What Is Wabi Sabi Interior Design?
Roughly defined as the philosophy of embracing natural beauty and the imperfections of life, wabi sabi is more of a lifestyle approach than design aesthetic. Kintsugi art, the Japanese practice of repairing cracked or broken pottery with gold, is one expression of wabi sabi that illustrates its reverence for flaws; Zen rock gardens are another. While wabi sabi concepts are mostly applied to daily to internal discoveries and things you observe in nature, you can also look to the concept for inspiration in your arts and design. It’s not a trend or design style; it’s a way of thinking that’s deeply rooted in Japanese culture. That said, the deep appreciation designers have for the practice of wabi sabi reflected in interiors cannot go unnoticed.
When considering wabi sabi interior design, think patina, weathered wood, organic materials, hand-thrown ceramics, and overall simplicity. Wabi sabi asks us to take a second look at the imperfections we commonly rush to fix in our lives and our interiors. Maybe the chips and nicks on your coffee table aren’t so bad after all. It’s added character, not a flaw. Keep reading to learn more about wabi sabi interior design and why designers love applying the perfectly imperfect practice in homes.
What Is Wabi Sabi Interior Design?
The term wabi originally held heavy connotations of grief and loneliness, specifically related to unfulfilled dreams or desires. By the sixteenth century, the mindset evolved to seeing the beauty in impermanence and accepting the changes in life. Sabi developed from meaning an appreciation for the history of the things around us as their inner life ages. Sabi can also be defined as the transition or patina of age and the beauty in it. The definition itself is imperfect, capturing the essence and meaning of wabi sabi. With a rich history in Japan’s view of beauty, the philosophy has taken on more than one life. Today, the term wabi sabi is used to signify simple beauty and a “less is more” spirit.
In design, this philosophy involves accepting the wrinkles in the curtains, the patina on the walls, and the cracks in a wood paneling—overall, the philosophy invites homeowners to feel at peace and ease in their homes, flaws and all. This results in “unfinished” but thoughtful design choices since imperfections add character and beauty to your interiors.
The term wabi sabi holds space for celebration and lament. The awareness that our surroundings won’t last forever is where the beauty is found. As a designer who applies wabi sabi principles, Samantha Struck of StruckSured Interiors says, “Embracing the imperfections of life really brings a sense of deep inner peace and acceptance.”
Wabi Sabi Interior Design Characteristics
Wabi sabi encourages design lovers to let go of perfection and welcome the natural cycle of life—the philosophy shows that the fleeting nature of life has unique charms. There’s a refreshing, rustic air to the style that’s usually carried out through organic elements and a neutral palette. It’s common to see matte finishes, textured pieces, and clutter-free spaces in wabi sabi interiors.
Natural Elements
If you’re a seasoned plant parent, watching your plant grow from a seed to the beauty it is now reflects its story of growth in your home. Deep olive green leaves will also add color to your space.
Matte Textures
The more matte, the better! Avoid glossy finishes and highly reflective surfaces, as this can distract the eye. In addition to matte finishes, you’ll also find a lot of patina, limewash paint, wrinkled linens, chalky clay, and weathered wood finishes in a wabi sabi home. Prioritize natural materials and pieces that showcase the grain, texture, or construction.
Minimalism
This choice allows you to choose what is simple but important. Simplicity is needed to clear your mind and space of clutter so you’re able to live comfortably. Opt for closed storage rather than open shelving and keep storage streamlined.
Personal Decor
Sentiment and authenticity are key to wabi sabi. If an item was passed down in your life, give it a special moment in your decor. Shop for vintage items instead of a new ones that don’t have history attached to them.
Neutral, Moody Colors
Neutral colors like warm whites and taupe will help your space feel cozy. Accents in sage, olive, dusty rose, or terra cotta can be used sparingly to set an earthy atmosphere.
Patinated Finishes
The weathered look can work on your behalf and add depth. To follow the wabi sabi principle of impermanence, decorate with objects that naturally age like a tarnished vase, polished brass, copper, or handmade pottery.
Asymmetry
Slants and tilts only add beauty. The irregularities in the composition of a room or an item make it less sterile, allowing you to mix and match and avoid a uniform look. Asymmetry is commonly seen in the wabi sabi art of ikebana, a traditional Japanese flower arrangement practice that uses asymmetrical forms.
How to Use Wabi Sabi Interior Design at Home
Adhering to the wabi sabi philosophy doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your existing decor and start fresh. Actually, getting rid of what you have would contradict its principles. Instead, look through your belongings and style them with intentionality. Struck suggests using plaster and organic finishes that have natural imperfections. “Choosing these materials because of their inherent uncontrollable properties is part of the fun and magic of seeing a space come together,” she explains.
Wabi sabi gently nudges minimalists to not strive for perfection. Yes, your home can be spotless and show restraint, but the furniture and decor can have an sense of charm (in this case, a small crack or patinated finish) in its outward beauty. With all of life’s messes and changes, your space can grow with you instead of remaining picture-perfect.
“Embrace the imperfections—install the one-floor board with a defect on it. Let the chipped tile go in,” Struck says. “Let it be a reminder to you that nothing in life is perfect and that is perfectly okay.”
FAQ
Is Wabi Sabi the Same as Japandi?
According to Struck, Japandi is the opposite of wabi sabi. “Japandi style tends to really push for perfection. Wabi sabi can be embraced with any aesthetic style and applied as a discipline within it,” she explains.
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