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.

Home automation

Wouldn’t you love to wake up with the drapes opening automatically in the morning? Sunlight filtering in, right up on your face, rather than with the monotonous beep of your alarm? As the drapes open, a pre-programmed soothing morning hymn starts playing in the background!

Check out the product here.

By the time you get up, hot water is ready for bathing at your desired temperature. As you get ready after your bath, the coffee machine dispenses your favorite cup of cappuccino.

Now imagine coming back from the office dead tired. Wouldn’t you love that the main gate opens automatically for your car to drive in, right up to your main door? As your gate opens, the lawn lights are turned on automatically at pre-set luminosity.

The AC switches on automatically in your living room at your desired temperature. Lights get turned on with just the right amount of dimming. Sounds too good to be true.  Isn’t it? But this is just a glimpse of what smart homes are capable of doing. The possibilities are endless.          

A lot of connotations are associated with the word smart homes. When we hear words like automation or smart, our mind thinks about a myriad of things associated with them. However, we are not clear about what exactly a smart home is. In this fast-paced, technologically advancing world what all it can achieve for us.

This write up is an attempt to give a bird’s eye view of the subject and dispel a few doubts.

In simple terms, home automation means that a house is connected with smart devices which enables us to control the household gadgets remotely. It connects your home appliances, home surveillance systems, lighting, entertainment gadgets via the internet.

It lets you operate, manage, and control them remotely with various means like voice commands, mobile phones, or touch screens.

The world is moving to smart homes rapidly. Once, considered a luxury, they are now a lot more affordable and easier to use and are penetrating urban middle-class homes rapidly. A smart home offers the convenience, safety, customization, and integration of gadgets in one go or phases as per the budget, preferences, and needs.

There are two ways you can go about automation :

Automation from scratch

The first and the easier method is hardwiring your electrical points in your home at the time of construction and terminating them at a single point where the controller or hub is kept. A professional can plan out the automation wiring as per your requirements and guide your electrical contractor about the wiring requirements.

This system works better and is preferred over retrofitting as the devices are communicating with each other via physical wiring rather than entirely depending on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal.

Automation afterward

However, if your house is already constructed and you do not want major changes in electrical works, then the option is there to retrofit your home to make it a smart home. You do not need to change your switch modules as the new switches will fit in the existing switchboard panel without having to change your existing wiring.

It can be controlled either by switches or by smartphones. The command given by any device reflects in all the connected smart devices.

You can go in phases. The advantage of retrofitting is that you can start with one room and add rooms later as and when you feel like. The entire automation system can be accessed by multiple devices and from multiple locations. So, the entire family can control it from their devices from any location.

Why would you love a Smart home with automation?

Safety and security

One major advantage of a smart home is safety and security. When you have the option of seeing the live feed via security camera on to your smart device or mobile phone, irrespective of whichever part of the world you are in, it gives you a sense of security which is unmatched. You feel that you are in control.

Motion sensors detect any unwanted intrusions. A blaring alarm alerts the neighbors. Remote monitoring will alert you immediately if any suspicious movement is noted around the house. You can mitigate the risk of break-ins substantially. The smart homes call up the cops on their own in case of intrusions and alert the neighbors as well.

Smart lighting

Another major advantage is smart lighting. Smart lighting helps conserves energy. It saves costs in the long run. Most of the pre-sets work at 70% luminosity. The auto-off feature helps in conserving energy. The major component of smart homes is lighting. Not only is it very convenient, but is a lot more energy-efficient solution.

Smart lighting means that it can turn off/on based on your movement in the house thus saving energy by automatically turning off the lights in the areas which are not in use. You can use voice commands through Google Home, Alexa to dim the lights, turn an individual light off, or on.

You can have a preset for mood lighting. The possibilities of scene creations through lighting are endless. Simple voice commands through Alexa can turn on or turn off the lights or have the desired color as per mood.

Convenience

Convenience is one of the major aspects as to why people are attracted to converting their homes into a smart home.

In today’s times, there is plenty to worry about. At least we have one less thing to worry about when we are living in a smart home. Voice commands through Alexa or Google home are extremely useful features and can be integrated with various devices.

Now imagine, if you want to shut the curtains and just a voice command to Alexa does the job. Alexa shut the curtains! Voila! The drapes start closing by themselves.

Convenience is one of the major selling points of home automation devices, which virtually eliminate small hassles such as turning the lights off before you go to bed. Many systems come with remote dashboard capabilities, so forgetting to turn off that light or air conditioner before you leave no longer requires a turn back of your car to physically turn off the equipment.

