Instead of giving the meanings of the term, let us first decode the wabi-sabi style by understanding its primary essence. By the time you finish reading this post, the meanings will emerge inevitably.

The philosophy is Japanese in origin but you can easily relate to its viewpoint, no matter wherever you belong.

Wabi-Sabi philosophy

The philosophy, which is rooted in Zen Buddhism, advocates a somewhat modest idea of living. To truly enjoy the bliss of our existence, we must be free of our material attachments. This detached mindset frees us from our corporeal possessions.

Nothing is permanent or forever. It is essential to realize that everything is on a journey towards dissolution. Secondly, no creation is perfect. There is a limit to achieving perfection. Thirdly, nothing is complete. Everything is in a state of growth and hence evolving continuously.

The acceptance of these fascinating truths transforms our perspective towards things, beings, and situations around us. Here I can clearly draw parallels of Wabi-Sabi with our deep Hindu philosophy.

We are reminded of the fact that all existence is formed of the five elements and shall ultimately merge into them. Panchmahabhootas -fire, earth, air, water, and space – are referred to in Hindu philosophy.

Also, in the holy Bhagwad Gita, Shree Krishna asserts:

सर्वभूतानि कौन्तेय प्रकृतिं यान्ति मामिकाम् |
कल्पक्षये पुनस्तानि कल्पादौ विसृजाम्यहम् || 7||
प्रकृतिं स्वामवष्टभ्य विसृजामि पुन: पुन: |
भूतग्राममिमं कृत्स्नमवशं प्रकृतेर्वशात् || 8||

At the end of one kalp, all living beings merge into My primordial material energy. At the beginning of the next creation, O son of Kunti, I manifest them again. Presiding over My material energy, I generate these myriad forms again and again, in accordance with the force of their natures.

Maybe we are diverging from the roots of Wabi-Sabi but our intention is to understand the philosophy in its real sense.

Read more on the five elements of nature in interior design

Wabi-Sabi Interior design style

Wabi-Sabi style dates back to the 15th century and finds its origin in the Japanese tea ceremony. It began as a radical response and complete rejection of the overly ostentatious tea ceremonies of those times. In the same way as Modernism, post World War II, Wabi-Sabi represents the dismissal of overembellishment and the urge for perfectionism.

Briefly, the key characteristics of Wabi-Sabi Style include:

• Authentic – Wabi-Sabi has no pretense. It is about the real chararcter of any element.

• Simple and minimalistic – Pared down aesthetics of this style are hard to ignore.

• Imperfect – Embracing the anamolies of nature and age is the essence of the style.

• Natural – The use of natural materials softens the looks of this style.

• Rustic – Materials add one of its kind of feel that is simple and modest.

• Relaxed and tranquil – the style promotes peaceful, quiet, slow living.

How to get a Wabi-Sabi style home

declutter your space

One of the most fundamental measures to get this look is to get rid of the clutter at your home. Minimalism lies at the core of this style.

Less is more ideology induces peace and tranquility, not only to the physical space but also to the mental space. Purging our belongings, to the minimum required ones, unfolds a sense of appreciation for the elements that are more valuable to us.

Details that otherwise succumb to the worldly web of our possessions come forth. Negative or empty space helps bring to focus the beauty of our humble but worthy pieces.

Read more on decluttering your home

Pare down to the essence but don’t remove the poetry

Leonard Koren

sight the imperfections

The philosophy of this style encourages us to embrace the flawed beauty of the objects around us. Above all the value of an object is in its intrinsic beauty and its purpose in our life. On the contrary, its external appearance and perfection should be the subjects of less concern.

The chips, cracks, and stains, of an object, document the purpose it has served us over time. They are a testimony of its growth and evolution along with our life’s journey.

In fact, the weathered state of an item reiterates our relation and attachment to it. Therefore, imperfections are not to be treated or managed, rather they deserve to be highlighted.

The flawed appeal of an element has a story to tell. Our endeavor is to narrate that story through our interior design. For instance, the stories written on the wrinkles of our granma’s face or the tattered pages of a well-read book are to be cherished and not to be erased.

Once we achieve perfection the scope of further growth ceases. Also, perfection is difficult to achieve.

In brief, we can create imperfections in wabi-sabi style through :

• Furniture – Mix and match furniture that is out of proportions, appears used, with cracks and chips, has rough edges, and weathered finish. Basically as imperfect as it can get. Low profile furniture with smooth, organic shapes works well. Go for rattan, bamboo, exposed timber, concrete, knotted finish etc. Reclaimed wood pieces or live edges of tables work seamlessly here.

• Finishes – that are rough, withered and peeled off.

For example, lime wash paint, exposed concrete finish, neutral and faded wallpapers, exposed brickwork, mud finish for walls.

Rustic and weathered ceramic tiles, IPS, weathered wooden, terrazzo flooring.

We can go for raw, bare timber poles and planks for ceiling, etc.

Unfinished, weathered, flawed, used over time is what our intention is.

• Art and accesories – Humble and modest pieces are the soul of this style. Few options to consider include:

Broken, cracked, chipped clay and ceramic pots that seem irregular and out of proportions in shape and form.

Abstract, incomplete, and handmade paintings.

Things from nature like weathered stones, driftwood, rusted objects, etc displayed creatively.

Dried branches, pampas grass, fallen dried leaves.

Japanese art- Ikebana-style flower arrangements. The minimalistic style of arranging stems and flowers, where even a solitary flower in a sculptural vase becomes the focus of the whole arrangement,

Read more on displaying art at your home

• Light fixtures – Deformed, dispropotionate light fixtures, installed asymmetrically.

The material could be rattan, metal, paper, ceramic, concrete, or wood. Imperfect and unfinished in some way with a rustic appeal.

To conclude terms like symmetry, balance, perfection, refined, curated, well organized, expensive, new, etc. are not on our list for this style essentials.

natural materials

With an emphasis on the use of materials in their natural and rustic form, Wabi-Sabi style is not about pretense. Rather it values the authenticity of elements. The real character and appearance of materials, without any cosmetics, are dear to the style. The authenticity of materials from nature is truly unquestionable.

Natural materials intrinsically age gracefully. The patina developed over time is unique and impossible to replicate. It is indeed one of its kind.

Also, the materials received from mother earth are naturally humble and down to earth. Exemplifying the beauty emerging from an organic character, they are perfectly imperfect. Defying all standards and rules of perfection they are naturally appealing.

Wabi-sabi style color palette

The color palette for the Wabi-Sabi style is typically warm, neutral, and inspired by the earthen tones. Shades of clay, mud, terracotta imbibe a warm womb-like ambiance.

Rough and unfinished, worn-out surfaces add depth to the play of light and shadows. Picture the pale view of a decaying, worn-out shack in the midst of the earthen landscape.

wabi-sabi fabrics and patterns

Natural, tactile, hand-made fabrics with conspicuous woven textures like linen, cotton, burlap, jute, hemp, gauze, etc are the obvious choice to dress the look. Wrinkled and crinkled fabric breathes life into the style. Undyed fabric adds an elegant raw and unfinished vibe.

Wabi-Sabi style is not very pattern friendly. Muted, modest patterns, usually handmade, tribal, and rustic in nature, with obvious defects form the core here. Organic and natural patterns can also be used.

kintsugi

Kintsugi or golden joinery is the Japanese art of binding the broken pieces of pottery using lacquer mixed with gold dust.

The whole idea here is to flaunt the flaws of the broken piece instead of discarding or throwing it. The damage reveals the inner strength of the piece. Upcycling somewhat adds to its appeal. Indeed, this is the highest lesson of acceptance of imperfections and appreciation of our possessions.

In Conclusion

Coming back to understanding the meanings:

Wabi means rustic simplicity, beauty attributed to austerity, and the understated nature of things.

Sabi means beauty that comes with age. The unique patina occurs due to the anomalies gained over time.

In a true sense, the design style should need no intervention from any designer. It is the acceptance and appreciation of what you already have. It requires no new purchasing. Savor what you possess along with its weaknesses.

