The Memphis Design

Just like the appearance of the design, Memphis design also has a colorful history. The style emerged from the celebrated Memphis Design collective of Milan-based designers in the early 1980s. With combined ideas and creativity, the design style was born to add colors to the world. The style is not for the faint of heart as it is packed with bold colors, patterns, and a radical approach to design. 

A brief history of Memphis Design

The movement was spearheaded by Italian designer, Ettore Sottsass in 1980. He assembled a team of bold and daring designers from around the globe to transform the design industry. As a result of this gathering, they introduced their controversial, eye-catching, rule-breaking style that became famous around the world. The name “Memphis Design” was inspired by the Bob Dylan song, Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again, from his 1966 Blonde on Blonde album that has been playing during the night the group of designers had their first official meeting. 

The style is incorporated with pop culture and historical references. Memphis Design was the answer to the clean and linear aesthetic of midcentury modern and the minimalism of the 70s. In addition to these, it is interesting to know that Memphis Design was influenced by Art Deco and Pop Art. The design style also influenced popular culture, inspiring the set of several television shows like Pee-wee’s Playhouse and Saved By the Bell. Several celebrities also are fans of the design style. 

Characteristics of Memphis Design

  • Designed to initiate an emotional response.
  • Loud, brash, spirited, playful, uninhibited.
  • The use of bright colors is exaggerated in unique and interesting combinations.
  • Use of bold and clashing patterns
  • The use of geometric shapes.
  • The popularity of squiggles.
  • Use of materials such as terrazzo and plastic laminated in various finishes. 
  • Out of ordinary style that may clash different styles. 
  • Rounded edges and curves.

Give Your Home A Touch Of The 80s

Memphis art turquoise checkered poster in interior

There are so many things that can be said about the 80s. This decade of new wave likewise gave birth to amazing decor trends. Although the 80s design style has retro elements, it is still employed in many homes and establishments. From brightly colored furniture pieces to geometric patterns on your walls. These decor elements will surely complete your day and make you feel like you are back in time again.

Use lucite in your rooms

Lucite is a clear, thick plastic that works great in rooms where you want to avoid adding too many textures and clutter. This is a decor trend that started in the 80s and never went away. 

Pops of neon for a funky appeal

The 1980s is never complete without the images of neon lights and bright colors. The incorporation of neon lights in prints can simply add a retro design to your room. Display neon-themed posters to add accent to your walls. Whether in the bedroom or living room, neon prints will surely be a trendy 80s design that you will adore. 

Go for brass

Brass is another material that was popular during the said decade. It is bold and loud and when used in furniture the material can give a fun and whimsical feel. 

Consider Memphis style

Memphis design was a movement that started in Milan, Italy in 1981. It is characterized by all things colorful, abstract, and loud. Achieve the design style in your rooms with abstract art, abstract-inspired throws, and bold colors throughout the textiles. 

Pastels for a fun-looking interior

The great thing about the 80s is that the design trends were contrasting. Pastel is a great alternative if you are not into neon and bold colors. Pastel colors make a lovely interior. Consider using pastels in the children’s room for a cool and interesting ambiance. 

Palm everywhere

Tropical prints were loved in the 80s, as well as tropical plants. Add a retro style in your rooms with tropical prints, especially with palm trees or leaves. As such, you will be adding a summer vibe to your home. 

Rounded accessories

Want to add a touch of 80s in your rooms? Add rounded decorative items such as vases, mugs, and candle holders. Match them with pastel colors and bring the retro feel to your home.

Decorate Your Home With Geometric Shapes

Memphis art Black lines in colorful shapes poster

Over the years, geometric patterns have been one of the most popular decorative elements and can be used in any design style and blend with different colors. You can see them almost anywhere: in homes, restaurants, and offices around the globe. Geometric shape designs are eye-catching and can brighten up any space. Read on to know more about geometric shapes and how they can transform any living space into something appealing. 

Trendy geometric patterns

Geometric patterns are probably one of the most versatile decorative elements. It can be added to any interior design style. Polyhedrons are some of the famous shapes and can be used in various furniture pieces and their parts. For instance, polyhedrons can be used from table legs to lamps and photo frames. Recently, rhombuses are commonly used in kids’ rooms, floors, and bathroom walls. 

With these on the walls, you can also create a wonderful pattern. This can be achieved with the installation of wallpaper, wall murals, or posters. Among these, the display of posters is the easiest and fastest way to create a trendy wall design. 

Why use geometric patterns

The versatility of geometric patterns makes them ideal in both classical and modern homes. They can easily be incorporated to create any design style that has been popularized in their respective eras. For instance, geometric patterns are ideal if you want to revive the psychedelic look of the 60s or the digital appearance of today. 

Color and shape of geometric patterns

Any color goes well with geometric patterns. The use of bright and cheerful colors like orange, red, yellow, and purple will help create more fun, exciting, and modern vibe. However, warm colors, such as these, must not be overused as they can be an eyesore. In moderation, they can take the center stage and be the focal point of your rooms. 

The use of neutral colors like black and white will help create a sophisticated and elegant look. This combination can also help create a minimalist appearance that likewise offers a comfortable and cozy feel. 

