wabi-sabi style interior design - how to get the look -

Wabi-Sabi is the style of the moment, a fact so contrary to its very nature. Wabi-Sabi style is like a recluse who shies away from all the attention.

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.

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.

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.

wabi-sabi style — Credit – @makhno_design

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.

wabi-sabi interiors — Credit – @yana_design_home

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,

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.

wabi-sabi style interior design – how to get the look