This project began when a young couple approached us to design the interiors of their penthouse located in one of Ahmedabad’s most beautiful developments, Sky City. The penthouse, facing north and east, welcomes natural light throughout the day. During our initial conversations, we discovered that the clients were energetic, fun-loving, and often hosted house parties with friends. Their dynamic personalities and openness to creativity inspired us to explore a bold, vibrant design theme.
As a designer with a deep interest in art movements, particularly Suprematism, Bauhaus, De Stijl, Op Art, and Pop Art, I was naturally drawn to the Memphis movement. Originating in Italy between 1980 and 1987 and founded by architect and designer Ettore Sottsass, Memphis is known for its playful use of colour, geometric forms, and graphic elements. It draws inspiration from several earlier movements, making it a fitting and exciting choice for this project.
As a designer with a deep interest in art movements, particularly Suprematism, Bauhaus, De Stijl, Op Art, and Pop Art, I was naturally drawn to the Memphis movement. Originating in Italy between 1980 and 1987 and founded by architect and designer Ettore Sottsass, Memphis is known for its playful use of colour, geometric forms, and graphic elements. It draws inspiration from several earlier movements, making it a fitting and exciting choice for this project.
At the entrance, Memphis elements are immediately evident through the use of lines and dots, crafted using marble, wood, and PVD aluminium. The foyer opens into the living area, where a striking circular ceiling mirrors the circular floor pattern below. A vibrant sofa and playful flooring details draw the eye, setting the tone for the entire home. A minimal bench design in the foyer also reflects the linear graphic language of Memphis.
Name of the project: “Living Memphis: Translating an Art Movement into Space”
Location: C2003, Riviera Springs, Sky City, Shela, Ahmedabad
Total area: 2325 sq. ft.
Type: Residential Interior
Design firm: Green Squares Design Studio | Instagram: @GreenSquares_DesignStudio
Lead Designer: Ar. Bhavik Mehta
Photography Credits: MKG Studio | Instagram: @mkgandhi_studio
Location: C2003, Riviera Springs, Sky City, Shela, Ahmedabad
Total area: 2325 sq. ft.
Type: Residential Interior
Design firm: Green Squares Design Studio | Instagram: @GreenSquares_DesignStudio
Lead Designer: Ar. Bhavik Mehta
Photography Credits: MKG Studio | Instagram: @mkgandhi_studio
After studying various Memphis artworks, furniture, and graphics, the idea of transforming this artistic language into a living space took shape. A concept presentation and mood board were shared with the clients, who enthusiastically embraced the direction. This marked the beginning of our journey to translate Memphis into interior architecture.
As part of the design concept, we decided to reimagine the flooring layout to support the Memphis-inspired theme. The flooring patterns were custom-designed in-house to function as both aesthetic and spatial guides throughout the home. Based on the principle of “flooring as a guiding element and as a tool to define spatial function,” the design strategically uses contrasting tones, primarily lighter and darker greys, to distinguish between circulation zones and furniture placement areas.
This visual language helps organise the open layout and subtly directs movement through the home. The flooring not only enhances spatial clarity but also reinforces the graphic sensibility central to Memphis design.
This visual language helps organise the open layout and subtly directs movement through the home. The flooring not only enhances spatial clarity but also reinforces the graphic sensibility central to Memphis design.
The master bedroom has been designed with a sense of understated elegance. A green leather imported sofa anchors the space, while the backdrop behind the bed is created using grey-toned marble featuring natural veins and patterns that form abstract, almost artistic compositions.
To add interest, we created sculptures using waste and leftover materials, which were then placed on the marble backdrop. These handmade pieces bring a raw, artistic touch to the space and reflect our intent to reuse materials in a meaningful, creative way.
A subtle line in the flooring leads the eye toward a circular detail, defining the placement of a cosy armchair. This area is completed with a cylindrical drum table, creating a calm corner for reading or relaxation while continuing the visual language of geometric form.
To add interest, we created sculptures using waste and leftover materials, which were then placed on the marble backdrop. These handmade pieces bring a raw, artistic touch to the space and reflect our intent to reuse materials in a meaningful, creative way.
A subtle line in the flooring leads the eye toward a circular detail, defining the placement of a cosy armchair. This area is completed with a cylindrical drum table, creating a calm corner for reading or relaxation while continuing the visual language of geometric form.
The kid’s room was our starting point. A sketch inspired by Memphis art—what I call “The Red Square”—was translated into furniture design by extruding its shapes and lines. The material palette included PU finishes in red, blue, and yellow, combined with coloured brick tiles. The result is a vibrant and joyful space, almost like stepping into a three-dimensional painting.
The guest room, overlooking the terrace, follows a minimalist aesthetic. A large mustard yellow wardrobe extends into a dressing area, while playful use of circles and lines adds subtle artistic flair.
In contrast, the AV (audio-visual) room was designed to be a lively and engaging space where the clients could enjoy movies, music, and games with friends and family. Given their love for bold design, this room offered complete freedom to explore the Memphis theme in its most expressive form.
Inspired by the portrait works of illustrator Samy Halim, known for his Memphis-style compositions, I created a digitally designed backdrop featuring his artwork. These vibrant visuals add character and energy to the space, creating a strong focal point behind the seating area.
To heighten the atmosphere of fun and relaxation, custom neon letters were added to the wall, reinforcing the idea of the room as a zone for pure entertainment. The TV wall and media cabinet further reflect the Memphis identity, featuring a hand-painted design in yellow, white, blue, sea green and grey patches with black dots, forming a rhythmic and visually striking pattern. Every element in the room, from art to furniture, was thoughtfully chosen to contribute to a bold yet cohesive narrative.
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This home is more than just a visual homage to the Memphis art movement; it is a testament to how art can be meaningfully translated into everyday living spaces. This project was a rewarding journey of creativity, collaboration, and learning.
Special thanks to our wonderful clients for their trust and support throughout the process.
In contrast, the AV (audio-visual) room was designed to be a lively and engaging space where the clients could enjoy movies, music, and games with friends and family. Given their love for bold design, this room offered complete freedom to explore the Memphis theme in its most expressive form.
Inspired by the portrait works of illustrator Samy Halim, known for his Memphis-style compositions, I created a digitally designed backdrop featuring his artwork. These vibrant visuals add character and energy to the space, creating a strong focal point behind the seating area.
To heighten the atmosphere of fun and relaxation, custom neon letters were added to the wall, reinforcing the idea of the room as a zone for pure entertainment. The TV wall and media cabinet further reflect the Memphis identity, featuring a hand-painted design in yellow, white, blue, sea green and grey patches with black dots, forming a rhythmic and visually striking pattern. Every element in the room, from art to furniture, was thoughtfully chosen to contribute to a bold yet cohesive narrative.
—--------------
This home is more than just a visual homage to the Memphis art movement; it is a testament to how art can be meaningfully translated into everyday living spaces. This project was a rewarding journey of creativity, collaboration, and learning.
Special thanks to our wonderful clients for their trust and support throughout the process.
