The Warmth of Simplicity: Inside the Japandi-Inspired Cozy Studio

At the Future Art & Design Award 2025 Spring Season, Dmitry of D-PORT Studios was awarded the Diamond Prize in Interior Design for his project Cozy Studio in Japandi Style.

Blending the warmth of Scandinavian functionality with the serenity of Japanese minimalism, the studio showcases how thoughtful design can transform a compact space into a peaceful, highly livable environment. Every detail—materials, layout, lighting—was carefully curated to reflect simplicity, purpose, and comfort.

Please give us a brief introduction about yourself and your creative background.

My name is Dmitry Duzhan, and I’m an interior designer and founder of the design studio D-PORT. I specialize in creating private interiors for clients around the world, working online with projects in cities like Moscow, Bangkok, Milan. My style blends functionality with a refined aesthetic, often drawing inspiration from minimalist and natural design approaches. I focus on crafting spaces that are both visually harmonious and deeply personal, tailored to each client’s unique needs and lifestyle.

What inspired you to pursue a career in creative / art / design?

What inspired me to pursue a career in design was the desire to create spaces that influence how people live, feel, and interact. From a young age, I was drawn to aesthetics, balance, and the way environments can shape our emotions. Over time, that interest grew into a passion for interior design—a field where creativity meets function. I was especially inspired by the idea that design isn't just about beauty, but about improving everyday life through thoughtful, meaningful solutions. Seeing how a well-designed space can bring comfort, clarity, and even confidence to someone—that’s what drives me.

Can you describe the creative process behind your work and what motivates you to create?

My creative process begins with understanding the person behind the project. I listen closely to the client’s lifestyle, habits, preferences, and emotional needs—because design, for me, is always personal. Once I gather that insight, I begin shaping the concept, building a narrative that guides the choice of materials, colors, lighting, and layout. Moodboards and sketches help translate the vision visually, and from there, I move into detailed planning and 3D visualization to ensure everything aligns functionally and aesthetically. Throughout the process, I stay focused on balance—between beauty and practicality, minimalism and comfort, restraint and expression. What motivates me most is the transformation. Not just of a space, but of how people feel within it. Knowing that my work can bring peace, joy, or inspiration to someone’s everyday life—that’s what keeps me creating.

What was the most exciting or challenging part of creating the work you submitted to the competition?

The most exciting and challenging part of creating the work I submitted was achieving harmony between aesthetics and functionality within a limited space. The project required careful attention to detail—every element had to serve a purpose while contributing to the overall visual concept. One of the biggest challenges was optimizing the layout to make the space feel open and calm, without sacrificing storage or comfort. Balancing natural textures, neutral tones, and clean lines in a way that felt warm and personal—not cold or overly minimal—was a rewarding creative puzzle. What made it truly exciting was seeing the concept come to life and knowing that the final result wasn’t just visually appealing, but genuinely livable. That’s always the goal: to create spaces that feel like home the moment you step into them.

How would you describe your creative style and the key characteristics that define your work?

I would describe my creative style as minimalistic, natural, and emotionally grounded. I’m drawn to clean lines, soft color palettes, and tactile, earthy materials—wood, linen, stone—that bring a sense of calm and authenticity to a space.

What has been your experience participating in the competition? Were you satisfied with the process and results?

I’m very satisfied with the entire process. It was well-organized, inspiring, and gave me a platform to share my creative voice. The recognition motivates me to keep growing, experimenting, and staying true to the kind of thoughtful, human-centered design I believe in.

Where do you see the future of the art and design industry heading in the next 5-10 years?

In the next 5 to 10 years, the art and design industry will increasingly embrace sustainability and technology while deepening its focus on human experience. Designers will prioritize eco-friendly materials and processes, making sustainability a core principle rather than an option. Technology like virtual reality, AI, and smart home integration will transform how we create and interact with spaces, making design more immersive and personalized.