Warm pastels and rusty Southwestern hues, ruffles and lace, and soft curves are sweeping through Colorado homes this year, harkening back to a simpler, pre-algorithmic era when media united rather than divided us and bold self-expression was the ultimate cool. While young audiences are streaming Toto and The Bangles stage a triumphant reunion tour, shoulder pads, high-waisted jeans, and statement jewelry aren’t the only ’80s comebacks making waves.
The 1980s renaissance is the hottest cultural storyline of 2025, and it’s transforming how we think about our living spaces. Those curves and textures, that fearless self-expression, and deliciously retro color combos like sage green and salmon? They’re back—and honestly, they’ve never looked better. Alexis Rubin and Kristina Garcia-Stack, the visionary duo behind Denver Design Group, invited us into their studio to spill the tea on how this nostalgic wave is revolutionizing Rocky Mountain home design.
Maximalism: More is More
This year marks a delightful rebellion against the disciplined grays and sparse open spaces that have dominated home design for far too long. Instead, Colorado homeowners are embracing spaces layered with bold patterns, brilliant colors, and rooms that positively burst with personality. Maximalism doesn’t just encourage excess— it celebrates it with layered textiles, vibrant wallpapers, and gallery walls crowded with collected art. It’s all about letting your home tell your unique story—with zero apologies.
“It kind of reminds me of the Laura Ashley heyday, where you’ve got lots of complex patterns, detailed patterns, and small patterns layered on top of one another,” says Rubin. “And we’re seeing the same playful approach with accessories— multiple items in different heights layered together.”
Warm Woods and Earthy Colors
Home decor is going back to the land with earthy yet vibrant colors like terracotta, cinnamon, deep greens, mustard yellows, and rust tones that echo Colorado’s stunning landscapes. These colors find their perfect companions in honey oak and walnut cabinetry, flooring, and furniture.
“We’re seeing a lot more color and warmth come through, says Garcia-Stack. “Everything is less sterile and gray, more warm and cozy, with velvety browns, plum, and olive greens—just these warm, timeless, inviting colors.”
Rounding Out
Hard angles are taking a backseat as soft curves make a triumphant return. Doorways, windows, and nooks are getting rounded, while crescent-shaped sofas and channel-tufted upholstery are moving in. Bringing more softness and flow to home design, this trend also nods to Southwestern architectural traditions.
“We’re seeing a lot of curved furniture that we haven’t seen since the ’80s—sofas with rounded backs, circular chairs, even arches in headboards,” Rubin says.
