▷ everything you need to know about the exhibition.

We already told you here, this year, Casoca installed a PopUp Studio during an architecture exhibition, in partnership with Letícia Lopes (Click here to read!). But what I didn’t tell you was how much Modernos Eternos brings a different concept to the world of architecture and design exhibitions.

In its 6th edition, the event takes place in Arnold Collegein Belo Horizonte. A neoclassical property from the last century, and for that alone you can already imagine the structure (and beauty!) of the space. In addition, another point that brings additional charm to the Exhibition, especially for those who like to know the concepts behind each production, is the use of objects with history and timeless value in all environments.

This year, the Modernos Eternos BH has 35 environmentsand you can check photos and details of each of them in our Official broadcast channel here at Casoca! Before, I separated the 3 which deserve to be highlighted here!

Restaurant O Concerto, by Gustavo Penna and Sandra Penna

The College auditorium, 1912underwent a shocking transformation, watch this before and after! The project highlights the relationship between history and contemporary times, taking as its starting point the connection between place and music, evident in its entirety. An eclectic environment, with a ceiling painted with musical motifs, instruments and great classical composers such as Carlos Gomes, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin.

2. Coffee Tour, by Laura Rausch Lopes

The Coffee Tower was one of the environments that impressed me the most because of its the experience it offers, unlike a space where you enter and admire the project, you can feel and textures, listen to music, see images…It certainly makes our perception much more real. The entrance hall is an invitation for people to come in and be curious to follow the route, the The shape of an octagon gives the idea of a gallery and brings the viewer’s vision to the center of the environment. The producer’s relationship with coffee is visible on the ceiling and in the window; the existing staircase was sanded, leaving the marks of time visible in order to show the harmony of the old and the new. In the second room there is a sensory wall so people can smell the coffee!

3. Collectors Office, by Luciana Garcia Arquitetura.

As you have already seen, what delights me is the concept behind each project. The architect writes: “Somewhere in the city, a small office hosts the daily life of a woman artist who collects objects, affections and memories. An old telegraph keeps a message that was never sent, stuffed birds immortalize the last movement of life, old magnifying glasses explore the invisible part of memories…”. The tension between memory and contemporaneity is the starting point of this project. A space that functions as an introspective refuge for the character, with a contemporary lounge and a 17th century cabinet of curiosities.

Did you like my top 3? Let me know which ones were your favorites here in the . To check out all the environments, simply go to the official Modernos Eternos channel here at Casoca! I took advantage of it and left you some images of more environments at the end of the text! I’m excited to closely monitor the return of in-person events and be able to bring you all the details and trends.

This combination of contemporary interior design and objects from different periods gives the exhibition a character that differs from more conventional design fairs. Instead of presenting rooms composed exclusively of new products, the environments demonstrate how pieces with history can coexist naturally with current furniture, materials and decorative ideas.

The location itself reinforces this concept. A neoclassical building provides architectural details, proportions and textures that already have a strong visual presence. Rather than creating an entirely neutral background for the exhibition, Arnold College becomes an active part of each interior composition.

A Historic Building as the Setting

Holding a design exhibition inside a historic property changes the relationship between the objects and their surroundings. High ceilings, traditional windows, decorative moldings and other original architectural elements can influence how designers organize each space.

Contemporary furniture can create an interesting contrast with these features. Simple geometric pieces may emphasize the complexity of older architectural details, while modern lighting can reveal textures that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The objective does not need to be perfect stylistic uniformity. In fact, the contrast between periods can give the rooms greater personality.

Objects That Tell a Story

One of the central ideas behind the exhibition is the use of pieces with history and lasting value.

Vintage furniture, inherited objects, artwork, books and decorative accessories can introduce something that newly purchased objects cannot always reproduce: a sense of time and personal connection.

These pieces do not necessarily need to be expensive antiques. Their value can come from craftsmanship, design quality, cultural significance or simply the story associated with them.

When incorporated into a contemporary environment, older objects can become focal points while preventing the interior from feeling like a showroom.

Mixing Old and New

Combining furniture and accessories from different periods requires balance. If every object has a strong personality, the room can become visually overwhelming.

One effective strategy is to establish a relatively simple foundation and introduce historic pieces selectively. A contemporary sofa, for example, can coexist with a vintage side table, while modern shelving can display older books and decorative objects.

Color can create another connection between periods. Repeating similar tones across furniture, textiles and accessories helps visually unite objects that have very different origins.

Materials such as wood, stone, metal, glass and natural fabrics can also establish continuity.

Timeless Design Over Temporary Trends

The concept raises an important question about what makes an object remain relevant for decades.

Some furniture becomes timeless because of its proportions and functionality. Other pieces survive changing trends because of the quality of their materials or craftsmanship.

This does not mean contemporary interiors should avoid trends completely. New colors, technologies and materials can bring freshness and innovation. However, combining them with durable pieces can create interiors that do not need to be completely redesigned whenever fashions change.

A home can evolve gradually as new objects are added and older ones acquire new uses.

The Importance of Craftsmanship

Objects with lasting value often reveal the way they were made. Joinery, metalwork, upholstery and other details can demonstrate techniques that give a piece its individual character.

Contemporary designers are increasingly interested in this relationship between craftsmanship and industrial production. Handmade details can soften modern interiors and create contrast with highly precise manufactured surfaces.

The result can be particularly effective in historic environments, where craftsmanship is already visible in architectural details.

Inspiration for Everyday Homes

Although exhibitions frequently present elaborate interiors, the underlying ideas can be adapted to ordinary homes.

A family piece of furniture can be restored instead of discarded. An old mirror can become a focal point in a contemporary hallway. Vintage chairs can be combined with a modern dining table, while inherited decorative objects can be displayed alongside newer accessories.

The important consideration is not the age of an object but whether it contributes meaningfully to the space.

This approach can also create more personal interiors. Instead of purchasing everything at once from the same collection, a home develops gradually and reflects different moments in the lives of its occupants.

Design Beyond the New

Modernos Eternos demonstrates that interior design does not need to be based exclusively on novelty. Contemporary creativity can coexist with historic architecture, vintage furniture and objects that have already lived through several periods and styles.

The setting at Arnold College reinforces this dialogue by placing new design ideas within a building that already carries its own architectural history.

Ultimately, the exhibition highlights a valuable principle for residential design: a beautiful interior can contain different generations of objects. By combining contemporary functionality with craftsmanship, history and personal meaning, it is possible to create spaces that feel current without losing their connection with the past.