In the 80s, the bold colors and shapes of Memphis Style had critics cringing. Now, Memphis is making its return with a more mature color palette but that same, playful spirit.
Trends come and go. Some stick around, others fizzle out quickly, and a few even come back for a second chance at catching on. One such trend is Memphis Style. This 80s revival has been steadily making its way into fashion, design, and interiors for a few years now and we are so intrigued by this out-of-the-box style making its unexpected but welcome comeback.
Design by The Memphis Group for Raquel Cayre | Photography by Bobby Doherty
Karl Lagerfeld in his Memphis Style apartment | Photography by Jacques Schumacher
As a response to the clean lines and minimalism of the 60s and 70s, a design team in Italy, called the Memphis Group, developed Memphis Style. A blend of bright colors and unique shapes defined a decade and laid the groundwork for a creative and playful way of thinking about design.
Meet the Modern Memphis Style
At the time, Memphis Style was considered too bright, too strange, and too out of the box. 40 years later, we are excited to see Memphis Style making its way back in a more subtle way. This poppy, colorful style is now more muted and mature. While some shapes and patterns have remained the same, you can definitely see that Memphis has grown up.
Design by Grzywinski+Pons | Photography by Nicholas Worley
Design by Bree Leech | Photography by Derek Swalwell
Signature traits of the original Memphis Style included bright colors, unusual shapes, curves, and bold patterns. One of our favorites? Terrazzo! This beautifully speckled material is playful on countertops, unexpected on end tables, and exciting on accessories.
Design by Elizabeth Roberts Architects | Photography by Dustin Aksland
Design by GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens
Design by Heju
While the modern Memphis revival is more relaxed than its first iteration, it is still surprising and playful. Terrazzo has been popping up in contemporary design for a few years now and it is so easy to incorporate into any space, especially with subtle patterns like the Lacy Magazine Rack.
The unexpected shapes of the classic Memphis Style have been reigned in but still remain visually interesting. Pieces like the Stratus Console Table or Amari Nesting End Tables.
Modern Memphis Style Furniture
Modern Memphis Style Art
While true Memphis Style might be too much for the more relaxed color palette of the 21st century, we love seeing the elevated revival of this fun and unexpected design movement. What do you think of Modern Memphis? Let us know in the comments!
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