Fine Homebuilding Flashback: 1981, The Magazine’s First Year

Fashion trends from the 1970s and 1980s are significantly influencing contemporary home decor. This resurgence includes elements like high-waisted flares, rib-knit turtlenecks, acid green sweatshirts, and disco ball metallics in clothing, which are now mirrored in interior design. Danielle Blundell of Apartment Therapy notes a "total ’70s takeover" in home design, encompassing both bohemian hippie aesthetics and glamorous, glitzy disco elements, offering diverse options for various home styles. The 1970s influence brings patchwork, peasant prints, fringe, earthy hues, and shaggy, textured woven rugs into homes. Modernist wall art and rattan furniture pieces like etageres and side tables are also prominent. The 1980s trend is primarily characterized by Memphis style, originated by Ettore Sottsass. This style is known for its distinctive squiggle and geometric patterns, the vibrant mixing of pastels with black and bright colors, and an overall playful and whimsical approach. While original Memphis pieces can be expensive, more accessible referential decorative items are available from brands like Supreme and Ellen Van Dusen’s eponymous company, which offers clothing and home goods featuring Memphis-inspired patterns. Surface materials are also reflecting these retro trends. Imola Ceramica offers the Pop collection of ceramic tile, featuring Roy Lichtenstein-inspired art comics on subway-style tiles, and the Let It Bee collection with groovy, semi-circular, tone-on-tone designs in colors such as brick red, indigo, apple green, and dark yellow. Designer Luca Andrisani has collaborated with New York Cement Tile for the Geometrika collection, which draws inspiration from midcentury op art with retro hues, geometric shapes, and optical illusion patterns. Walker Zanger presents Australian designer Pietta Donovan’s new '70s-patterned tile collection. Additionally, Spoonflower provides peel-and-stick wallpapers and fabrics by the yard with Memphis style, leopard prints, and '70s-style florals. In bathware, European designers are reintroducing pedestal sinks, toilets, and tubs in colors like cranberry, moss, mustard, teal, and pink, which were previously considered outdated. For those seeking vintage items, North American sources like eBay and salvage sites such as Retro Renovation are recommended. For new products, Aquatica USA offers spacious resin tubs in dark red or moss green with white interiors, while Bella Stone provides a fire-engine red option. Accessories play a crucial role in incorporating these styles. Roostery.com features whimsical '70s-style fruit and vegetable prints, geometrics, and paisleys on soft goods like napery and throw pillows. Small details such as atomic starburst knobs from Zazzle.com and starry cabinet and doorknob backplates from Rejuvenation.com contribute to the aesthetic. DusenDusen.com offers soft furnishings printed with bold checks, dots, stripes, cutouts, and squiggle patterns, including patterned pet beds, pillows, and shower curtains. Furniture selections also highlight the trend. Anthropologie, in collaboration with Soho Home, presents the Adriana chair, a chubby, channel-seamed terracotta velvet piece reminiscent of Italian postmodern design. Kardiel’s curvy Miranda gold-velvet two-seater embodies an Austin Powers flair. Beam offers simple yet stylish chairs and tables made of powder-coated steel, hardwood, and performance fabrics, developed in collaboration between Gus*Modern and LUUM, inspired by the Memphis Group’s color palette. ModShop provides a variety of options, including the Chubby 2 lounge chair with a brass-clad base and the St. Germain side table and credenza featuring abstract, patterned fronts in poppy colors on thick acrylic legs. Lighting fixtures in ball-shaped and half-dome designs, made from matte and polished metallics, evoke the '70s, as do embossed ceramic bases and cane and rattan fixtures. '80s-style fixtures often combine pyramids, squares, and balls, along with thick glass circle shapes. Retailers like CB2, Urban Outfitters, and All Modern offer affordably priced designs, while Chairish and 1stDibs are excellent sources for vintage pieces. #HomeDecorTrends #SeventiesStyle #EightiesDesign #MemphisStyle #RetroInteriors #VintageFurniture #InteriorDesign #HomeAccessories #DecorInspiration

The cyclical nature of design trends means that elements from past decades often reappear, albeit in modernized forms. The 1980s, characterized by bold statements, vibrant colors, and maximalism, is currently experiencing a resurgence in home decor. This contemporary reinterpretation focuses on capturing the spirit of the '80s—its energy, sculptural silhouettes, and love of contrast—while shedding its tendencies towards excess and kitsch. One prominent trend making a comeback is the use of neon colors. Unlike the overwhelming neon rooms of the past, modern interior design incorporates neon as playful accents. This could manifest in sculptural lighting, a pop of color in an art piece, or other subtle applications that blend punchier hues with a minimalist aesthetic. The key is to use neon sparingly, allowing it to feel fresh and framed by understated surroundings. High-shine metallics are also seeing a revival, but with a refined approach. While the '80s often featured gleaming chrome armchairs or yellow-gold shelving units that could appear gaudy, today's trend favors more natural, unlacquered metals. These materials develop a patina over time, lending a sense of history and providing a