Achieve the Memphis Design Style In Your Home

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If you were born during the 1980s or 1990s, then you may be familiar with the Memphis design movement. The design style is characterized to be bright, geometric, and heavily stylized. It may not be for everyone but the Memphis design style has a timeless appearance that serves as an inspiration for other styles. Memphis design style is one of the hottest looks in home interior these days. Read on to learn more about it and see if it suits your taste.

The features of Memphis design style

Since time immemorial, art and interior design have harmonized with each other. Although, the traits may be confusing as they can also be seen in other styles. There are still unique characteristics that are loved by homeowners and designers. Here are the key elements that you will find interesting.

  • Mixed patterns – the design style is heavy on patterns and the most common are geometric shapes with whimsical organic forms (squiggles or spirals). The pattern can be added to wallpaper, furniture upholstery, and other items like planters. 
  • Vivid colors – the colors are bright and electric. The colors are balanced against a monochromatic background such as white and black. The vivid colors can be yellow, hot pink, aquamarine, purple, and cherry red. 

Achieve the style with these cool ideas

Getting the style in your home is not that difficult as many have assumed. With the materials that we have today, there will be a lot of ways to be successful with your project.

  • Patterned wallpaper – achieving the patterns and colors with the use of paint and brush may be challenging. However, there is an easy way to add them to your walls and this is through the use of patterned wallpapers. Before installing the wallpaper, try to obtain a test sample and see if the design blends in your home. 
  • Terrazzo flooring – this type of flooring features irregular fragments of different materials like glass, marble, and others. These are combined together and set with a smooth, polished glaze. Terrazzo flooring is a perfect decor that will complement the Memphis design style. 
  • Lots of accessories – add accessories to your rooms with planters, coffee mugs, throws, curtains, dinnerware, lampshades, and storage bins. These will surely make a cool toom interior and help you achieve the Memphis look. 

Final thoughts

The Memphis interior design style is all about making everything bold and dashing. The truth is that there is no strict rule when it comes to adding materials and other decorative items. Open your mind and try to be experimental. For instance, you can pair pastels and neons or add shapes that will suit your preference. Remember that the objective is to create a playful-looking room interior. Another interesting thing about the Memphis style is that you can easily incorporate other styles. Add a modern touch with trendy wall decors such as posters to give your room a fresh appearance. 

If you are worried about the expenses, there are always creative ways to still be successful. Try to search online for good deals. These items may not be brand new but they will make everything look perfect especially with good quality materials.

The Memphis Design Style

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The Memphis interior design is making its comeback and becoming more popular than before. The design style started in the 80s and has evolved ever since. A design movement that began in 1981, it has influenced many artists and most works are featured in local and international publications. 

What is the Memphis design style?

The Memphis style is one of the most popular and prominent styles in the world. It is known for the use of neon, primary and pastel colors, geometric shapes, and bold, repetitive patterns. You cannot deny that the elements and beauty that the design style has, influenced many people and other design styles. 

The origin of Memphis design style

Memphis design movement started in 1981 in Milan, Italy. It was founded by Designer Ettore Sottsass along with other 22 designers and architects. The group was inspired by the song of Bob Dylan, “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again”, which was played repeatedly during the first meeting of the group. 

After the meeting, the group went on to create furniture, fabric, patterns, ceramics, and other products. The products have the traits of Postmodern style blended with styles of the 50s kitsch, Art Deco, and Pop Art. 

Though the use of clashing colors and bad taste has challenged the universally accepted design standards during those times. However, these days, we can safely say that the designs created by the Memphis Group were groundbreaking. These ideas opened up the minds of many experts and have influenced other design styles. 

How is it making its comeback? 

Memphis design started to come back in 2005 in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) exhibited a survey of the designs of Sottsass one year before he died. After his death, more individuals and experts became interested in the Memphis style. It influenced high fashion houses Missoni, Karl Lagerfield, and Christian Dior. 

In 2014, one of the founding members of the group, Nathalie Du Pasquier, designed a collection of patterns for American Apparel. In 2016, the brand Supreme released products that were designed by Alessandro Mendini who appeared in the first Memphis show. 

While it is popular in many designer clothes, the elements and traits were used and seen in various films and TV shows. Examples of which are Saved by the Bell and Pee Wee’s Playhouse. The style was likewise seen in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. 

Characteristics of the style

Here are the key characteristics of the Memphis design style:

  • Use of bright colors in unorthodox combinations.
  • Loud, brash, spirited, playful, uninhibited.
  • It was designed to provoke an emotional response. 
  • Bold, clashing patterns.
  • Black and white graphics.
  • Use of simple geometric shapes. 
  • Rounded edges and curves.
  • Use of squiggles. 
  • Materials such as terrazzo and plastic laminated in different finishes. 
  • Out of the ordinary shapes in place of conventional ones. 

