The '80s Wallpaper Style We Can't Help But Love

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Tiled countertops with grimy grout and overdone vertical blinds are tarnishing the memory of 1980s style. There were some design duds that we might hope never come back, but the laughable stuff eclipses some true triumphs from the decade. Case in point: the Memphis design style. During that decade, along with a bit of overlap into the '90s, it wasn't uncommon to see walls covered in Memphis design-inspired wallpaper.

You probably didn't know it by this name, but you'll definitely recognize the color-rich explosion of geometric patterns Memphis design style exemplified. If you vicariously hung out at the Max while watching "Saved by the Bell" back in the day, this vibrant set is Memphis style in a nutshell. The bold '80s design is rife with squiggles, zigzags, grids, and angular shapes, all in super-saturated colors. The look is heavy with crayon-box colors and fluorescents, but pastels have their place, as long as the colors contrast. Talk about dopamine on a wall. For fans of maximalist decor or lovers of nostalgia, there's an inspiring array of retro wallpapers available for you to give a room a "Back to the Future" feel.

For a room that needs a pick-me-up, one wall or more covered in Memphis design style paper will do the trick. Amazon, Etsy, and Ebay have Memphis design style wallpapers to choose from; some rely on traditional adhesive, while others are the peel-and-stick variety. Use your Amazon points for this dark and daring Flumoxa Abstract Geometric Wallpaper, or the light and bright Spoonflower Peel and Stick Tubular Retro Wallpaper. The Flumoxa paper requires separate adhesive, but the Spoonflower one is the renter-friendly variety. No matter where you purchase it, an internet search for Memphis style design wallpaper will present you with lots of possibilities.

A wall or a whole room papered in Memphis design style is far from subtle, but there are ways to make these often over-the-top graphics work for your home. An accent wall is an obvious option, but you can also wallpaper drench, like with Jenny Marrs' anti-paint choice for a powder room. Small spaces that we don't spend long periods of time in are great places to experiment with stimulating patterns.

Memphis design style does occasionally diverge from extreme colors. Try a striking black and white pattern like this ArtPrintCaveShop Memphis Style Black and White Removable Wallpaper from Etsy. Its thin lines and black-on-white motif still harken back to the '80s, but it's neutral enough to fit into a variety of decor schemes without overwhelming the space.