subtler sheen. Pairing these metals with natural elements like wood, stone, or matte textiles helps create a balanced and grounded look, modernizing the inherent excess of the original '80s style. Stone furniture, another '80s staple, is also making a significant return. The decade embraced various materials, from warm wood paneling to sleek stone and glass. While the past might have seen somewhat jarring combinations, current designs prioritize a more cohesive vision. Stone tables, for instance, are highly sought after, with many designers incorporating vintage travertine pieces or new, refined interpretations featuring honed finishes and sophisticated details. Pastel palettes, particularly the iconic mauve, were ubiquitous in '80s homes, frequently combined with other pastels like sea foam and yellow, or richer colors such as teal. This trend is being reinterpreted by pairing these colors with tailored furniture and modern accents. This approach allows the classic '80s pastels to bridge the decades, creating updated spaces with cleaner lines, contemporary art, and statement lighting. Finally, statement upholstery, once synonymous with overstuffed chintz and elaborate window treatments, is re-emerging with a more relaxed and inviting demeanor. In contrast to the maximalist chintz of the '80s, contemporary usage often involves more muted colors or pairings with solid fabrics. There is also a growing appreciation for matchy-matchy spaces and pattern repetition, especially in smaller areas like hallways or powder baths, where the dramatic effect can be enjoyed for a brief, impactful moment. #HomeDesign #80sTrends #InteriorDecor #DesignResurgence #NeonAccents #MetallicFinishes #StoneFurniture #PastelPalettes #StatementUpholstery #MinimalistAesthetic #ModernDesign

This blog post compiles a comprehensive list of product resources featured in the most recent three issues of *Better Homes & Gardens* magazine, specifically June 2025, May 2025, and April 2025. The aim is to provide readers with direct links and details for items they may have seen and admired within the magazine's pages. The content is organized by issue month and then by specific page numbers or article titles, making it easy for readers to locate the desired products. The June 2025 section, under "Set to Delight; pgs. 14-16," focuses on dining and entertaining items. It lists various products from aerin.com, including Bamboo Flatware, Optic Carafe, Freya Rattan Wine Cooler, Ribbed Stem Glassware, Artisanal Tumblers, Dinner Plates with White Floral Trim, Dessert Plates with White Floral Trim, Freya Rattan Placemat, Freya Rattan Votive Set, Raffia Sleeve vases, Sancia Gourd Glass Bud Vase, Sancia Baluster Glass Bud Vase, and Sancia Plum Glass Vase. This section details a cohesive collection of tableware and decorative items for setting an elegant table. The May 2025 resources cover two main sections: "In Good Order; pgs. 22-27" and "All the Right Moves; pgs. 58-67." Under "In Good Order," the island paint color is identified as Balanced Beige SW7037 from Sherwin-Williams, and lighting is specified as the Sedona Pendant by Capital Lighting in aged brass from lumens.com. The "All the Right Moves" section offers an extensive breakdown of products used in various rooms of a home. For the exterior (Pg. 60), the paint color is Snowbound SW 7004 from Sherwin-Williams. The living room (Pgs. 58-59) features Pure White SW 7005 paint, Tradewind SW 6218 for bookcase paint (both Sherwin-Williams), SEKTION Base cabinet from IKEA, custom-made shelves and trim, client's own rugs, a Facebook Marketplace coffee table, and a Vintage Indian Kantha Quilt from alokahome.com. The mudroom/pantry (Pg. 62) uses Breathless SW 6022 paint from Sherwin-Williams. The eating area (Pg. 63) includes a second-hand rattan settee, "No Return" art by Pepi Sprohge from nativecitizen.com, an antique Belgian farmhouse table, client's own rug, Hood Sconce from ravenhillstudio.com, and a discontinued IKEA pendant light. The office (Pg. 64) features Canopy wallpaper by Abel Macias from schumacher.com, Bibi Flush Mount lighting from mitzi.com, Secret Garden 1284 paint from benjaminmoore.com, The Mavis Rug from shoprushhouse.com, and discontinued Crate & Barrel desk chairs. The outdoor eating area (Pg. 67) utilizes antique lanterns and discontinued blue rattan chairs from Crate & Barrel. Finally, the April 2025 section, titled "Natural Good Looks; Pgs. 76-83," details products across several living spaces. The living room (Pgs. 76-77) includes a Bohemian Desert Sun Rattan Wall Mirror from West Elm, sofa fabric by Manuel Canovas, various pillow fabrics from Kravet, Jim Thompson, Cowtan & Tout, and Zak + Fox, an Industry West Cane Floor Lamp from aptdeco.com, a discontinued Lulu and Georgia rug, and a Nickey Kehoe Rectangular Shelf Coffee Table. The family room (Pg. 78) features a custom sectional with James Malone fabric, Pierre Frey pillow fabric, a custom ottoman, a Made Goods Bartley Side Table, a Soho Home Garret Armchair, Marvic Textiles chair pillow fabric, an Una Milan Tomlinson Coffee Table, a Palacek Aviana Rope Floor Lamp, a Lawson Fenning Table Lamp, and "Aerial Ocean Bliss" art by Ingrid Beddoes from Lulu and Georgia. The dining room (Pg. 79) showcases a custom dining table by Copper Reynolds Gross, Saarinen Executive Side Chairs from dwr.com with Pierre Frey fabric, a Sabin El Royale Sideboard, a custom pendant light from Twentieth, a discontinued Lawson Fenning table lamp, and "San Carlos" art by Marc Gabor from tappancollective.com. The kitchen (Pg. 80) lists Palacek