Simply open up an app on a smart device or computer and turn off the AC or lights or whatever you forgot to switch off in a hurry! You do not need to physically go, and check If the lights, and fans are off, and doors are locked.

Similarly, the entire AV of the house can be controlled through your phone. You can choose to play songs zone-wise in your house or a single song can play in the entire house in event of parties. The volumes and other functions can be easily controlled via mobile phone.

By opting for Smart entertainment, the entire house can be interconnected. The same video can play in your entire house with the touch of a button. The home can be networked to connect different streaming devices.

Have you heard the term Moccupancy? Yes, you can fake that somebody is at home by programming various devices in your home to turn on and off automatically so that it gives the impression that the house is occupied, and the owners are at home.

Landscaping or outdoor lighting can turn on at sunset and turn off at sunrise thus saving both energy and the hassle of manually doing it each day and forgetting to turn off on most days! They can also be solar thus saving on energy.

Single-button for multiple functions. E.g. you can turn on or turn off the entire room/house lights with just a single button. 

With motion sensors at night turn on the footlight just at 15% intensity, when you make your way to the kitchen for a midnight snack. Enough light to guide you through and not disturb the other occupants in the house.

Program your shades as per the inflow of natural light in the room during different times of the day. They can partially close or open as per the program. 

Why would you hate automation?

Nothing vast enters the life of mortals without a curse

– Sophocles

With all the wonderful things that it does for the user, the home automation system comes with few disadvantages as well….

It is dependent on an Internet connection. The moment the connection snaps, the entire system collapses. Also, it needs a high-speed internet connection. If the connection is slow or it drops frequently most of the products connected with it will behave erratically.

It requires a bit of technical knowledge. If you are a tech-savvy person or someone who has a technical background, it is a breeze for you. However, if you are a layman, then it might become challenging to troubleshoot some teething issues which can happen quite often.

Even with the advancement of technology and falling prices, it is still an expensive proposition to integrate a home and convert it into an automated home.

Most of the devices have limited encryption and are vulnerable to hacking. So, if you have a smart lock on your mind, do proper research about its safety and security.

Sometimes flipping a switch seems a lot easier than opening an app on the phone and switching off the lights! 

Not all systems or equipment are compatible with each other. You might end up in a situation where particular equipment can’t be integrated into your hub or controller since it works on an entirely different platform. However, most of the equipment selling nowadays is backward compatible.

I have often been asked what all can be done in our bathrooms to make them smart.

Smart Bathrooms:

Bathrooms are the place where we spend a lot of time introspecting and thinking. Why shouldn’t one do that in the luxury of automated bathrooms?

To start to install the sensor-operated faucets. Not only is it hygienic as there is no touch involved, but it also prevents unnecessary water wastage.

Jaguar, Kohler, and other companies offer sensor-operated faucets. you can view products here.

Smart Showers :

You can set a particular temperature and pressure of water and the thermostat will take care that they are maintained throughout the shower. For the flow of water, whether you love cascade, spout, mist, or normal shower, you just have to press a button.

The different colored LED lights emitting from the shower gives you a sense of calmness and serenity. And behold, listen to your favorite songs too, with the crisp sound coming right from the showerhead itself. Check out the product here.

Smart W.C. :

High tech WC’s offer a variety of convenience. It is quite common abroad. In Japan, it is used everywhere even in public toilets. You can preheat your seat in cold weather. The lid automatically lifts when you enter the WC enclosure.

It has a water jet with various washing modes. Flushes automatically after usage. Lighting with LED color makes it more attractive. It can be operated with a remote in hand or a control panel attached to the seat. You can view the product here.

Smart mirrors :

Alexa, Google home enabled mirror can show temperature, time, important news of the day on voice command. Or it can turn into a full-fledged TV!!

Mirror defogging can be done with the press of a button to clear the fog on the mirror for clear reflection.

You can make your shower cubicle glass opaque or transparent on a command! How does that sound… You can even have a waterproof TV with IP 65 rating in your shower to keep you entertained!!

Also, the hot water requirements can be met by a solar-powered geyser installed on the rooftop. Energy-efficient, environment-friendly hot water system fairs much better than the ordinary geysers in the long run barring the load of the initial cost.

Vendors and costing for automation :

Many companies are providing complete solutions in India including retrofitting solutions. Control 4, Schneider, Philips, Crestron, Lutron to name a few. If you ask me a ballpark figure, I would say a 3 BR house would be retrofitted in around 5 lacs depending on the gadgets to be integrated into the home automation. For a single room, you can expect the expenditure to be around 1 Lac.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, I would say that it is a double edge sword. But given a chance, I would definitely go for it because, in the long run, it is convenient and energy-saving technology that comes with immense peace of mind.

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