With Stranger Things Season Three now screening on Netflix, 1980s inspired décor is back in the spotlight. Neon flashes, science fiction movie posters and bold retro-styled furniture are taking centre stage to give a cult classic style-themed look to your rooms, to amp up the nostalgic feel.
All of which is good news for downthetubes readers who already, quite rightly, have an original Ghostbusters poster on their wall, but how easy is it for those now converted to watching The Goonies, War Games and other films and TV series from the age of big hair going to catch up?
Step up, FurnitureChoice.co.uk – an independent furniture retailer, whose Interior Style Advisor, Rebecca Snowden, has some nifty tips on how to achieve an ’80s look in your living room inspired by the popular television series. (And no, it doesn’t involve exploding rats).
Rebecca’s says that first, you’ll need o combine an ‘80s style inspiration with bold colours.
“Create your very own Stranger Things themed living room by styling the space to reflect some iconic movies of the ‘80s,” she suggests. “An easy trick is to combine illustration-style posters with contrasting hues to create bold and visually stimulating results.”
The framed Ghostbusters poster featured in the pictures here is a nod to the boys dressing up as the Ghostbuster gang for Halloween in earlier seasons, but any iconic ‘80s movie visual will work. Although we’d suggest you don’t track down Amityville 3D or Jaws: The Revenge. We’re talking good taste here, after all.
“Drawing inspiration from the Stranger Things poster, paint walls a dark blue and invest in a stunning red leather sofa for a bold, colourful palette – super trendy in the ‘80s,” Rebecca continues. (Naturally, FurnitureChoice.co.uk have just the thing – a Baltimore Red Two Seater, priced at £349).
“To anchor the room’s elements together, lay out a striped, retro-inspired rug for interest.”
Next, introduce Easter eggs with iconic pieces from Stranger Things.
“Jonathan Byers’s camera played such a crucial role in Season One that it makes for a great piece to put on display. But even if you don’t have a vintage camera, look for decorative pieces like a Rubik’s cube, Sony Walkman or white sneakers to further capture the nostalgic vibes of the ‘80s.”
Now the new season is airing, I’d be thinking more on the lines of the toy robots and vehicles brought to life for a poignant and funny homecoming. (No dead rats, though, I did mention that, didn’t I. Eew…).
Oh, and do track down some 1980s comics, available in droves from your local comic shop secondhand section, or nearest car boot!
Moving on to some of the show’s signature elements, the yellow telephone and infamous Dungeon and Dragons dice work wonderfully as fun add-ons in the background. Even for non-fans of the series, these items would still perk up a living room in need of some quirk. Complete the look with signature lighting and music
“Lastly, complete your Stranger Things look with two most iconic props: a miniature Reiss-inspired bike along with some (not-so-sinister) fairy lights for full effect,” suggests Rebecca. “They weren’t much help against the Demogorgon, but they do invoke a stylish, tasteful feel of the show – perfect if you’re planning a viewing party for Season Three.
“If you have a vinyl record player, include Michael Jackson’s Thriller in the mix – it’s the perfect song to play on repeat throughout your season 3 binge,” says Rebecca. “Plus, it’d really set the right ambience.”
That, or any John Williams soundtrack…. or the music from An American Werewolf in London or Poltergeist. That should do nicely!
• Stranger Things Season Three is screening now on Netflix. What do you mean, you binge watched it already? No excuse not to redecorate then, is there?
• Visit Furniturechoice.co.uk online here
• Check out all things Stranger Things related on Amazon (Affiliate Link, using this really does help support downthetubes, thank you)
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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