Explore 50+ Inspiring 1980s House Design Not To Be Missed

1980s Contemporary House Design

The 1980s contemporary house design is distinguished by its emphasis on clean lines and bold forms. It is a look which is also sleek but without the stark, austere look of mid-century modern design. The minimalism was perfect for tight urban spaces, which often limited choices in finishes. Contemporary house designs of the 1980s featured natural wood veneers and leafing, bright color palettes, and metal accents like chrome details.

In the 1980s, the living room often featured upholstered furniture in bright hues that reflected the accent colors in the rest of the house. Innovative new materials such as faux leather, acrylics, and vinyl were commonly used for furniture pieces to create the futuristic, edgy look of the 1980s. Colorful light fixtures and objects against a neutral backdrop helped to create the vibrant aesthetic of this era.

1980s Split Level House Design

The split level house design of the 1980s was a popular choice for homes of all sizes. Split level designs provide a lot of living space within a small footprint, and can accommodate multiple stories. This style also allows for a higher degree of privacy, as separate living spaces can be created for each family member on different levels.

The classic 80s split-level home features a multi-story floor plan, with sections jutting out at different levels. This style can easily be adapted to different building sites and also feature an expansive, open-plan living space or a cozy loft space. It utilizes classic design elements combined with modern touches such as shuttered windows, dormer windows, skylights, and angled roof lines.

1980s Mediterranean House Design

The Mediterranean house design of the 1980s is characterized by its airy, bright atmosphere and use of bold colors and intricate patterns. The style was enormously popular during this era and was perfect for creating an inviting space to entertain outdoors. Popular features included tile floors, exposed wood beams, and hand-painted ceramic tiles or murals.

The bright, airy look was achieved through the use of light-colored stucco walls, decorated with painted tiles in intricate patterns. The floors were made with terracotta tiles, combining both texture and comfort in the 1980s Mediterranean house design. Large windows, louvered shutters, decorative wrought iron details, and an abundance of terraces and balconies are also typical of the Mediterranean style.

1980s Post & Beam House Design

The post and beam house design of the 1980s is characterized by its open floor plan and simplicity of structure. It is a modern style that uses contemporary materials to create a strong and sustainable construction. An emphasis was placed on natural, environmental building techniques such as passive solar energy, natural ventilation, and energy efficient lighting.

The post and beam construction method is achieved by combining posts and beams with an efficient design in which walls are omitted. This results in an open floor plan that is ideal for entertaining and maximizing natural light. The use of exposed steel and wooden beams and posts has been a defining feature of the 1980s post and beam house design, creating an aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient structure.

1980s Ranch House Design

The ranch house design of the 1980s was a popular choice for families who wanted an open floor plan and comfortable living space. This style featured low-pitched roofs, open floor plans, and sprawling single-story designs. It also incorporated an abundance of windows for natural light and emphasized the outdoor living spaces.

Key elements of the 1980s ranch house design include exposed brick or stone ceilings, large fireplaces, built-in wood features, hardwood floors, and an airy, open design. Expansive windows, sliding glass doors, and spacious patios helped to create an inviting, relaxed atmosphere. A mix of colors and textures was often used to create a unique and vibrant aesthetic.

1980s Victorian House Design

The 1980s Victorian house design was an enduring style for those who sought a stately and sophisticated look. Typical features of this style include steeply pitched roofs; bright, contrasting paint colors; ornamental wood trim; turreted front porches; and an abundance of detailed ornamentation.

Within the 1980s Victorian house design were many different styles, including the Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Gray and Stick, and Shingle. Each of these styles featured unique details and brought a special charm to classic Victorian architecture. Traditional materials such as wood, stone, and brick were used throughout to create an elegant, timeless look.

1980s Country House Design

The 1980s country house design was perfect for homeowners wanting to create a rural retreat. This style combines traditional elements with modern touches to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. It draws heavily on European influences, featuring high ceilings, open floor plans, and large windows.

The materials used to create the classic country style included wood, brick, stucco, and stone. Natural elements such as wood beams were often added for texture and warmth. Other traditional features such as pocket doors, barn-style sliding doors, and built-in furniture added a sense of timelessness and character to the home.

1980s Dutch Colonial House Design

The Dutch Colonial house design of the 1980s was inspired by the triangular rooflines seen in the homes of 17th century Dutch settlers. This style often featured a central hall with living accommodations on either side, and the steeply pitched roof was prominent. It also often featured banded windows, decorative shutters, and brickwork.

The 1980s versions of the Dutch Colonial style were characterized by the use of bright, bold colors and a mix of traditional and modern materials. Natural elements such as wood, brick, and stone were used, as well as modern materials such as steel and glass. The interior spaces often featured open floor plans with vaulted ceilings, creating airy and inviting living spaces.

1980s Georgian House Design

The Georgian house design of the 1980s was a classic style and an homage to the designs of British colonial America. It is characterized by the symmetrical shape of the building and delicate details that are key features of the past, such as Doric columns, Palladian windows, and fanlights.

The 1980s Georgian style was often made up of red brick and whitewashed stone. Interior spaces often featured deep-set windows, intricate woodwork, fireplaces, and mouldings. This style also embraced a wide variety of colors and patterned wallpapers, as well as textured fabrics and art pieces for a luxurious finish.

1980s Craftsman House Design

The Craftsman house design of the 1980s was a natural choice for anyone looking to create a warm and welcoming home. The Craftsman style was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century, with its emphasis on simplicity, craftsmanship, and traditional materials.

The bold colors and exposed rafters seen in modern Craftsman homes created a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Wide porches, deep eaves, and low-pitched roofs also added to the charm of this style. The use of traditional materials such as cedar siding, exposed brick, and stained and/or painted woodwork completed the look.

1980s American FourSquare House Design

The American Foursquare house design of the 1980s was a popular choice for its simplicity and affordability. These straightforward homes featured a square layout and two or more stories, and their boxy shapes were usually adorned with gables, dormers, and wrap-around porches.

The interior of the American Foursquare featured an open floor plan with minimal decorative trim and open handrails for stairs. The kitchen was often adjacent to an open dining area, and fireplaces were also common features. Materials such as brick, shingles, stucco, and woodwork were used to create the traditional and inviting aesthetic of this style.