This '80s Shower Trend Is Making A Major Revival

For years now, minimalism has been on the way out in interior design. Homeowners and designers are ditching the cold, characterless look for details that can reveal and celebrate people's unique personalities and tastes, all the while making living areas feel warm and inviting. When it comes to colorful maximalism, the '80s are an especially ripe era to pluck inspiration from. One popular '80s interior design trend that's back is the use of bright and bold colors in the bathroom, a nod to the classic Memphis Design style. 

This design movement originally emerged in reaction to and rejection of the palatable softness of mid-century modern interiors, offering up a loud, fearless alternative. As the closest thing most people have to a personal spa, bathrooms are often filled with quiet, unoffensive shades of off-whites and neutrals. But adding a splash of saturation to your shower walls can be equally as energizing. Interior design has already embraced color and drama in smaller powder rooms, even dubbing them "jewelry boxes" thanks to the cocooning feel of color and contact paper-drenched walls. Taking this look to bigger washrooms is just the natural next step. 

A colorful shower accent wall is a digestible, modern take on the buzzy Memphis bathrooms. This once-popular '80s design trend has been making its way back into homes in recent years, and it's all about mixing and matching vibrant hues and playful patterns, with Art Deco and Pop Art influences. By bringing it into your shower, you can bring a touch of exuberance and cheek to your bathroom, without the excesses that ultimately led to this style's downfall. 

There are many ways to achieve this offbeat aesthetic. You can follow the maximalist bathroom tile trend, for example, with striped, checkered, or even dégradé patterns. For added eccentricity, try bold, abstract geometric designs or channel Memphis' iconic squiggly Bacterio tiles. High gloss, large formats, and colorful grout lines can also bring an extra dose of fun. Alternatively, paint and wallpaper can offer endless opportunities to experiment with color and patterns, especially with the large selection of waterproof options on the market. For something less permanent, consider taking the Memphis Design trend to your shower curtains. Pink, blue, and yellow are Memphis staples, but don't be afraid to flirt with every shade in the rainbow.