Oh, the Eighties...

I get a kick out of old decorating books. They make me both appalled and happy at the same time. I also make really funny faces when I look at them, complete with random eye-twitching. And you know what guys?

I have one book from the eighties.

The 1980s.

The decade of everything big and bold and overdone. I'm a child of the '80s, but let's face it, '80s style should stay there. My hair would never make it.

So just for funsies, I thought I'd go through this gold mine of outdatedness and share my absolute favorites with all of you. I'm kind like that.

Let's start with carpeted bathrooms, shall we?

Nothing says hygiene like faded green carpet in the bathroom. It could be worse though. The carpet could be brown like the one my family lived with for several years. Makes me shudder just thinking about it.

Let's just agree that carpet in the bathroom was NEVER a good idea. I have little boys. The thought of putting them in a bathroom with carpet in it makes me gag. You want warm tootsies when you get out of the shower, put down a rug.

USE ALL THE PATTERNS THAT DON'T MATCH!

I would like to take those curtains though.

Wha??? What's with the eighties and its fascination with carpet? And weird steps and platforms? And well-ventilated rooms? Also, who wants to make that bed every morning?!

Nickelodeon! That's really all I think when I look at that top room. The bottom? Take a look at that rug. And I'm almost impressed by that mad faux curtain painting skill going on though. 

Almost.

This one is supposed to be a bedroom. Is it a bed made with two college room futons? Several squares put together? At least the colors and patterns work in this one. 

Shiny.

This one is not bad. I actually liked this room. Until I noticed the creepy doll sitting there all casual like...

This one is dated but it still looks nice. I think the wallpaper has blueprints of ships on it, which is totally awesome. It's my favorite part of this one. I like the chairs too. No more wall to wall carpet please though.

The next four photos are my absolute favorite good rooms. I think with a few adjustments here and there, they could even pass for being decorated in this decade. And finally, a few without carpet!

Somebody give that bed a mattress! Other than that and the wall heater, this room is pretty great, although a little stark. I really like the contrast between the white walls and furniture with the red bed frame and window.

Those lamps can go, the rest can stay. Add different accent lamps, a vintage crystal chandelier, make the rugs a little bigger, and tada!

Gray, wood, rustic, modern...it makes for a good combo. Kinda reminds me of something I'd see on Apartment Therapy, actually.

Is this not gorgeous! If I ever build a house, I am putting a fireplace and claw foot tub in my bathroom. End. of. story.

Except Hubby would object to that. Clawfoot tubs generally aren't built for 6 foot tall men. 

Darn.

There were so many more. With so much carpet and floral everything, I could only share so much. All the photos are from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt if any of you happen to be interested in seeing more.

Who's ready to bring back the '80s? Who's not? Who had a Nickelodeon bedroom?