The origins of Memphis design date back to the late 1980s when the Memphis Group, also known as Memphis Milano, created this retro design style in Italy. Ettore Sottsass brought above a design movement that influenced almost everything, from furniture to fabrics and even ceramics.
The Memphis design style derives its unique style from the popular Art Deco and Pop Art styles. This is why it is characterised by bold and vibrant colours. Additionally, angular and geometric design patterns are another common feature of this style.
This style has been a perennial source of inspiration for interior designers since its genesis. You can find various ideas on how to include this design as a part of your interior decor below:
1. Experiment With the Colour Wheel
A dominant feature of the Memphis design style is the use of bold and vibrant colours. Some common colours used in this style are aquamarine, acid green, yellow, neon colours and hot pink, to name a few.
The use of vibrant colours in your interiors can completely transform a space. You can opt for swatches and see the kind of colours you gravitate towards, if you are hesitant to use way too many colours,
You can use toned-down colours when you have many patterns; alternatively, you can use solid and bold colours when using fewer patterns and textures. Using the colours in such a manner will ensure aesthetic balance.
2. Try and Test a Mix of Different Elements
The use of varied patterns is prominent in the Memphis design style. The patterns are usually formed from a mix of geometric shapes and whimsical features.
These patterns generally display a strong use of floral patterns and animal images. You can incorporate these patterns into your interiors in many ways.
For instance, you can incorporate these designs into or on wallpapers, upholstered furniture and other accessories, leading to Memphis-style furniture as seen in the image above. It instantaneously lifts the aesthetics of the room and is sure to spark conversations.
3. Incorporate Unconventional Furniture
The furniture used in Memphis style interior design generally does not conform to convention. What is observed are asymmetrical and geometrical shapes and a vibrant dash of colours.
The use of such elements in interiors lends visual interest to the space.
These elements can be balanced by using other symmetrical elements so that the whole look seems to be put together. This combination also makes the space feel welcoming and comforting. Memphis style furniture is timeless and suits modern interiors well.
4. Irregular Light Fixtures
Lighting forms a crucial aspect of the Memphis design style in interior design. It undeniably enhances the look and feel of the interior by making it appear spacious and airy.
Decorative lighting in unconventional and rare shapes can be used for Memphis style interior design decor, which serves as a visual interest in the form of an accessory while combining functionality.
Floor and table lamps are examples of portable decorative lights that can be customised in various shapes and styles. At the same time, if you are to redecorate your house later, it allows you the flexibility to relocate it if it does not go well with the rest of the interior.
5. Jazz up the Flooring with a Melange of Patterns
The Memphis design style is all about maximalism, which is why you should spruce up your floors with colours and patterns. One way to balance out the colour in the rest of the room is to use whites and blacks on the floors.
This could be done in different patterns- stripes, zigzags, or even waves. Terrazzo tiles are a good flooring option because of their customizability.
These patterns allow you to play with different colours and materials- be it marble, granite, quartz or even glass. Terrazzo is also commonly used in bathroom interior design for mostly the flooring or in the basin area.
6. Achieve a Unified whole with Decor
The Memphis design style allows you to go overboard with colours, shapes, forms, and patterns. This interior design style gives you enough room for experimentation. However, it is also important to remember that if you cannot achieve coherence, the final look appears flat and unappealing.
You can make use of planters, drapes, mats, mirrors, and curtains in bedroom interior design as well as other spaces within the home in a way that not only accessorises the space but also helps bring uniformity and creates a beautiful marriage of different elements. 
Plenty of living room interior design options utilise the Memphis style of design today. All you need to do is to flex your creative muscles, explore the world of opportunities, and decide what you are most drawn to.
Alternatively, you can get expert consultation from our specially trained experts at HomeLane here. Our design experts offer customised interior solutions that make your choice so much easier.
FAQs
1. What Are the Key Features of Memphis Design?
Bold patterns and retro colour palettes are unique features of the Memphis design style. The patterns are a blend of different generic shapes, such as triangles, squares, and circles, in addition to squiggles and spirals.
The random and haphazard placement of the shapes gives rise to chaotic yet interesting visuals. In this style, you can choose every colour under the sun- neon, pastels, and flat colours.
The use of black and white in the form of stripes, squares, and waves to balance the riot of colours is another common feature of the Memphis design style.
2. What Does Memphis Design Look Like?
The Memphis style of design incorporates the styles of Art Deco and Pop Art-inspired design. Clashing colours, haphazard placement, and abstract, asymmetrical and unusual objects and patterns best describe Memphis design style.
Today, the bold colours are supplemented with muted hues to tone down the overall look while keeping the retro appeal intact. The presence of squiggles and white and black stripes, and plastic laminates, are other distinctive features of Memphis design.
3. What Is Modern Memphis Design?
Even after four decades since its inception, the Memphis design style finds use in the modern interior in multiple ways. Be it wall decals or furniture, decor items or other accents and accessories, the tell-tale modern Memphis style of design can be everywhere in interior design.
Laminate and terrazzo floors, decor, and furniture are examples of modern Memphis design features. Colour blocking, chunky and asymmetric furniture and light fixtures are a few other examples.
In contrast to minimalist interiors, customised Memphis design furniture and decor are back in vogue and are a great way to make a statement in your modern interiors.
