15 Colorful Must-Haves for the Memphis Design Lover
In a reaction against minimalism, the Memphis movement transformed cheap, affordable materials into vibrant furnishings and daring decor.
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Formed by designer Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers in Milan in 1982, the Memphis movement stretched the creative limits of the design industry—introducing colors, patterns, and shapes in wacky, exuberant ways. Today, the hallmarks of Memphis design—think squiggles, geometry, and unrestrained color—are back in full force. Bring some color and pattern into your life with the Memphis-inspired pieces below.
Some projects speak for themselves and need no explanation, because they embody the history and thinking of their day. Thus the 1959 Compasso d'Oro was awarded to to the Olivetti Elea 9003 computer.
Embroidered pillow in multi-colored Block print. 100% cotton, back zip, non-embroidered natural canvas back. Available as 18" x 18". Made in India. Spot clean only. Pillow insert is a polyfill down alternative and mimics the fluffiness of natural down.
An area rug that is as soft and colorful as your favorite sweater. In fact, Patricia Urquiola was directly inspired by hand-knitted sweaters in her design of the Mangas Original collection.
Bright, cozy yellow. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte.
Designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981, this exuberant lamp features a bright, pivoting ducklike head mounted on a confetti-patterned base. Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom
Designed in 2018 by Nathalie du Pasquier, this tiered ceramic sculpture adds a decorative geometric accent to any shelf or table. Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom
Working from his studio located about an hour south of Amsterdam, Dutch designer Lex Pott takes an experimental approach to his design projects.
What is most captivating about Nathalie Du Pasquier is the confidence with which she transitions from design to painting.
Snake Blocks are a classic toy reinvented in wood and elastic designed by Clara von Zweigbergk. Twist and turn the colorful blocks to create endless forms, serpentine shapes and geometric patterns, including a sphere, a swan, a dog and a fish.
The Graphics Mug Set by Iittala pairs the black and white illustrations of the Shaped/Shifted mug by Christopher DeLorenzo, USA with the colorful illustration by Merjin Hos, Netherlands Distortion mug. Both using shapes from nature creating a perfect pairing.
Featuring a unique graphic sensuality, the Rabari 1 Rug from Nanimarquina offers exceptional beauty and outstanding design. Texturally and visually diverse, this rug employs an exciting variety of different color and patterns against a white backdrop.
Material research primarily determines all of Hella Jongerius’ designs. Her extensive portfolio includes single pieces exhibited at galleries, mass-produced items sold at retail stores, design of airliner interiors and even the redesign of the North Delegates’ Lounge at UN Headquarters in New York.
Renowned Italian modernist Enzo Mari presents his bold, graphic interpretation of an iconic form. Part of the Nature Series, "Due La Pera" is silkscreened and unframed. Each poster comes with two PVC bars for wall-mounting. Printed in Italy. Photo Courtesy of Amazon
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