Dark Academia Meets Contemporary: A Thoughtful Design Approach

Blending Styles: A Corporate Renovation in Progress

Today, we’re in Memphis, TN for an exciting site visit on one of our current corporate renovation projects. The design vision for this space is a bold juxtaposition of contemporary elements with dark academia influences, creating a workspace that is both modern and sophisticated.

As with any renovation, working within the existing framework is a key consideration, particularly with a modest budget. For this project, the kitchen presents a unique opportunity to blend old and new. To maximize the budget, we’ve opted to retain most of the existing finishes, including the geometric hexagonal backsplash, which features soft tones of gray, taupe, and cream.

During today’s visit, we focused on selecting a complementary paint palette that will tie the backsplash into the broader design. As seen in the photo, we’ve narrowed down a range of warm and neutral grays that will enhance the backsplash while reflecting the darker, moody tones characteristic of the dark academia aesthetic. The paint colors will create a seamless transition between the kitchen and the rest of the office, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the space.

This project is a great example of how thoughtful design can work within constraints to achieve something striking. We’re excited to see this corporate space come together and look forward to sharing the final results soon!