Find 59+ Breathtaking 1980 House Design Voted By The Construction Association

Contemporary House Designs of the 1980s

The aesthetic diversity of contemporary house designs in the 1980s was unparalleled. Standing at the confluence of diverse influences like postmodernism, minimalism and high tech, these house designs could consist of a wide range of materials and shapes. Sleek, straight lines, flat surfaces, and natural materials were combined with bright colors and quirky details. The outcome saw a sharp focus on walls and windows that were filled with light. The use of terracotta and stone cladding gave these designs an exquisite rustic touch. Other features included wide glass walls, extensive porches, and extensive cantilevered decks.

Victorian House Design of the 1980s

With the dramatic rise in the popularity of Neo-Victorian architecture in the 1980s, house designs of this era also reflected its influence. Victorian house designs of this era played with proportion and scale to evoke nostalgia and charm. These designs prominently featured multiple stories and were comprised of intricate details and trim. Ornamental spindles and fretwork graced balconies while steeply pitched roofs and asymmetrical façades added to the air of grandiosity. Windows and doors of these houses were eclectic and varied, often consisting of square bay windows with bright detailing.

Architectural House Designs of the 1980s

Though traditional influences dominated the house designs of the 1980s, they were not the only ones. Architectural house designs of this era were heavily inspired by the iconic works of renowned architects like John Lautner, Tony Fretton, Ben Johnson, and Lebbeus Woods. These designs combined a range of materials that included exposed concrete, wood cladding, and glass. Featuring furniture set within walls, these houses experimented with multiple artforms, including wall reliefs and abstract sculptures. Large windows, skylights, and long, angular forms made these designs look futuristic and one-of-a-kind.

Traditional House Designs of the 1980s

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there were the traditional house designs of the 1980s. These designs focused on compact layouts with modest cottage-inspired façades and pitched roofs. Exteriors of these houses often featured low maintenance materials such as stucco, brick and wood. Windows of these designs were either casement, double hung or picture. Entryways were adorned with half doors containing clear glass insertions. The interior of these houses often included common features such as fireplaces and large windows.

Ranch House Designs of the 1980s

Ranch house designs of the 1980s were a tribute to the mid-century modern designs of the '50s and '60s. These houses featured simple, single-story floor plans with low-pitched gable roofs and long, overhanging eaves. Their entrances were often located at the center of them and were directly connected to the living room or the dining area. Floor-to-ceiling windows were quite common in these designs as were large kitchens and attached patios. Other features included sliding door panels, deep porches and wood cladding.

Country House Designs of the 1980s

Country house designs of the 1980s were heavily inspired by the rustic designs of New England Colonials, Cottages and Cape Cods of the 18th and 19th centuries. Generally featuring large exteriors, these houses had a deep connection to the outdoors. They featured gabled roofs with large windows that were often decorated with shutters. The exterior of these houses was generally traditional with weatherboard sidings, woodland gray shingles, and stone cladding. Aspects of landscaping were also an integral part of these designs.

Cape House Designs of the 1980s

The traditional, yet charming, Cape house designs of the 1980s drew heavily from the English housing style of the 17th century. These houses typically comprised of two stories that often featured a widow's walk on the top. Gable and scalloped roofing patterns were common features of these designs as were low ceilings and rough timbers. Windows were quite prominent in these designs and were often large and placed below the gables. In terms of interior, the focus was mainly on creating a warm and cozy atmosphere, with distressed floors and exposed beams.

Tudor House Designs of the 1980s

Tudor-style houses have been a mainstay of suburban architecture for a long time. So it's no surprise that the 1980s were no exception in regards to Tudor house designs. Prominent features of these designs included half-timbered walls with masonry and plaster fill-ins. Windows were typically large and featured multi-paned detailing. Materials used in these designs included brickwork, timber, and ornate stone carvings. Fluidity of design was also a prominent feature of these designs with open spaces, high ceilings and the occasional balcony.

Bungalow House Designs of the 1980s

Bungalow house designs of the 1980s focused on crisp shapes and small spaces. These designs generally boasted of bright, exteriors with stone and wood cladding. Attached porches, low-pitched roofs, and large windows were commonplace. Combine this with an organic floor plan that connected the living and dining spaces seamlessly, and you've got yourself one of the most iconic designs from the 1980s. Furniture in these houses was often minimalistic while decorative metalwork on the windows and doors provided a subtle yet striking effect.

Mediterranean House Designs of the 1980s

The humble Mediterranean house designs of the 1980s were inspired by the principles of minimalism and serenity. Some of the common features of these houses included arched doorways, bright hues, red or black-tiled roofing, stucco surfaces, and atriums. In terms of interior design, Mediterranean houses focused on creating bright, airy spaces. This was achieved by the addition of large windows, pastel colored walls, and clear separation of zones. Floral motifs and shining tiles were also a common presence in these designs.

Modern House Designs of the 1980s

The 1980s were a golden age for modern house designs that matched the lofty aspirations of the period. These designs combined budget-friendly materials like wood and plastic with luxurious touches like travertine flooring and marble walls. They generally had uncluttered floor plans that incorporated large windows that filled their airy interiors with natural light. Sleek, straight lines and flat surfaces were also common features of these designs. Other features included cantilevered decks, exposed beams, pitched roofs and skylights.