Arc and freehand line no1 poster

Arc and freehand line no. 1 poster

Graphical prints like this do not only add life to your room. They can make the necessary visual transformation for a more attractive and cozy home. Display this trendy art in any room and be able to make them look stylish and sleek. With shapes and lines featured, you will be able to add depth on your walls. Be one of the proud owners today.

Arc and freehand line no2 poster

Arc and freehand line no. 2 poster

Graphical prints like this do not only add life to your room. They can make the necessary visual transformation for a more attractive and cozy home. Display this trendy art in any room and be able to make them look stylish and sleek. With shapes and lines featured, you will be able to add depth on your walls. Be one of the proud owners today.

Arc and freehand line no3 poster

Arc and freehand line no. 3 poster

Graphical prints like this do not only add life to your room. They can make the necessary visual transformation for a more attractive and cozy home. Display this trendy art in any room and be able to make them look stylish and sleek. With shapes and lines featured, you will be able to add depth on your walls. Be one of the proud owners today.

Arc and freehand line no4 poster

Arc and freehand line no. 4 poster

Graphical prints like this do not only add life to your room. They can make the necessary visual transformation for a more attractive and cozy home. Display this trendy art in any room and be able to make them look stylish and sleek. With shapes and lines featured, you will be able to add depth on your walls. Be one of the proud owners today.

Arc and freehand line no5 poster

Arc and freehand line no. 5 poster

Graphical prints like this do not only add life to your room. They can make the necessary visual transformation for a more attractive and cozy home. Display this trendy art in any room and be able to make them look stylish and sleek. With shapes and lines featured, you will be able to add depth on your walls. Be one of the proud owners today.

The 80s Design – Going Back In Style

Orange Color abstract shapes poster

The 1980s interior design can be described as complex as it consists of metallic accents, prominent angles, and curves. The good thing about it is it can easily be integrated into other design styles. From bright colors to flat designs and numerous geometric figures, the 1980’s design can boost modern interior.

The modern appearance of the 80s reflected the “less is more” approach together with the minimalist spaces that highlight the clean-lined furniture. The surfaces characterized to be reflective was achieved with the use of mirror, chrome, and glass. These were used to visually enlarge the room. Gray was usually seen on the walls wherein other colors such as white could easily be combined. White was likewise popular during the decade together with contemporary lighting fixtures.

The events in the 80s

The decade was marked by socioeconomic change due to advances in technology. It is also a period of moving away from the planned economy and gearing towards laissez-faire capitalism. Many believed that this change in the global economy is attributed to the “Reagan Boom” in which there was a drastic increase in job employment and economic expansion in the United States.

Multinational manufacturing companies relocated to various countries such as Thailand, Mexico, South Korea, China, and Japan, providing these countries with economic growth and a decrease in the unemployment rate. 

This is also the decade of the end of the Cold War between the United States and the USSR that almost escalated to the use of nuclear weapons in both countries. The collapse of Soviet communism also happened during the decade, wherein the United Kingdom and the United States started a trend in international trade that would eventually be used in the succeeding decades. 

With these developments in the developed countries, the developing countries on the other hand are having financial crises and an increase of debt from the International Bank and the World Bank is evidently observed. 

The AIDS epidemic was recognized during the decade as well as global warming which has started to become a problem. 

Designing your home the 80s way

Designs that were popular in the 80s are making their come back these days and it is not difficult to integrate them into other designs. Try to adopt these ideas and create a comfortable and nostalgic vibe in your home. 

  • Chintz – a printed multicolored cotton fabric with a glazed finish, used as curtains and upholstery.
  • Pastel colors – soft pastels were commonly used in the 80’s interior decoration. The application of white in generous amounts could intensity the soft colors of the pastel.
  • Country style – the design refers to the aesthetic that represents rural farmhouse-like design. This has gained popularity due to the simplicity it projects. Pastel and bright colors will blend well with the country-style design. Materials used in this style include rocks, wood, and other natural elements.
  • Verdigris – blue-green tarnish on certain metals after they were left outdoors for a long period of time. Metals such as bronze, copper, and brass get verdigris due to exposure to moisture and air. 
  • Memphis-inspired Design – this design was made popular by Memphis Milano in which includes bright looks and bold geometric patterns. 
  • Open kitchens – the purpose of the open kitchen is to avoid the isolation of the person who is using the kitchen from the actions simultaneously happening in the other rooms such as the living room and the dining area.
  • Shabby chic design – white and antique in appearance coupled with sofas covered with quilted comforters and simple grommets. 
  • Japanese Zen – Zen is known for its simplicity and spiritual appearance with the use of elements such as pebbles arranged neatly in certain areas. 

