Decorating & Design
January 14, 2016
Trending For 2016: Italian Memphis Style
Design editor Kai Ethier shares one of 2016’s biggest trends.
1970s Italian style was one of our top design trends in our January 2016 issue, but when we were putting together the story, there was another retro — and equally inspiring — look on our radar.
Playful and vibrant, Memphis style came out of the work of The Memphis Group, an architectural and design collective formed in Milan in 1981. The group was known for producing furniture, fabric and accessories in geometric shapes and bright colors — and in the last couple of years, we’ve seen a number of nods to their signature look.
While today’s hues are slightly toned down, and materials like plastic have been swapped for natural woods and warm metals, these contemporary pieces embrace the quirky forms and lively color of Memphis style to a bold effect.
Here is Memphis style in full swing; the quirky look combines super-saturated colors with kitschy prints. Read on to see the current, muted interpretation of this trend.
The Laurel table by De La Espada comes with either an American black walnut or European ash base to offset its colorful, cone-shaped top (available in shades like turquoise and orange).
French illustrators and graphic designers Maxime Prou and Adèle Favreau designed this limited-edition pillow cover for Brooklyn retailer Aelfie. I really love its vibrant, graphic print.
Montreal designer Zoë Mowat created this playful jewelry stand that brings together Memphis-style colors and shapes. Corral rings and earrings on the small circular trays, and hang necklaces and bracelets on the detachable wooden dowel.
Dusen Dusen started out as a fashion label in 2010, but last year expanded into home goods, designing a collection of towels, throw pillows, blankets and bedding. Their youthful Cut Outs duvet set is a personal favorite.
At $12,900US, this beautiful modular chandelier is a serious investment piece. If you like the style, but can’t afford the price tag, Ladies & Gentlemen also makes lovely geometric chimes at a fraction of the cost…
Each handmade Mini Chime combines colorful suspended shapes with a warm brass ring — a super subtle take on the Memphis look.