The Memphis Group - Color, Pattern and Objects

Memphis Group Bookshelf: Andrea Branzi

Olivetti's Valentine Typewriter
circa 1969

The Memphis Movement celebrates the best of Italian design with vibrant colors and pattern.  Founded by Italian designer Ettore Sottsass, the design and architecture group created Post Modern furniture, fabrics, ceramics, glass and metal objects from 1981-1987. The group intended to develop a new creative design approach offering bright, colorful, shocking pieces meant to contrast with blacks and browns found in modern design.

Sottsass was already know for his 1969 design of Olivetti's Valentine Typewriter.  The design was marveled for its portability and the user's ability to use it anywhere.  Plus it was manufactured in eye-catching red.
They drew inspiration from Art Deco and Pop Art and embraced color.  Some might say their designs were superficial but that was far from the truth.  The Memphis Group continues to stand the test of time and it still inspires today's designers.

Here are some great examples of how we celebrate this design movement today!

NeoCon 2010: Interface FLOR

Memphis Group Retrospective:

Paintings by: Paul Jenkins

Memphis Group Chairs

Wallpaper: Sarah Hvass

London Desk Lamp

Green Eggs! Inspiration for a Modern Farmhouse

Green eggs do exist and aren't made up from a Dr. Seuss book!  

NixChix Team Fresh Green and Brown Eggs
Photo: Susan Currie 

Let me tell you about how I found out about green eggs and how they inspired this blog entry. Karen Levy, a fabulous friend, introduced me to my neighbor who has a budding business called NixChix Team in metropolitan Atlanta. From the name NixChix, you may have guessed that my neighbor's name is Nicholas and is in the business of selling organic, fresh laid eggs. 

Nicholas and his chicken Pepper.
Photo: Susan Currie

Anyone from the country or who has tasted fresh eggs knows what a luxury this business provides! Not to mention the fantastic colors that the eggs naturally come in. Beautiful medium to pale green and brown egg shells are the eggs natural appearance.

The Green Egg Layer - Zucchini. What a great name!
Photo: Susan Currie

From Eggs to Modern Farmhouse

The eggs and the beautiful spring hues inspired me to investigate what makes a "modern farmhouse." There are many interpretations but the basic elements are wood finishes, creams and a warm pallet.

Here are some of my favorite examples of the different perspectives on the Modern Farmhouse. Enjoy!

Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse