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WABI-SABI
“Pare down to the essence, but don’t remove the poetry.”
You might have heard of wabi-sabi trending in the design world, interiors, architecture, art and as a lifestyle philosophy but I think wabi wabi goes well beyond a ‘trend’…
Wabi-Sabi originates from Japan. Wabi-sabi (侘寂) is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Wabi is said to be defined as ‘rustic simplicity’ or ‘understated elegance’ with a focus on a less-is-more mentality - a concept that encourages us to live in harmony with nature. Sabi is translated to ‘taking pleasure in the imperfect and to accept the lifecycle of anything as it is’.
The concept is purely centred around authenticity. Wabi-sabi is not a set of rigid rules but rather a mindset (unlike feng shui which is based on rules). Wabi-sabi is a different kind of mindset,” explains Robyn Griggs Lawrence, author of Simply Imperfect: Revisiting the Wabi-Sabi House. “It’s the true acceptance of finding beauty in things as they are.”
WABI-SABI IN INTERIOR DESIGN
If you are looking for a perfectly styled home, then wabi-sabi might not be your cup of tea. A wabi-sabi interior inspires minimalism as a conscious choice. It is not about intentionally distressed interiors in order to look old. Instead, beauty appears when time is allowed to take its intended course. It really is all about perfect imperfection and a sense of peace and tranquility using simplicity; and keeping everything natural and effortless. Richard Powell in his book Wabi Sabi Simple says it acknowledges three simple realities: “Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect”. I adore wabi-sabi — it encourages us to embrace being imperfect. We don’t always need to pursue the ideals of so-called perfection, this can be tiresome. Imperfect is the new perfect.
“Wabi-Sabi is an ancient aesthetic philosophy derived from the Buddhist teaching of the three marks of existence (三法印 sanbōin), specifically impermanence (無常 mujō), suffering (苦 ku) and emptiness or absence of self-nature (空 kū). As such, wabi-sabi defines the appreciation of the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete.”
HOW TO CREATE A WABI-SABI HOME
As a philosophy, wabi-sabi can be applied to every aspect of your life, including your home. Approaching home decor with a wabi-sabi mindset means seeing the beauty in imperfection - to create a natural, tactile and very pared-down aesthetic, and simply to appreciate the wear and tear of an object.
In the world of interiors, wabi-sabi is about that effortless, lived-in look; think natural textures like linen, muted colours, coarse wood, organic designs and shapes. Wabi-sabi puts authenticity at its very heart and soul.
“Beauty can be coaxed out of ugliness. Wabi-sabi is ambivalent about separating beauty from non-beauty or ugliness. The beauty of wabi-sabi is in one respect, the condition of coming to terms with what you consider ugly. Wabi-sabi suggests that beauty is a dynamic event that occurs between you and something else.”
Wabi-Sabi - Being perfectly imperfect
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APPRECIATE THE OLD
We spend our lives wanting everything to be perfect, too often we ignore the beauty of things that truly has a story to tell. One of the fundamental principles of wabi-sabi interior design is the connection to earth and natural materials to bring us back to nature. The imperfect concept celebrates cracks and imperfections, incomplete beauty — so much opposite of our constant need for achieving perfection. Simply enjoy the wear and tear — the age comes over time.
My take on wabi-sabi is to fill your home with items that speak to you on a personal level, no matter how imperfect or quirky they might be.
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ADD NATURAL ACCENTS
Wabi-sabi together with biophilic design really is a match made in heaven! Look to nature for true inspiration. A big component of wabi-sabi is connecting with nature by decorating with raw and organic materials like wood and stone (less plastic, more wood). Maybe even introduce metal finishes and copper surfaces (such as brass, copper and bronze with an uneven patina). Enrich the space with plants. Sticks in vases, branches in pots - or a weathered piece of driftwood.
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CREATE CALM WITH COLOUR
Wabi-sabi colours are inspired by nature itself — earthy colour tones that soothe the soul are ideal like greens, coastal blues, taupes, and greys - in all their shades - because they connect us to the natural world. Incorporating these shades into your home decor can reflect feelings of calm that nature brings. Opt for rustic textures with a satin finish. Evoke a natural (coastal) elegance.
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NO FUSS - GET RID OF CLUTTER
Wabi-sabi is all about getting rid of the unnecessary and allow only the things that really matter to you to stand out. Invite only those things that bring nostalgia, beauty and/or utility. Create an organised space that inspires feelings of peace and tranquility — or in other words, a sense of order to invite a sense of calm.
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INCORPORATE THE ARTISANAL AND HAND-MADE
Seek meaning beyond materialism. Wabi-sabi favours artisanal furnishings and accessories over mass-produced items. A wabi-sabi home is one that embraces authenticity. It is really all about elements that will enhance the warm, authentic feeling of your space and any natural imperfections. Handmade enhances the beauty of items like ceramics, fabric art, wood furniture and other cherished items that tell your story.
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NATURAL LIGHT
Bring in an abundance of natural light to blur the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor.
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FOCUS ON THE THINGS THAT MATTER
Wabi-sabi is focussed on the authentic and the simple pleasures in life. In the modern-day world, it is just too easy to focus your home around the latest tech and gadget. If you can cope with it, put that tech away, or at least hide it - ‘maybe’. (Personally, I struggle with this aspect somewhat as I live in a connected home that is automated to enhance my life in many other ways - I might not be the best person to practice wabi-wabi from this perspective... However, I have come to appreciate that wabi-wabi is less about the perfect minimalist display of your possessions and more about the collection of items you use and treasure every day.)
Get your inspiration and ideas from everywhere. But choose the right pieces that hold meaning for you as well as fit into your way of living.
“Wabi-sabi nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.”
Perhaps the growing ‘trend’ of wabi-sabi in the world of interior design is a response to our modern day life. Wabi-sabi is about appreciating what we have in life, rather than constantly striving for more and better. Slow down, reconnect with nature, cherish the ageing process, and be gentler on yourself. Simplify your life and concentrate on what really matters to you. In a way, wabi-sabi allows you to be yourself; embrace the perfection of being imperfectly you:)