The '80s Kitchen Trend That Belongs In Modern Times

'80s pop culture as a whole was thriving. From the iconic films and trendsetting MTV music videos, there was no shortage of entertainment with which to enjoy a Freezer Queen TV dinner (putting the disturbing reason they were discontinued aside, of course). On top of that, the '80s fashion scene was rich with fashion trends like the power suit, yuppie aesthetic, and stylings inspired by the rise of hip-hop. At the core of most iconic '80s pop culture trends was a bold, unapologetic urge for self-expression. The world of kitchen design was no different.

In a competitive field of design elements, one '80s kitchen design component stood out from the rest as a decorative powerhouse: the geometric tile. For a kitchen as eye-catching as a power suit, geometric tiles were a cut above — and, in fact, they can still be just that in your own kitchen. Such sharp designs create a bold contrast to other solid hues thanks to the eye-catching shapes and angles. 

Whether set against fresh and inviting soft pastel shades or intense neons, geometric tiles served as eye-catching design centerpieces that thrive against any backdrop. When considering geometric tiles, even asymmetrical designs cultivate a playful, dynamic motif that teleports guests back to the '80s. If you want to draw on this vintage trend but don't want to go full-on acid wash, side ponytail in your aesthetics, there are some smart ways to bring geometric tiles into the modern era.

While geometric tiles might seem like relics of a time long since passed, they still have their niche in modern interior design trends. The versatility of stripes, for example, continues to be relied on for bold visual charm, which highlights the timelessness of geometric designs. Before you start looking into how much it costs to remodel your kitchen, take a moment to consider how contemporary design trends have shifted (and, of course, your own personal taste).

Instead of pastel hues that recall the era of NES game consoles and crunchy perms, current designs look towards richly saturated hues for a bolder interior design. With rich reds, oranges, and purples taking center stage, accent walls and furniture can either enhance or balance out the bold hue of your tiles depending on the desired overall effect. Instead of looking towards pastels to break up the boldness, many modern designers count on earthy neutrals to craft a calm interior environment.

Even though bold colors and natural earth tones dominate the landscape, there remains a niche for softer hues in modern interior design. Soft blues and greens that encourage relaxation and harmony are as welcome now as they were in the '80s. Leaning into a soft green, for example, draws on the vintage aspects of this tile trend, complementing any vintage light fixtures working to bring life to the kitchen. Before you go all-in on the geometric design trend, consider the backdrop you want to set it against.