Explore 91+ Gorgeous 80s Kitchen Design Voted By The Construction Association

Throughout the decade, the 80s kitchen design saw a rapid development. From traditional style to high-tech, the minimalist style of the modern kitchen was quickly becoming popular at the time. Adding natural elements such as wood and stone was a popular way to bring life into an 80s kitchen, and smooth metal accents made for a stylish, unique look. Sleek cabinetry and stylish appliances were often a staple of modern kitchen designs throughout the 80s, and bold colors were just starting to become popular with homeowners as well.

The kitchen lighting of the 80s also saw some unique developments. LEDs and spot lights were just starting to be used along ceilings and countertops to create an overall modern look in the kitchen. Creative wall lighting was used to highlight details throughout the kitchen, while large windows allowed for natural light to brighten up the room just enough. Despite its modern feel, the 80s kitchen design was anything but bland, as unique accents and appliances could be found in homes everywhere.

The new wave 80s kitchen design was a reaction to the all-modern style of the time. Homeowners wanted something that was stylish and unique, yet inviting and comfortable. By introducing bold colors, eclectic decor and vibrant accents, the new wave kitchen was born. Colorful cabinets and appliances were common in this style, though wood was still popular in many cases. Countertops also adopted a more organic vibe during this period, bringing in a more natural feel to the kitchen.

Lighting was just as important during this period, but it was often more subtle than before. Wall scones and hidden spotlights were used to create an inviting aura instead of the stark and straightforward lighting used in modern kitchens. The new wave kitchen of the 80s certainly provided an interesting contrast to the sleek modern kitchen designs of the era.

The retro 80s kitchen design grew to popularity during the mid-part of the decade. This style of kitchen design was all about modernizing old kitchen designs with new colors and silhouettes. Traditional cabinets would be painted in bright and bold colors, giving them an entirely new look and feel. Countertops were usually sleek and modern to complete the look. Retro kitchen designs favored the traditional and minimalist, yet featured new elements that gave the kitchen an entirely new look.

Lighting was key to creating the perfect retro kitchen. Track lights, retro pendant lights and neon signs were popular during this era. Not only did these lights bring in more warmth, but they also highlighted certain areas in the kitchen, bringing attention to the design.

Bold colors were just starting to make their way into the 80s kitchen design during the 1980s. Bold colors were vibrant and would bring life to any kitchen. Various shades of blues, purples, greens and yellows were the popular choices, as homeowners wanted to add a unique touch to their kitchen. Countertops were usually all-white, giving the cabinets and the walls around them the attention they deserved. Appliances were often colorful as well, with fully stainless steel appliances becoming popular in the kitchen.

To complete the look, homeowners installed light fixtures that matched the color of their cabinets and walls. This created a unique look that was very trendy during the 80s. Fluorescent lighting was also very popular in the bold-colored kitchens of the decade.

Avocado green was one of the most popular kitchen design colors of the 80s. Homeowners loved the color for its bright yet calming effect. Avocado green would be used for cabinets, islands and even walls. To compliment the cabinets, homeowners would often add wooden countertops and white appliances. For walls, clay-colored tiles were very popular, though plain white walls were also common. This created a balanced look that was both modern and warm.

Lighting in an avocado green kitchen focused on soft light and natural colors. While spot lights were still used to highlight certain areas, the majority of lighting in this type of kitchen remained soft, often featuring warm wooden tones. Track lighting was also popular among homeowners at the time.

The contemporary 80s kitchen design mostly featured white cabinets and white appliances. This was a stark contrast to the bold colors and wood accents used in the new wave and retro kitchen designs. To grab the attention of homeowners, designers started to introduce unique accents such as unusual tile patterns, sleek modern faucets and colorful light fixtures. This created a modern and stylish look that was perfect for today’s homeowners.

To accentuate the modern elements of the kitchen, designer lighting was often needed. Spotlights, hidden accent lights and bright ceiling lights were common in contemporary 80s kitchens. By utilizing a mix of natural and artificial lighting, the kitchen was able to keep its modern balance.

The 80s vintage kitchen design was all about bringing back the classic and modernizing it. This style made use of classic colors such as yellow, red and blue, along with textures such as stone and wood. Cabinets were often made out of wood, but also featured unique glass door designs that added a modern touch to the kitchen.

When it came to lighting, vintage kitchens usually featured natural and warm light. Chandeliers and rustic pendant lights were extremely popular as they would bring a warm and inviting look to the kitchen. Spot lights were popular as well, as they could be used to highlight certain elements in the kitchen and draw attention to the unique vintage looks.

The high-tech kitchen design of the 80s was all about utilizing technology to make the kitchen more efficient. This style featured all-white cabinets and island tops, along with stainless steel appliances. Smart devices and appliances were also popular, as these could make it easier for homeowners to control their kitchen from their phone or tablet.

High-tech kitchens of the 80s also made use of advanced lighting systems. Automated lighting was a popular choice among homeowners, as this could be programmed to turn on or off at certain times. This gave the kitchen a distinct look, one that could take it to the next level.

Large windows were a popular kitchen design choice during the 80s. Not only did these offer natural lighting to the kitchen, but they also improved the overall look. With larger windows, the kitchen became brighter and more inviting. This allowed less artificial lighting to be used, allowing for more natural light that would seem to wash over the kitchen and bring in a warm and inviting feel.

Window treatments were just as popular as the windows themselves. Lace treatments were used to let natural light filter through, while other treatments were used to provide privacy and complete the look. For artificial lighting, recessed lights and task lighting were used to add more detail to the kitchen and keep the focus on the natural light.

The industrial kitchen design of the 80s was all about incorporating elements from commercial kitchens into the home. This look featured all-metal elements such as stainless steel appliances, cabinets and countertops. Industrial elements such as exposed pipes, vents and ducts were also popular, giving the kitchen a unique look. Homeowners also loved the use of concrete slabs and countertops, which would often be painted in bright colors to add more visual interest.

Lighting also took on an industrial feel during this period. Industrial-style pendant lights were popular in industrial kitchens, along with track lighting and bright ceiling lights. Tripod task light were also used to offer more detail and add a unique touch to the kitchen.

The primary kitchen design of the 80s was fun and vibrant. This style made use of primary colors such as red, blue and yellow, though other colors were also popular. The cabinets and island tops were usually white to create a clean and airy feel, and the walls were often painted in vibrant reds and blues as well. To complete the look, homeowners would often add primary-colored accents and appliances, further highlighting the style.

Lighting in a primary kitchen focuses on color just as much as the other elements. Colorful lights, pendants and wall scones were used to bring in more brightness and draw attention to the vibrant accents of the kitchen. Track and spot lighting were also popular for highlighting certain elements of this style.