Quarantine, Memphis-Style

We all have days when we need some fun, colorful inspiration to keep us looking on the sunny side of life. My suggestion? Memphis-style design.

If you don’t know what this means, you’re not alone. I found this tea pot, listed as “Memphis Style Tea Pot,” on Other Times Vintage’s website, and I had no idea what “Memphis style” was. So, vintage enthusiast and curious human that I am, I went on a deep internet dive. And, reader, I fell in love.

Memphis style originated in the 1980s with Ettore Sottsass’s Memphis Group. Active for just seven years, this Italian design and architecture collective was instrumental in the early days of postmodernism, and their influence still resonates in art, interior design, and even fashion—Dior’s Fall 2011 collection was deeply inspired by their style.

Dior fall 2011 images via

If the bright colors and abstract patterns make you wince, if the acrylic and ceramic makes you want to dig yourself a hole to hide in, if the asymmetry makes you throw up your hands and turn away, you are definitely not alone. The group’s designs were widely criticized at the time, especially coming as they did on the heels of the midcentury’s streamlined silhouettes, and the style is still incredibly polarizing. Basically, if you don’t like it, you hate it, but if you like it, you love it.

The style speaks to rebellion, to a fight against “good taste” and tradition, David Bowie was a fan, and, honestly, it just makes me happy. We all need a little more color in our lives. Case in point, I just bought this rug for my room. Loud colors? Yes. Very patterned? Yes. Incredibly smile-inducing? Very much yes.

I’ll stop fangirling at you now and leave you with a collection of pieces I love to help with your procrastination. (Fair warning: don’t get too attached—most of them are wildly expensive) Have fun!

Featured image via