Throughout history, trends have been reprocessed and adapted to fit the time they’re in.
A whimsical, fluid aesthetic with an emphasis on pastels, squiggles and doodles is an interior design trend for 2021 that is a direct extension of Italian Radicalism, more specifically a radical “era of bad taste” spearheaded by the Memphis Milano Group from 1980-1987.
Think punchy colours, abstract and angular furniture, graphic patterns, asymmetrical shapes; the opposite of elegant, midcentury style. Radicalism was the “enfant terrible” of design in that period.
The Memphis group designed postmodern furniture, lighting, fabrics, carpets, ceramics, glass and metal objects and often worked with plastic laminate and terrazzo.
These days, lived-in, comfortable spaces will replace the stark minimalism of mid-century modern spaces. People are seeking to transform their spaces into playgrounds and pleasant spaces with bright hues and playful, organic shapes. Playfulness is indeed a form of escapism and organic shapes tend to be more pleasing to the eye than sharp ones.
This squiggly style is highly inspirational for all who want to celebrate the “ugly” and break the rules of design.
It’s possible to incorporate both the highly individualized and colourful squiggly aesthetic and the minimalist aesthetic; embrace the principles of minimalism while embarking on a voyage of colour.
Tapping into the soft squiggly aesthetic is easier than ever, as many brands capturing this aesthetic are available on instagram, including Fuugly and 2LG Studio.
As we are negotiating a troubling world outside our homes, ensuring our interiors are comforting is all the more pressing. Redecorating allows us to channel our creativity in new, fun and childlike ways.
It also feels quite comforting to draw squiggles.