If you have an easygoing personality you will love the slow, quiet, and intimate vibes of this style. It rids us of the excesses and fixed conventions about aesthetics. A much-needed break in today’s world of distractions and race for possessions. A wabi-sabi house is a perfect place to take a pause, introspect and enjoy the moment as it is. Although, this style is not for you if you like slick, flawless, and polished spaces.

However, to intentionally stage this look you need to be careful and not be intentional. I hope the tips provided in this blog are helpful to you. What is your take on Wabi-Sabi style? Would you like to decorate your space in this style? Does the style suit your personality? Do leave a comment below.

Also Read:

Bohemian decor style – tips to get the look right

Simply Scandinavian Interiors – how to get the decor style right

Mid-century modern style – How to get the look

Till next time……

The post wabi-sabi style interior design – how to get the look appeared first on INTERIOR DESIGN BLOG.

The simplicity of Mid-century modern interior style is easy to understand yet compelling. It is a welcome break from the design strategy of surpluses. Genuine applause for both art and functionality.

Mid-century modern style nudges us into an era portrayed in many old American T.V. shows. It evokes nostalgia for the furniture pieces we saw at our grandparents’ homes. An era that was characterized by pop and abstract art.

The style ferries us into a post-World War II period that spans between the 1940s to 1970s. Necessity is the mother of all inventions. It is truly exemplified by this period.

From the desire to address the design aspirations of the common man were born some of the geniuses. George Nelson, Eero Saarinen, Charles & Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, Jens Risom, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier to name a few.

What was produced by them was not just artsy but also innovative. It was perfect matrimony of form and function. The timeless iconic designs are stunning and captivating to date.

History has always influenced the design process. We learn from it, are inspired by it, and tend to revive what was once an overdose. Today we see mid-century designs all over the place. The timeless appeal of this style is evident from its popularity.

Why Midcentury interior design style?

Although the design style is open to interpretation, in its soul it carries a few relevant and flawless lessons.

• Simple and clean

Though Mid-century modern interior style is simple, clean, and minimal, it is far from being sterile and frigid. It is surprisingly warm and inviting. A delightful nod for the maxim – simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

• Timeless appeal

The iconic furniture pieces designed in the ’60s and 70s stand the test of time and are hence timeless in a true sense. Simple forms and shapes, both geometric and organic, paved the way for genuine aesthetics for years to come.

• Innovative use of materials

A clever combination of natural and unusual man-made materials empowered the designers with immense options. Mass production of furniture made it cost-effective and available to society.

• Open plan concept

After WW II the footprint of the dwellings was reduced. The introduction of the open-plan concept enabled the spaces to appear visually expansive and fluid.

• Indoor-Outdoor Connection

The construction methodology with beams and columns allowed for big windows that connected the indoor spaces with the outdoors. Another pleasant shift from traditional closed-in spaces.

The designers of this period revolutionized the design industry and turned its philosophy by hundred and eighty degrees. They rejected the overly ornate and embellished design style, restricted to the rich. This design movement was more accessible and democratic.

Ways to get mid-century modern interior style

mid-century modern Furniture

Iconic furniture pieces are the hallmark or trademark of this design style. Furniture with clean and simple lines and gentle curves define the style.

Beautiful, sculptural forms crafted out of innovative materials add an artsy vibe to a space. There are so many furniture pieces that are being made that are inspired by the era.

Apart from that replicas of the original pieces are also available.

Whatever you select remember the furniture that befits the style is :

• Basic and austere in appearance with a light, and airy feel. The bare minimum assembly of mateials that is just enough to suffice our needs.

• The structure or skeleton is very transparent. It is like viewing the bones of the furniture piece and understanding the anatomy easily.

• Furniture with tapered legs is hallmark of this style. But some other charecteristic types include simple straight, pedestal, angled or splayed, boomerang style, hairpin metal legs.

Despite being very austere by nature the forms are very sculptural and artistic in appearance. Furniture is both comfortable and functional.