Green Oaks Coastal Beach Rope Rattan Woven Pendant lights from kathykuohome.com and Throne Upholstered Breakfast Bar Stools from thefutureperfect.com with Rubelli Kieffer Tweed fabric. The breakfast nook (Pg. 81) includes a custom nook, a Noir Travis Rustic Lodge Light Brown Walnut Wood table from kathykuohome.com, Nickey Kehoe Spindle Dining Chairs with Kravet fabric, Ajedrez Pendant Lights from lavivahome.com, bench fabric from JAB, back of bench fabric from Clarence House, and various pillow fabrics from Christopher Farr and JAB. The primary bedroom (Pg. 82) features a Lomas Wall hanging from The Citizenry, a custom bed, discontinued Amber Interiors nightstands, discontinued Lightology table lamps, a Cultiver Linen Duvet Set, pillow fabrics from Clarence House and Zimmer Rohde, a Zak + Fox bed topper, custom shades, a discontinued Kathy Kuo bench with Lee Jofa fabric. The library (top, Pg. 83) includes custom bookcases, a David Art Light from visualcomfort.com, Oval Antique Brass Knobs from Crate & Barrel, West Elm bolster and lumbar pillows, Zimmer + Rohde bench fabric, a custom chair with Opuzen fabric, and an Eames Turned Stool from dwr.com. Lastly, the office (bottom, Pg. 83) contains a discontinued B&B Italia sofa with Clarence House fabric, Schumacher pillow fabric, an Annie Selke rug, a discontinued Kathy Kuo desk, a discontinued Hollywood at Home table lamp, and discontinued Anthropologie and Crate & Barrel stools/poufs. This comprehensive list serves as a valuable guide for readers interested in replicating or drawing inspiration from the featured designs, acknowledging that some items may no longer be available. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #DecoratingResources #MagazineFeatures #Furniture #Lighting #Textiles

This article explores a collection of "outdated" home design trends that readers believe are superior to many contemporary designs and deserve a comeback. The discussion builds upon a previous post, with commenters sharing additional examples of past home features that offered practical benefits and aesthetic appeal. One frequently mentioned trend is the built-in or drop-down ironing board, often integrated into kitchen cabinets. Readers highlight its usefulness, noting how it frees up space and provides a convenient solution for ironing. Some variations even allowed for the repurposing of the space as a spice cabinet when the ironing board was removed. Wall-to-wall carpeting in bedrooms is another trend praised for its comfort, warmth, and soft feel, contrasting with the often harder surfaces found in modern bedrooms. The layout of garages also came under scrutiny, with a call to bring back detached garages. This preference stems from the desire to avoid large garage doors dominating the front facade of a house, which some find unappealing. Emphasis is placed on home designs that prioritize natural ventilation and airflow. While air conditioning is appreciated, many readers express a desire for homes that allow for effective cross-ventilation when windows are open, promoting fresh air circulation without solely relying on mechanical cooling. Fireplace clean-outs, specifically those with a metal door opening to the outside, are identified as a highly practical feature for wood-burning fireplaces. This design simplifies ash removal, preventing spills and dust within the living space. Living rooms positioned at the front of the house with large picture windows are also desired, primarily for the aesthetic benefit of displaying holiday decorations like Christmas trees to passersby. Intercom systems are recalled fondly by several contributors. These systems provided a convenient way for family members to communicate across different rooms, acting as a simple internal communication network for waking up children, answering the door, or calling for meals. A significant theme is the yearning for "starter homes" and smaller housing options. Many readers feel that new constructions are disproportionately large, making it difficult to find smaller, more affordable homes unless purchasing older properties. This trend highlights a desire for more modest and functional living spaces. Additionally, the presence of hallways is valued for the privacy and separation they offer between bedrooms and common living areas. Utility sinks are lauded for their versatility in handling messy projects and pet bathing. Built-in cutting boards are appreciated for increasing counter space and providing a convenient, stable surface for food preparation. The layout of master suites is also critiqued, with a preference for designs that do not have a direct, open doorway between the bedroom and bathroom, especially when the bed faces the bathroom sink. Small powder rooms near main living areas are also favored for their convenience, allowing guests to use a dedicated space without intruding into private bathrooms. Practical features like laundry porches, which provide a dedicated space for laundry away from the main house and often include utility sinks and direct access to clotheslines, are also highly desired. Mudrooms, designed to contain shoes, coats, and backpacks, are seen as essential for keeping entryways tidy. Finally, laundry chutes are remembered as an efficient way to transport dirty clothes directly to the laundry area, promoting tidiness. Even coal chute windows, used for deliveries in older homes, are mentioned for their historical utility. #homeDesignTrends #interiorDesign #outdatedTrends #homeFeatures #architecturalDesign #practicalLiving #homeImprovements #nostalgia