The Colorful Charm of the Memphis Design
Even though it started in the ’80s, the Memphis Design and its patterns and colorful mixes is here to stay.
If you’re trying to make your home look 100% unique, and you don’t like to follow rules or perfect combinations, you’ll love this article.
The Memphis Design and its origins
In 1981, Ettore Sottsass founded a collective that changed people’s perception of contemporary design. During the Milan Furniture Fair that year, Sottsass introduced the first Memphis Design collection, alongside artists like Hans Hollein, Arata Isozaki, Andrea Brazin, and Nathalie du Pasquier. Many people had a lot to say about this new design style.
Letting the imagination run free is always a gamble. Breaking century-old design rules and using colors and geometry in different ways, is interesting.
There’s a saying that fits this idea “a table needs four legs to work, but they don’t have to look the same.”
It’s said that the Memphis Design draws inspiration from Art Deco, Pop Art, and 1950s kitsch.
Do you know why it’s called Memphis Design? The first time the collective met, they played Bob Dylan’s Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again, and that’s where the name comes from.
Making the Memphis Design work
Geometrical shapes
Matching geometrical shapes creatively is a must to make this design work. A room in this style will not only have printed fabric, but you’ll see it on the walls, floors, and even on the furniture.
Democratization of design
Since its creation, the collective wanted to banish borders and make low cost and designer pieces to coexist in the same space. Art and industry came together, therefore, an object can be as beautiful as it is functional. An example of this is designer Camille Walala, who stays true to her free and easy style.
Playful and fun
The Memphis Design uses color to its fullest and only black for outlines. The brighter and shinier the color, the better. Don’t follow a color palette, because you need to provoke a reaction.
In fact, Memphis Design has a childish look to it because of all the colors and shapes it uses. It’s a great design for a child’s room.
Using Memphis Design at home
If you’d like to use it at home but don’t know where to start, know there are many deco details that can help you give your home a fun touch.
Find a piece with plenty of colors and make it the focus of the room.
The materials
In the beginning, the Memphis Design relied a lot on plastic pieces, although it also used metal or wooden objects. Nowadays, MDF is the best material to use because it’s aesthetically pleasing and it’s easier to dye.
Do you like the Memphis Design? It is, without a doubt, one of the most colorful and fun designs out there. It can bring a lot of energy to any home.
Would you dare to change your entire home or just one room? Tell us how you’d use it in your home or in your office!