Wabi-Sabi is Japanese term that means finding beauty in imperfection. Wabi- is about the concept of living with humility and simplicity whilst being at one with nature. Sabi - refers to the ability to accept the lifecycle of anything as it is regardless of its imperfections.
Credit - Photo, Vivian Lanzarone
Wabi-Sabi is concept as well as an aesthetic and a way of life. The beautiful earthy and rustic tones can be created from homemade ceramics and organic linens which creates an innate presence within your home.
Today’s blog post is going to be exploring all things Wabi- Sabi, from where the term originated from, to why has the Wabi-Sabi trend become so popular and how you can incorporate the Wabi - Sabi ascetic in your home. Keep reading to find out more!
Credit - bathroom with long natural stone basin, ©vilmupa
The History of Wabi- Sabi
Wabi - Sabi originally began in ancient China, where its history is rooted in Buddhism, and over time developed into a distinctly Japanese ideal. Especially in their famous tea ceremonies, where the appreciation of handmade utensils that were irregular and flawed.
As time has gone on the Wabi - Sabi concept has developed into an intuitive way of living that encourages you to find beauty in the imperfect, incomplete and impermanent. This concept embraces the natural cycle of growth and decay of nature.
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Why the Wabi-Sabi trend has become so popular?
In today’s society, everyone is constantly on the go and always looking for newer, better, faster, smarter things to improve their lifestyle. Rather than taking a step back and slowing down and appreciating the things that we have in front of us. Our way of life can be pretty exhausting, often leading to overscheduling and over stimulation. As we are always seeking constant gratification and making impulsive purchases and aspire to nothing less than perfection. But the question is does perfection really truly exist?
Wabi -Sabi is the perfect solution to this problem in today’s society obsession with perfection and hectic lifestyle.
It’s not surprising that the Wabi -Sabi concept is beginning to trend and being adapted to our modern daily lifestyle. Our home environments and personal spaces are now not only being used as place for shelter but also a place of sanctuary and calm from the outside world. Where we can relax and escape from the external stresses of everyday life. The Wabi Sabi lifestyle comprises you to living modestly, accepting that we are imperfect and learning to be satisfied and appreciative of what we already have.
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Credit - the edge of Bloemendaal beach, designed by Anne Claus Interiors.
How to incorporate Wabi - Sabi into your home?
1. Incorporate Handmade furniture and Accessories
Wabi - Sabi is all about embracing and celebrating authenticity wherever it can be found, and we have got to admit there is nothing more authentic and unique than handmade décor. For example, it could be some fabric art the you made, a vase that you came across in a charity shop (you can find some real hidden treasures in there), homemade ceramics purchased from local markets. These are all great ways to enhance a warm, authentic feeling into your home. This is one of Wabi Sabi’s most important characteristics. So why not get creative, especially is today current situation, take on a new creative project!
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2. Clear your Mess
Although, the Wabi - Sabi style is one that values imperfection that doesn’t mean you can be lazy and create a clutter of chaos. A Wabi - Sabi home should be a clutter- free one that is highly organised in order to create calm peace and tranquillity throughout. If you are into the minimal ascetic, then you are halfway there! But remember, it not just about simplicity for the sake of simplicity; its more about having a sense of order to offer a sense of calm into your home.
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3. Natural Materials
When constructing your interior consider using raw, organic materials as much as possible. Marble is great material to use in the kitchen or bathroom. Glass, ceramics, concrete, stone and metal are great materials to add texture to your home. Consider using less plastic, more wood.
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4. Natural Colours
Wabi Sabi extracts from the colours of nature. These are the colours that you see when you go for walk in the countryside, the places you travel to like beaches, mountains, volcanoes. All of these hues can form at Wabi - Sabi colour pallet. This is great way to connect with nature, by using natural colours that you are inspired by and associate with peaceful memories.
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Credit - The space uses a moody colour palette, paired with a selection of raw, organic materials, Eporter
5. Brining the outdoors in
Organic materials and elements from nature are key components of a Wabi - Sabi home, due to the universally good vibes they bring. Although, the natural impurities found in plants, wood and stone are great daily reminders of the natural beauty that can be found in imperfection. In order to maximise these good feelings, try integrating fresh flowers, wooden furniture and as many as plants as you desire.
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6.Light
Try embracing and enhancing as much light as possible. One of the simplest ways of doing this is just simply leaving all the lights off until it’s dark outside, plus this will save you money on your electricity bill. Even try working near windows in your home or office. We always recommend that you should try and keep your home as light and bright as possible. Although, you may have rooms where privacy is essential, try using natural linen curtains and drapes. This is a great way to incorporate natural textures in a room. Natural light really helps you connect with the outside world.
Credit - Bila Wabi Sabi Apartment in Kyiv, Design studio: Sergey Makhno Architects, Designers:Sergey Makhno, Alexander Makhno
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Credit - Esty, Malibu rattan pendant light 2020 interior design trending my bali living
There’s something simple and calming about designing with Wabi - Sabi in mind. We think this is the idea of being surrounded by natural, changing, unique objects help you to connect with the real world and appreciate its simplicity that it has to offer. Over time objects in our homes begin to lose the brand-new appeal. As materials age, accidents happen, and things change. But this is the great thing about having a Wabi Sabi home, this embraces all of these aspects of daily life, whilst allowing for authenticity to be the feature of every room.
So, what do you think? Could you embrace this style of living? Try and create your own version of Wabi-Sabi at home? Let us know how you intend to do it!
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