The Japandi style has become a real trend in decoration as the " new minimalism ". The idea is to combine the Scandinavian style with minimalism, and offer a clean and delicate environment. To explain a little more about this style that is causing a stir, we invited Gabriel Bordin, Mariana Pesca and OSA Arquitetura . With minimalist spaces, the trio of architects has beautiful projects on display at CASACOR Santa Catarina 2021 - click here to check out all the spaces at the Santa Catarina show. Japandi is the union of two architectural styles: Japanese and Scandinavian . According to OSA Arquitetos, which designed the Suna REEVEV Room at CASACOR SC 2021, "despite being completely different cultures, the styles complement each other and have several similarities. In short, the union of Japanese simplicity with elegant Scandinavian functionality ." According to OSA, Scandinavians used to employ the concept of hygge , which represents the use of items that bring a sense of comfort and well-being to the environment. The Japanese, on the other hand, have the wabi-sabi philosophy, which values the impermanence of life, the natural aspect and the imperfect . The style has been gaining popularity in Brazil and around the world. For Mariana Pesca, who designed the Cosmopolitan Loft at CASACOR SC 2021 , "Japandi is very popular because people are increasingly seeking introspection, meditation and self-knowledge. They want less perfection and more comfort at home ."

What are the characteristics of the Japandi style?

Japandi is known as a new form of minimalism , as it emphasizes the use of functional spaces and essential elements that transcend time and space. Although similar, there are differences between these two styles. "The difference is that Japandi, in its aesthetic and functional choices, carries some philosophies and contemplations both when designing the space and in the experience. The pieces that stand out in both trends tend to be loaded with some narrative or reference , and natural materials and means are greatly emphasized," explains Gabriel Bordin , who designed Casa Yugen DECA for CASACOR SC 2021 .

The Japandi style brings a mix of environments full of textures combined with more neutral palettes . "Wood, straw, bamboo, ceramics are present. The bases remain functional, the space fluid, rhythmic and wide, bathed in plenty of natural light ", comments OSA. The pieces are handpicked to ensure comfort and minimalism in the space . In addition, they are quality pieces that prioritize good design and can be combined with new or old handcrafted works, which may or may not have imperfections and unique marks to bring a more intimate atmosphere to the space. "This way, it doesn't become an accumulation of information, but rather a visual escape or the feeling of comfort that these materials have the power to bring to the present moment," explains OSA. Gabriel Bordin adds what Japandi can offer residents: "furniture and affective objects mixed with minimalist objects, contemporary architecture invaded by vegetation and natural lighting start to make more sense and translate the transition and contrast of our times ", he says.

Why has Japandi become a trend?

There is no denying that this style is here to stay. The Coronavirus pandemic has caused people to spend more time at home, and as a result, many reflections on the style of living and living have come into play. Everyone wants to look for environments that are not only beautiful but also offer a place to relax. For Bordin, this trend was already emerging even before the pandemic, but it was strengthened by social isolation. "Even before the pandemic, we were already in a time of reviewing our social habits, consumption habits, and interaction with our present and our stories ." Rethinking consumer habits is also a topic that has been circulating a lot, especially in recent years. For the trio of experts, the Japandi style also represents a change in sociocultural behavior and lifestyle . For OSA, Japandi brings important lessons for the "new way of living": "the style highlights the real importance that housing has on the quality of human life . The trend goes far beyond an architectural movement. Japandi is the portrait of an expansion of human consciousness, a return to the essential, a questioning of who we are and what we really need to live, not only in isolation, but also in society. Less waste of energy and inputs , more timelessness and sustainability."