# Understated Antiquated Wares Oji & Design Creates Items That Honor the Past and the Present By Meghan Young | Published 2011-08-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oji-design References: [coolhunting](http://www.coolhunting.com/design/oji-design.php) & [o-ji.jp](http://www.o-ji.jp/) Melding the past with the present, and possibly even the future, is a gift that not all artists and designers have, yet Oji & Design manages to achieve it with ease. This studio offers housewares that have an [antiquated aesthetic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gejst) while not compromising their contemporary purpose, all with an understated beauty that will captivate even those who prefer a different style. Founded by Japanese designer Oji Masanori, who graduated with a degree in architecture, Oji & Design creates items that [combine function with form](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dpartment) as well. By applying what he learned in his architectural courses to industrial design, Masanori appears to begin "with the foundation and allowing the beauty of its shape to lead the design," as Cool Hunting notes. From [bottle openers to light fixtures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aw030001na), Oji & Design provides just about everything a home needs. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Antiquated-contemporary Fusion:** Designers are merging the past and present to create visually captivating housewares that don't compromise contemporary form or function. - **Architecture-inspired Industrial Design:** Designers are leveraging their architectural knowledge to create harmonious home goods that prioritize form and function alike. - **Understated Aesthetic:** A growing trend in housewares involves creating items that blend in seamlessly with a variety of styles, without forgoing beauty and elegance. ### Where This Applies - **Home Goods:** The home goods industry can capitalize on designs that seamlessly blend the past and present, appealing to customers looking for both style and practical function. - **Industrial Design:** Architects, interior designers, and industrial designers can partner to create visually captivating and functional items that improve the aesthetics and utility of any home. - **Retail:** Retailers that offer a wide range of housewares, from bottle openers to light fixtures, can provide value to customers who want underutilized elegance in everyday objects. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Japanese Handmade Goods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-handmade-goods.md) - [Purposeful Knife Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tojiro-knife-gallery.md) - [Japanese Culture-Honoring Vases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watoji.md) - [Japanese-Inspired Renovated Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/duane-house.md) - [Understated Elegant Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woud.md) - [Minimalist Meaningful Living Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meaningful-living.md) - [Kitchen-Focused Mending Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poj-studio.md) - [Traditional Japan-Honoring Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/c4l-house.md) - [Cultural Heritage-Themed Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nendo-sees-kyoto.md)