I was excited to see HGTV delve into our niche at Modern Paper Houses—spotlighting the transformation of 1970s and 80s contemporary homes. This year, they’ve taken on a 1980s house, reimagining it as a smart home for 2024. It feels as if HGTV has metaphorically moved into our neighborhood — tapping into the character and potential of these era defining homes.
At first glance, this home could be mistaken for new construction—its crisp lines and postmodern touches feel contemporary and fresh. But take a closer look, and you’ll find a 1980s structure thoughtfully reimagined for today’s lifestyle. This transformation highlights the vast potential within our own suburban homes, providing practical inspiration that energizes renovation plans and redefines the comforts of home
A Fresh Take on ’80s Architectural Style
This renovation gives the home’s exterior a bold new profile while still referencing its 1980s origins. A metal-clad, shed-style roof highlights one of the decade’s most recognizable architectural features, while the addition of a second story over the garage reshapes the overall structure without extending the home’s original footprint. Distinctive postmodern triangular windows further emphasize the updated roofline, bringing in natural light and giving the facade a crisp, geometric rhythm.
Now, I’m eager to hear about your experiences. Do any of you have metal roofs? How do they perform overall? I’ve read both glowing and questionable reviews. While I’ve always admired the look, I’ve also wondered about the acoustics—along with leaks and repairs.
The home’s exterior has been redesigned with a harmonious blend of materials, incorporating shades of gray, white and tan siding to add depth beyond the typical two-tone color scheme. The black-trimmed windows, —— particularly the two story prominent entry window, reintroduces another ’80s defining design element.
Covered Entrances: A Blend Of Style And Function
Now let’s talk about a feature I constantly highlight to my clients—the covered entrance. This remodel includes a modest one, just enough to keep guests dry and packages protected. It’s a simple, often overlooked detail that makes all the difference in day-to-day living
Inside the Transformation: Echoing the ’80s with Modern Style
As we tour this transformation, the library’s updated fireplace instantly draws our attention. The rough outdated stones have been replaced with sleek, modern tile that preserves the fireplace’s original shape and position. The decor finds a sweet spot between nostalgia and modern style featuring furniture shapes inspired by the 1970s and 80s. A channel-tufted sofa combined with an olive and rust color palette, is paired with a geometric rug and wooden accents — exhibiting a sense of warmth, texture.
A Design Question
Dedicating so much space to a library in what many would consider the main living or great room—a space typically reserved for conversation and entertaining—raises a practical design question. While the bookcases are a smart feature in theory, their execution feels like a misstep. Rather than running a full wall of shelving, the space might have benefitted from a more integrated approach: fewer shelves recessed into a niche, styled more as display than storage. And instead of including an office nook in the heart of the living room—something many homeowners would likely prefer in a more private space—the design could have embraced something bolder and more dramatic. A large canvas with Memphis-inspired imagery, a postmodern statement piece, or even a custom tile mosaic would have reinforced the home’s 1980s legacy in a visually striking way.
The artwork presented in this room—feel more like placeholders than a reflection of the home’s character.
The Answer
In homes like this, there’s often a tendency to distance the space from its original roots in favor of something safer or more neutral. But sometimes the stronger choice is to run toward that legacy—not from it. In this case, leaning into its 1980s postmodern legacy, through both structure and decor, could have made the room feel more cohesive, more confident, and ultimately more memorable.
A Staircase Garden
The renovation breathes new life into the original 1980s stairwell, anchored by a dramatic two-story window that floods the space with natural light. This feature perfectly captures the era’s love of airy, open design and blurs the line between indoors and out. Beneath the staircase, a garden nook transforms an often-overlooked area into a serene retreat—a direct callback to a recognizable trend found in many 1980s homes. The built-in faucet for plant care is a smart, functional detail that grounds the concept in everyday convenience.
That said, the styling under the stairs feels a bit overworked. The terracotta pots, while classic, clash slightly with the clean wood-and-metal finishes and miss an opportunity to play with the sculptural, graphic shapes that defined 1980s design. A more curated plant selection and pots with bold forms or coordinated colors could have turned this into a playful, design-driven moment. With a lighter touch and stronger visual intent, the garden nook might have become a quiet showstopper—one that celebrated the home’s legacy while pushing the design forward.
Culinary Comeback: ’80s Style Meets Modern Comfort In The Kitchen
This space feels like one of the strongest points in the renovation— a design concept that captures the spirit of 1980s design without replicating it. The rounded edges of the built-in banquette offer both functionality and a clear echo of the era’s softer sculptural forms. Upholstered in a retro-inspired plaid of brown, tan and rust, the cushions pair beautifully with mixed-pattern throw pillows, adding texture and a bit of nostalgia to the dining area.
Black pendant lights introduce a subtle industrial edge, and I firmly believe black accents not only ground a room but elevate it—a design philosophy I still stand by. Even the inclusion of a mushroom lamp on the countertop adds a playful, unexpected layer.
Mixing Texture, Color and Function
The cabinetry is another quiet win: handle-free and clean-lined, it recalls the Scandinavian influence often seen in ’80s kitchens, when visible hardware was often omitted entirely. The choice to continue the olive and rust color palette from the living room into this space helps tie the home together, while soft woodwork and integrated features balance modern functionality with retro design.
From the plush velvet chairs to the mix of patterns and textures, the kitchen feels like a true update—not a departure. It celebrates the past without feeling trapped in it. In many ways, this part of the home succeeds more fully in merging retro character with contemporary ease.
A built-in pop-up charging station adds a sleek, tech-friendly feature to the countertop—perfect for powering devices without clutter.
Elevating Everyday Tasks: An Enviable Pantry
This walk-in pantry impresses with its dark cabinetry and thoughtful extras—including an undercounter beverage cooler, ice maker, and a built-in water bottle filling station. These features help turn everyday tasks into effortless routines while keeping the kitchen free of clutter.
A few design refinements could take the space even further. The open shelving, while visually appealing, appears quite high—making everyday access less convenient. In a space this generous, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry could offer better storage potential and help conceal less attractive necessities like cleaning supplies, vacuums, and brooms. Open shelves with styled jars may photograph beautifully, but in daily life, easy access and smart zoning often matter more.
This is already a high-performing pantry. With a few tweaks in layout and functionality, it could be even more tailored to real-world use—balancing beauty with everyday practicality.
We wrap up our tour of HGTV’s Smart Home 2024, by stepping out into this impressive backyard — designed as a haven for relaxation and entertaining.
If you’d like to see more of the home—including the upstairs lounge and bedrooms—you can continue the tour over on HGTV’s official Smart Home 2024 page.
Now, over to you, dear readers: which elements from this home’s transformation have captured your imagination? What inspired details could find their way into your own home projects? For me, it’s the kitchen and dining area—especially the curved-edge banquette. That moment felt like a perfect blend of retro influence and modern livability.
I must say, it’s been a thrill to see HGTV embrace the journey we’ve been charting here at Modern Paper Houses. Their acknowledgment of ’70s and ‘80s contemporary homes and the possibilities these structures offer — is a treat for any renovation enthusiast. Let’s hope this marks the beginning of many more projects that celebrate the beauty in these timeless homes.
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