Decorating Your Room in 1981 Style: A Comprehensive Guide for Pop Art Enthusiasts in Syracuse, NY

If you're interested in decorating your room in a 1981 style, especially with a pop art twist, while residing in Syracuse, New York, this guide is perfect for you. We'll explore how to use iconic Broadway shows, vibrant colors, and striking art to bring your space to life as it might have been in 1981.

Color and Materials: The Key Elements of 1981 Interior Design

1981 was an era where saturated colors dominated, with gold, greens, oranges, and browns being popular choices. Chintz, which adds a touch of elegance and charm to any space, was also prevalent. Clean-lined and graphic furniture with straight-line designs were common, often complemented by wooden furniture and decor. Brick fireplaces were not uncommon, adding a cozy atmosphere to your room. To achieve a 1981-style pop art look, start by picking up some posters of popular Broadway shows from that year or other events of significance. These posters can serve as the foundation for your room's aesthetics.

Key Artists and Art Pieces to Consider

To truly capture the essence of 1981, you should consider works by prominent pop artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. A quick Google search reveals an abundance of vibrant and eye-catching prints from these artists that date back to the early 1980s. Andy Warhol's works are especially noteworthy, with his prints of celebrities, pop culture icons, and everyday items being particularly prevalent. Additionally, there are interesting prints from 1982, such as Andy Warhol's iconic Prince print, which can add a unique touch to your room decor.

Create Your Own 1981-Inspired Ambiance

Once you've gathered your inspiration, you can start customizing your room. Fresh white walls can provide a clean canvas for your pop art pieces. Consider using one of the bright colors from your pop art prints—such as oranges, golds, or greens—to add life to your curtains, bedding, and other fabrics. For furniture, fresh white or black options will work well, providing a modern contrast to the vibrant prints.

Popular Items and Decor

Here are some items and ideas that can help you achieve a 1981-inspired room:

Lou Reed poster
Adding a poster of Lou Reed (or any other musician from the era) can enhance the vibe and bring some authenticity to your room. Trading Places movie poster
Decorating with a poster from a popular 1980s movie can add some retro flair. John Lennon memorabilia
Musical memorabilia from iconic figures of the 1980s can add personal touches. Picture of Mel Brooks and Richard Pryor
This can add a humorous and iconic touch, especially from their collaboration on Blazing Saddles. Faded flowery wallpaper
A touch of 1980s elegance through vintage wallpaper can give your room an authentic feel. Massive stereo record player
Not only is it a functional piece, but it also adds a nostalgic touch to the room. Cot bed reminiscent of jail cell
A unique and playful touch that can make for an interesting focal point.

Research and Inspiration

Before diving into the decorating process, it's crucial to gather as much inspiration as possible. You can visit a big library or search for books on 1981 interior design. Internet design magazines and videos from the era can also provide valuable insights. Remember, while recreating an authentic 1981 space is important, adding a personal touch to your decor can make the room unique and truly yours.

Final Tips

To ensure your room looks accurate and aesthetically pleasing, use pictures from 1981 as a reference. Once you've found the elements that you want to incorporate, let your personal style and preferences guide the finishing touches. Good luck with your 1981-inspired room decor!