Among the boldest interior design trends of 2025, Memphis style resurfaces with a retro-futuristic flair, drawing inspiration from the 1980s
Characterised by curved lines, organic shapes, vibrant colours, and geometric designs, Memphis Design is ideal for art lovers as it transforms living spaces into mini galleries evoking a unique atmosphere that balances futuristic elements with a touch of psychedelia. Despite its prominence in the late 20th century, this style, renowned for its creativity and striking patterns, remains relatively unknown to the general public.
Memphis style first made its debut at the Milan Furniture Fair in 1981. Some would argue that it was far more than a style; it was a philosophy, a defiant move to break away from the rigid minimalism and monochromatic schemes that dominated the last century’s design eras.
Halfway between Bauhaus and Art Deco, Memphis is instantly recognisable for its colourful, carefree designs, featuring an endless array of forms that become truly revolutionary designs. It is akin to a Neo Pop Art, but more chaotic and playful, with a certain childlike and whimsical inspiration.
If you’re a fan of mixing textures and tones, then Memphis is definitely the style for you. Its hallmark is its explosion of colours, featuring primary hues like red, yellow, and blue, alongside secondary shades such as green, pink, orange, violet, and turquoise. Don’t be afraid to infuse your home with a rainbow of colours across carefully chosen furniture, textiles, and decorative elements. Let this powerful palette pop by juxtaposing with black and white accents to enhance visual impact.
If, on the other hand, you’re shy of bold colourways, Neo-Memphis offers a contemporary take on the original style. This variant maintains the playful spirit of Memphis design but opts for more subtle, calming, pastel tones, aligning with modern design sensibilities.
Beyond colour, Memphis style is distinguished by its fearless use of geometric and organic shapes like circles, spirals, squares and triangles, arranged in asymmetrical and whimsical compositions that happily bend the established rules.
The Memphis design aesthetic can be applied in bold strokes, transforming entire rooms, or introduced with curated flair through individual furniture pieces and eye-catching ornaments. It also embraces an eclectic mix of materials, where wood, metal, lacquer, marble, and velvet are playfully combined with a variety of finishes – both glossy and matte – to create truly surprising and delightful design.
