The Memphis style at a glance
The Memphis movement was founded in Milan in 1981 by designer Ettore Sottsass. It shook up the good taste of the time with improbable furniture shapes, geometric patterns, zigzags, squiggles and clashing colors. Pastels sit next to primary red and blue, laminate imitates marble, and everything looks straight out of a cartoon. It’s quirky, humorous and very graphic.
To adopt it, choose one or two statement pieces with geometric shapes, a lamp or a side table, then add Memphis patterns on a rug or cushions. Walls stay light or take a pastel color. Avoid putting everything in the same spot to keep it readable. With Redeko, take a photo of your room and choose Memphis: the AI keeps your walls and windows and creates this 1980s decor.
Memphis suits bedrooms, creative studios and living rooms. It sits close to colorful pop and is a more whimsical relative of Bauhaus. One squiggle-print rug can carry the whole look.
Key elements
- Geometric patterns
- Squiggles and zigzags
- Pastels and primary colors
- Quirky furniture
- Colorful laminate
- 1980s spirit
