Just one look is all it takes – the vibrant colors, graphic patterns, and bold geometric shapes and figures – and you are immediately transported back in time to the 1980s. Influenced by Art Deco, Pop Art, and 1950s kitsch, the distinctively eccentric movement of the Memphis Group, an Italian postmodern design collective named afterBobDylan’s song Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again,was driven by form ratherthan function and aimed to produce provocative, outrageous designs – a complete departure from the restrained, minimalist designs ofthe ’70s.
Like all trends, there’s been a resurgence of this distinctively ’80s aesthetic in recent years, and it doesn’t appearto be slowing down. Contemporary artists and designers are carrying the torch by continuing to shock the senses and the status quo with their own take on the movement.
Deconstructed Stripe by Miles Redd for Schumacher / to the trade / karensaks.com
Nest Studio Geo Colorful Series / price upon request / birddecorativehardware.com
Kelly Behun Studio Neo Laminati Bench / $8,000 / 1stdibs.com
ROYERE V Wall Sconce / $3,790 / editionmodern.com
Property Tembo Stool / $1,820 / propertyfurniture.com
Now House by Jonathan Adler Terrazzo Dice / $48 / amazon.com
Schoolhouse Electric Mollie Hook in Industrial Yellow / $99 / schoolhouseelectric.com
Anna Karlin Pattern Stool / $5,350 each / annakarlin.com
CB2 Taylor Bone Inlay Side Table / $499 / cb2.com
High Fashion Home Sunshine Tray Table / $117 / highfashionhome.com
Stray Dog Designs Alfredo Ceiling Light / $600 / straydogdesigns.com
PFM Ratio Hand-Tufted Rug in Jazz / price upon request / pattersonflynnmartin
Kelly Wearstler Cleo Table Lamp / to the trade / darnellandcompany.com
Maggie Cruz Alexandra in Coral Dust / to the trade / maggiecruzhome.com
Ettore Sottsass Etrusco Vanity Mirror / $8,598 / suiteny.com