresses selling for hundreds this summer on Etsy and eBay.) According to culture, prairie-centric methods are only
loved once the Little House on the Prairie The reboot will premiere on television next year. Fun fact: Born in Laura Mountney, the first British designer shop in Wales, she sold local honey and sticks!
What have we lost?!
Drop your favorite ’80s tunes in the comments—or at least please share your own “80s karaoke” song.
Rachel Hardage Barrett has written and edited lifestyle articles for more than 20 years. As editor-in-chief of Country Living, she has covered all things country living—including design, gardening, food, travel, antiques, crafts and pop culture—for more than a decade. Prior to Country Living, Rachel spent several years at Southern Living, where she served as Senior Editor covering travel, food, style and features. Prior to Southern Living, Rachel was Director of Special Projects for Real Simple, where she wrote and curated books and specials on food, travel, weddings, planning and parenting in addition to working on international publications and licensed products. Before working in lifestyle brands, Rachel began her magazine career at Glamour, where she wrote and edited relationship articles, celebrity interviews, as well as fashion and news sections. When she’s not working at the magazine, she can be found hanging out at an antique store, perusing real estate listings, or dreaming of opening a general store.
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