Understated yet sculptural furniture is the heart and soul of this design style. It’s amazing that some of the iconic masterpieces crafted by these master craftsmen still have the potential to hold our breath.

warm wood

One of the reasons that keep this style from being stark and cold is the generous use of natural wood. Warm wood exudes an earthen vibe into these spaces.

The wood can be incorporated in flooring, wall paneling, ceilings, and of course the furniture.

However, a few points to consider while choosing the wood are:

• Choose the variety of wood/veneer that is mid-tone, niether too dark nor too light. Like teak, mahogany, red oak, rosewood, walnut, mahogany, elmwood etc. Basically wood with reddish-brown or honey undertones suits the style. Preferrable to go for wood/veneer with linear grains.

• It is important to understand that wooden elements must not have any ornamentations like mouldings, cornices or carvings. Just plain and simple wood in its elementary form. Battened, planked and slatted look works well here. The straight lines combined with the organic shapes of furniture, accessories play off each other very well.

organic and geometric shapes & patterns

Again, it is the basic, simple geometry that needs to be respected when it comes to the use of patterns in mid-century modern interiors. Graphical rugs, geometrical wallpapers, organic designs for textiles, etc. create that desired retro vibe.

Since the overall aesthetics are very minimal and clean-lined, the bold patterns help accentuate and bring key elements in the focus. It is like tempering the whole mix and adding a twist with these retro patterns.

Pic Credit – Veneerdesigns

Go for bold patterns in vivid mid-century colors with playful juxtapositioning of both linear and organic shapes and forms.

bare windows

The whole idea of mid-century modern homes was to connect with nature. The advent of beam and column construction methodology made this possible.

Soaring ceilings and openings with large glass panes, without any mullions, framed the exteriors beautifully. Interiors were fresh and filled with natural light from windows, clerestories, skylights, etc.

Big bare windows with no or minimal dressing are the key to finishing the look. A space bathed in natural light, highlighting the textures of various materials is so so mid-century. Windows are like framed art pieces with a view.

abstract and funky art and accessories

With the pop art movement and abstract modern art on the rise, the era marked a huge shift from the traditions.

Accessories are like mini sculptures. Art and accessory are minimal but whatever is there is a statement piece worthy of all the attention.

Sunburst mirrors, atomic clocks, vases, vintage accessories in abstract shapes are to name a few.

The art form for a mid-century space is bold, colorful, and abstract in its expression.

mid-century color palette

The colors of mid-century interiors are warm, earthy, and muted. Though the colors are saturated they are muted therefore are not in the face.

Colors like mustard yellow, pumpkin orange, peacock blue, brown, maroon, teal, apple green, sage, mark the style. Even pastels like baby pink and baby blue also work well here.

Broadly you could choose a color scheme out of the following three options, depending on your color preferences:

• An entirely neutral color scheme, in case you are color shy.

• A predominantly neutral scheme that works with a neutral base and a pop of color.

• Or else if you are really daring go for a mix of different shades of these mid-century vivid colors.

lighting for mid-century modern style

As discussed earlier, natural light is paramount in the style. Whatever lighting fixtures are used are again based on the same principle of simple lines and forms.

They are pieces of art in themselves. There are some spectacular and amazingly simple iconic designs of the era.

Atomic-themed lights like sputnik chandeliers or bubble pendants or artichoke or balloon pendants…

Incorporate pendants, chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps based on the principle.

materials and textures

The period marked the use of many revolutionary and unexpected materials like molded plywood, fiberglass, plastic, glass, marble, ceramic, etc.

A clever mix of contrasting natural and man-made materials innovatively is the key to getting the look.

Manmade materials add clean and streamlined aesthetics and natural materials and textures add the much-needed variety and character. Leather,

I hope you find my blog helpful and inspires you to add this pared-down, clutter-free, and understated mid-century spin to your home. Let the blueprint of the original style build your own design language.

Do comment and share with your friends!

Also Read:

Simply Scandinavian Interiors – how to get the decor style right

Bohemian decor style – tips to get the look right

Till next time……

The post mid-century modern decor style -how to get the look appeared first on INTERIOR DESIGN BLOG.