The Popular '80s Finish That Is Dating Your Space (& What To Do Instead)

There's a reason why the 1980s were referred to as the decade of decadence. In interior design, homeowners emboldened by newfound economic prosperity and the pursuit of luxury incorporated asymmetrical silhouettes, bright colors, and bold Memphis design features into their living spaces. Think vibrant, gaudy textures and finishes, and chrome, gold, and bright yellow brass embellishments. Today, these signature details are considered outdated, making your home look tacky instead of luxurious. We're not just talking about the (easily removable, thank goodness) shiny cast sculptures that adorned so many walls in the '80s; there were all kinds of glossy metal details, like knobs, pulls, and other fixtures, too. For a more curated and sophisticated look, consider replacing these gaudy home design features with muted alloy accessories with natural patina.

Popular '80s interior design trends were a counter to the organic bohemian or paired back mid-century modern styles of the previous decade. Metallic finish-lined furniture, adorned lighting fixtures, and accented hardware. Similarly, many of today's homeowners are craving the hedonistic values of the 1980s as a rebellion against the greige trend of the past decade. But that '80s yellow brass isn't giving elegance like it did back then. Instead, it looks cheap — the high-gloss finish of metal-coated fixtures make your home look out of style rather than vintage.

The high-shine metal effects that were a symbol of an elegant and charming house in the 1980s are decidedly less glamorous in contemporary design. The homeowner's love for bright yellow brass hasn't gone away, nor has the desire for maximalist details. Thankfully, you can achieve the same effect — and avoid features that could wreck your home's value — by replacing glossy, yellow-hued metallics with muted, natural metals. Aged brass, for example, works with many different interior styles, from contemporary to traditional to transitional. In currently trending styles like modern farmhouse, raw brass gives that lived-in feeling essential to the aesthetic while remaining sleek and modern.

Unlacquered brass faucets, cabinet pulls, and lighting fixtures develop a gorgeous patina, giving an overly modern kitchen more vintage charm. In other parts of the home, try vintage brass chandeliers and sconces, floor mirrors with gilded brass frames, or antique coffee tables or oversized furniture lined with unlacquered brass. Take advantage of the natural aging ability of this metal and use it in interiors that sit on the rustic end of the design spectrum: coastal, French country, and Victorian. It's giving the lived-in luxury of the 1980s with an undeniably 2020s twist.