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How much do you know about Wabi Sabi, really? If you’ve heard of the name, or seen the gorgeous photos on Pinterest, you might be wondering what the heck is this interior design style and how can I incorporate it in a way that looks natural. I’ve fallen head over heels for the profound beauty and depth found in the imperfections of wabi-sabi. It’s a style that celebrates the rustic, the incomplete, and the naturally aged, offering a retreat from our often too-perfect, digital world.
If you’re embarking on a home project and crave a space that feels grounded and authentic, then wabi-sabi might just be the perfect design ethos for you.
Wabi-Sabi's History
Before we dive into the how-tos, let’s take a quick look back at where wabi-sabi comes from. Originating in Japan, wabi-sabi is a concept that’s deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism. It reflects an appreciation for the beauty that time and nature impart on materials. Think of the way wood weathers, metal tarnishes, and pottery chips. Over time, these imperfections tell a story. Recently, wabi-sabi has been gaining popularity worldwide, resonating with individuals looking for more depth, authenticity, and connection to the natural world in their living spaces. It’s a style that invites us to find beauty in imperfection and to embrace the cycle of life.
I believe that learning the history of any design style is important; But even more so with wabi-sabi, as it really gets to a deeper level on the ways we show up in our daily lives, how we connect with the environment around us, and our values and belief systems. This is something that you just don’t get with other design styles.
5 Tips to Pull Off Wabi-Sabi in Your Home
1. Celebrate Natural Materials
One of the core elements of wabi-sabi is the use of materials in their most natural and raw forms. Incorporate elements like untreated wood, stone, clay, and linen into your space. These materials age gracefully and tell their stories through their evolving textures and colors.
2. Focus on Handmade
There’s something profoundly beautiful about items crafted by human hands. They carry the marks and nuances of their creation, which is the essence of wabi-sabi. Choose handmade pottery, textiles, and artwork for your home. These pieces not only add character but also connect us to the human touch.
3. Embrace the Imperfect
As much as I love wabi-sabi, I’ve found that it can be a challenging style to pursue halfway. To truly embody its essence, you must embrace imperfection in a way that feels authentic. Don’t shy away from furniture with a scratch or a dent; see it as a piece that has lived and has stories to tell.
4. Simplify Your Space
Wabi-sabi also means simplicity and mindfulness about what we choose to surround ourselves with. It encourages us to declutter and keep only what serves us, both functionally and spiritually. A simplified space allows the imperfectly beautiful elements to stand out even more.
5. Muted Colors and Earthy Textures
The color palette of wabi-sabi is inspired by nature, featuring muted tones like soft greys, earthy browns, and off-whites. These colors foster a sense of calm and groundedness. When it comes to textures, think raw and unrefined—wood grain, the roughness of linen, and the irregularity of handmade pottery.
Living with Wabi-Sabi
Incorporating wabi-sabi into your home is more than just a design choice; it’s a lifestyle. It invites us to slow down, appreciate the here and now, and find beauty in the flaws. For me, wabi-sabi is not just about design; it’s about a way of life that acknowledges the beauty in the cycle of life and death, in growth and decay.
Learning about wabi-sabi has taught me to appreciate the stories behind the objects I choose to live with. It’s shown me the beauty in the patina of a well-loved piece of furniture and the charm of a crooked line in a handmade vase. But, it’s also taught me that this style isn’t one to be approached with half measures. To truly embrace wabi-sabi, you must commit to its principles wholeheartedly. It requires a shift in perspective, to see the beauty in imperfection, to appreciate the transient nature of life, and to find depth and authenticity in simplicity.
Creating Your Wabi-Sabi Sanctuary
Creating a home that reflects the wabi-sabi ethos is a personal journey. It’s about making space for the things that matter, letting go of the quest for perfection, and embracing the beauty of the natural world. If you choose to go on a journey of embracing wabi-sabi, remember to listen to your instincts and choose pieces that speak to you on a personal level.
