Why Designers Are Obsessed With the Nostalgic 'Stranger Things' Set
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Despite being home to incredibly horrifying monsters like the Demogorgon, the Mind Flayer and Vecna, the quaint town of Hawkins, Indiana — the neighborhood where Stranger Things takes place — somehow still feels snug, comfortable and even welcoming.
Set locations like the Starcourt Mall, the Wheeler house and Rink-O-Mania all feature familiar 1980s interior design elements viewers just can't get enough of. The show takes us back — even for fans who didn't actually experience the 80s — to a simpler time of cozy homes with shaggy carpets and evening bike rides through town (minus the terrifying encounters with evil monsters).
With the release of Stranger Things' season 5 on Netflix this year, it feels like the right time to take a trip down memory lane. We spoke to several interior designers about the design elements that make the set so nostalgic, plus how to incorporate the 80s-style retro trends into your own home.
What 1980s design elements are present on set?
Warm, ambient lighting: "The Stranger Things sets are filled with warm, ambient lighting from a mix of table and floor lamps, with no overhead lights in sight. The lack of overhead lighting and dimly lit lamps create a perfectly eerie and mysterious atmosphere," says designer Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design.
Cozy crochet: "I really resonate with all the crochet blankets on the bottom of beds and on the backs of sofas," says designer Ruthie Staalsen of Ruthie Staalsen Interiors.
Wood paneling: "One standout design element is the paneled wood on both the walls and ceilings of the home. In the 1980s, wood paneling brought a cozy, comfortable vibe to interiors, while its abundant use made a bold maximalist statement characteristic of the era," says designer Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories.
Shaggy carpets: "The decade is known for its rich colors and textures — from plush velvets and corduroys to shaggy carpets and hand-knit blankets," says Jay.
Window valances: "While the basement is lined with dark, wooden paneling and filled with overstuffed furniture, the kitchen showcases terracotta tiles, honey-hued cabinets, floral wallpaper and overly stuffy window valances," says Jay.
What makes it so nostalgic?
Whether you grew up in the 80s or not, there's something undeniably nostalgic about the colorful, lived-in interiors in the show. "The goal was to express yourself through style and aesthetic, which differs from the more neutral tone we see more often today, yet plays into the rising trend of leaning more moody or bold with paint colors and tiles," says Sarah Snouffer of Third Street Architecture.
Today, homeowners are becoming more and more interested in colorful spaces, shifting away from minimalist design. The interiors in Stranger Things serve as inspiration to explore that desire for whimsical patterns and character-filled design elements. Cullen describes this concept as the pendulum effect:
"In the 1980s, home design embraced bold colors and unapologetic patterns as a reaction to the earth-toned aesthetic of the 1970s. Today, we see a similar shift as homeowners move away from the stark simplicity of Scandinavian minimalism, instead seeking vibrant colors and unique, personality-driven spaces."
How to incorporate 1980s design into your home:
If you find yourself admiring the Stranger Things set while binging previous episodes in preparation for the season to come, here are a few designer-approved ways you can put a fresh spin on the 1980s aesthetic in your own home.
Try a pleated lampshade: According to Staalsen, pleated lampshades are on the rise, and not just plain ones. "There are all kinds of colors and patterns and unique modern shapes," she says.
Consider wood elements: "Today, wood paneling is making a comeback, but with a modern twist — used more sparingly to avoid overwhelming a space," says Cullen. However, she warns that incorporating wood paneling requires careful consideration of wood tones and lighting.
Replace overhead lighting: The interiors in Stranger Things are filled with a mix of lamps. "The layered, cozy lighting look is very much on-trend right now, with Gen Z increasingly favoring softer and more intimate lighting over the starkness of overhead fixtures," says Jay.
Weave in some crochet: Not only are crochet blankets cozy, they also make for a stylish addition to any piece of furniture. Staalsen says they're becoming popular again, especially since more and more people are learning how to make them from scratch through social media.
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