 

The Colors of New Year

Light colors brush stroke poster in interior

With the different events that happened in our lives throughout the year, we are now prepared to face another year. A year that we hope to be full of hope and optimism. Celebrating the New Year is also filled with traditions and beliefs. At least in the Philippines. History tells us that we have been greatly influenced by different cultures, such as the Chinese, Americans, and Spanish. 

The addition of colors is during the New Year’s Eve celebration is also important to many families. Certain colors are believed to bring good luck. Over the years, color psychology has captured the interests of many experts. Studies have shown that colors have significant effects on the mind and body. That is the reason why the colors we add to our rooms are important as these may affect the mood as well as our behavior. When it comes to the New Year celebration, there are some colors that are considered lucky when they are seen around or when we wear them. 

Clean as white

White has many symbolism. It represents innocence, purity, hygiene. It is also associated with religious traditions and certain works of art. 

The bold red

One of the events that have been celebrated for many years is the Lunar New Year. In fact, this has been observed for thousands of years and celebrated in many Asian countries. The color red is used to scare off a hungry beast that was believed to terrorize villages every New year. These days, red is associated with good luck and good fortune by the Chinese and other Asian cultures. 

Purple for prosperity

Purple is associated with wealth and that is the reason why the color is only seen in monarchs in Europe and Asia. The reason is that the original vibrant purple dye that was made in ancient Phoenicia, needed around 250,000 rare sea snails. Do note also that the number of sea snails only produces about an ounce of the dye. This makes the color expensive that only the wealthy people can afford it. 

Cool Blue

One of the cool colors in color psychology. Blue is associated with religious traditions and serenity in art. Blue is also believed to have mystical properties due to its rarity. Make your home look serene with blue for a more peaceful New Year. 

Silver linings

Silver is one of the precious metals in the world. In fact, it was mined more than 5000 years ago. The shiny hue is associated with all the precious opportunities this New Year. 

In touch with nature with green

Studies have shown that the color green leads to better physical and mental health. The reason is that the color is associated with nature. Green also increases positive emotions and vibes. This is why you have to bring the color to your home this year. 

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Get the chance to win Php 25,000 and have your photo be featured as the next trendy poster of Artdesign. Show your skills in photography and showcase the beauty of the Philippines. Love nature and let your work be adored by many.

The beauty of the Philippines

Regardless of what you have heard over the news about the Philippines, it is still one of the favorite destinations of tourists from around the globe. Why not? There are many places to visit, food to taste, events and happenings to experience, and others. With more than 7,000 islands to see and experience, the country is gifted with the beauty and richness of nature. 

The beaches located in Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao are among the places that are featured in many travel magazines and vlogs. For sure, the Philippines is gifted with stretches of pristine white sand beaches surrounded by clear blue waters. Of course, island hopping is not only the reason why the country is featured in many publications. Here are the reasons why many tourists keep coming back and why many Filipinos love to visit different places in the country.

Tropical weather to experience

Looking for a perfect getaway from winter? Only two seasons are experienced in the country: wet and dry. If you are longing for the heat of the sun on your skin, then we have the weather that you will surely love. The dry season starts from November to May, while the wet season is usually from June to October. It is ideal to go to the beach to have that sun-kissed look during the months of March to May. This is also the time when most beach resorts are packed with tourists. 

Filipino hospitality

In addition to the view, Filipinos are also known for their hospitality. In fact, we are ranked as the friendliest country in Asia. While still in the airport, you will be greeted with a smile by Filipinos. Probably, we are just proud of our country and culture, that is why we treat tourists with warmth and joy. 

Pinoys always treat their guests special. Do not be surprised if a feast is prepared when you visit their place. You get the chance to choose from various Filipino dishes on the table. The sentence “Make yourself at home” will truly be felt whenever you visit your Pinoy friend. 

Affordable tourist destinations

It is a fact that money is the greatest factor when you travel. Fear not as traveling in the Philippines and enjoying the wonders of nature is affordable. For instance, in just Php 1,000, you will be experiencing non-stop fun and excitement within a chosen place. Food is affordable as well, as long as you know where to go and order Filipino dishes. 

Islands and beaches

Beaches in the Philippines have constantly been featured by international publications like CNN, HuffPost, and Conde Nast Traveler. The country is truly gifted with the magic of nature. It is no surprise why many people choose the country for vacation and other activities. Get the opportunity to enjoy the sand and crystal clear water in a number of spots. Some of the places to visit are Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. 

Natural wonders in the Philippines

The country is also blessed with wonders of nature. Visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River and be in awe of its beauty. This trip will also take you to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This is the longest underground river in the world and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. 

Another important landmark is the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Here you will see thousands of hills that look like giant chocolate Kisses. However, they may turn green during the wet season. Go north and visit the Cordilleras. See the Rice Terraces of the Ifugao. This is an impressive man-made rice field that can be traced back to the pre-colonial Philippines.