How to incorporate geometric patterns 

Modern decorative shelves come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Personalize them with a mixture of different shelves to create a room focal point. Geometric shapes can also be incorporated with the installation of partitions and wall panels. These are subtle and understated structures that will not overwhelm your rooms. 

Want to be creative and unleash your artistic side? Paint your walls with a variety of colors and geometric shapes. Prepare the materials you need like a roll of masking tape, paintbrush, and paint color of your choice. With these, you will be able to create a crisp and clean pattern that you and your family will love. 

Geometric patterns on the floor are likewise eye-catching. Squares, hexagons, and zigzag patterns are cool and you can be creative by arranging them in whatever look you want. Rugs and carpets are likewise great to display geometric patterns. There are geometric rugs and carpets available in the market that can transform the appearance of your walls.

How To Add Neon To Your Home

Neon hello sign with marble background poster in interior

Neon colors have been popular in the 70s and 80s. The colors may rarely be used these days, yet they have a lot of potentials when it comes to creating beautiful spaces. In fact, there are many ways you can use neon to complete the appearance of any room. However, unlike the regular colors, you need to be careful so as not to overdo it. Remember that anything in excess is bad. Too many neon colors in the room may be an eyesore

Neon colors to complement plain walls

Bare white or gray walls are boring. Decorating them with neon serves as an accent without being too loud for the eyes. Display neon posters or paint a small corner with neon-colored paint. The doors may also be colored with neon to serve as a room focal point. 

Spruce up the room

In contrast with what many people think but neon colors can blend well with both light and dark-colored interiors. For example, rooms in hues of gray, black, brown can be decorated with bright neon to add a little drama.

Neon furniture pieces

Blank white walls can be treated like a blank canvas to create your art. As such, you can add furniture pieces in light pastel colors. You may also add other decorative items in neon colors, like vases, throws, and lampstands. However, too much neon-colored furniture can be painful to the eyes. Three pieces of neon furniture pieces will do. 

Neon-colored wall

Choose a wall in your room and paint it neon. This may be challenging but the effects will be monumental. This will give any room a fun and adventurous vibe. Just be reminded not to color your bedroom with neon colors. You can do this in the living room or dining room walls. Finish the room appearance with black and white furniture items, and voila!

Final thoughts

Seems like adding neon colors to your home may be challenging. Yes, it may be but beautifying your home with neon colors will have a unique and interesting effect that cannot be seen in other decors. Remember that the appearance of your home is a reflection of who and what you are. Therefore the decors and colors should be carefully chosen to create an eye-catching home interior.

Give Your Home A Retro Appearance

Memphis art half center orange cirle with line poster in interior

A retro style in decorating your home does not only focus on one aspect. It actually encompasses different decades of styles. These have been influenced by several trends and styles from the past. Although the term “retro” refers to something in the past, it actually describes the decor from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. A retro design style has a fun and lively feel that is characterized by bright colors, wild designs, and an overall sense of flair. The retro design style requires a bold approach and likewise requires a certain personality to achieve it. Bring the design style to your home with the elements and inspiration below. 

Furniture

Furniture pieces in retro style have an abstract feel to them. It also seems like every piece is almost fighting to be the focal point of the room. The sofas are usually broad and elongated that are also decorated with multi-colored pillows. The materials used in barstools are usually shiny and metallic along with bright red seats. The retro design style is also complete when Mitt chairs and puzzle-piece ottomans are added.

Colors

Choosing the colors that help achieve the design style is not that hard. You can choose from avocado green, mustard yellow, brown, black, white, and red. The combination of purple and hot pink is great to achieve the style. You can also have mixes of bright orange, green, indigo blue, and yellow. The retro era is also popular for tie-dyed fabrics, checkered patterns, and elaborate paisley prints. 

Textures

Go retro with shag carpeting, smooth plastics, soft vinyl, and crushed velvet. When achieving the style, remember to go bold.

Accents and flooring

When it comes to decorating, there is actually no limit. Add accents and accessories like fuzzy throw rugs, door beads, lava lamps, skate tables, and scoop stools. It is also common to see bold and unusual art and sculptures. These pieces tend to be abstract in nature rather than simple still-life and landscapes. When it comes to flooring choose from natural wood, shag carpeting, and a bold mix of tiles. Placed in a checkerboard pattern. 

Lighting

Get the retro style with floor lamps and lamps with square or tasseled shades. You can also choose a swag multi-colored chandelier that plugs into a wall socket and feature a dangling cord draped from hook to hook. 

Final thoughts

The retro design style is fun and exciting. There’s no doubt about that! It is all about the blending of shapes, textures, and colors. The furniture of the retro era is sturdy, durable, and functional. Achieving the design style is requires attention to detail and it is important to be versatile with the materials and decors available. Remember, anything goes, and do not tone down a retro-style decor.

Memphis art half orange circle poster

memphis art half orange circle poster

Simple yet striking art that can nake a good accent on your walls. Add colors to your room in a simple yet impressive way. Display this poster in any room and be able to add a retro look to make it look adorable and vibrant.

Memphis art half rainbow arc poster

memphis art half rainbow arc

Simple yet striking art that can nake a good accent on your walls. Add colors to your room in a simple yet impressive way. Display this poster in any room and be able to add a retro look to make it look adorable and vibrant.