Interior In The Style of Wabi-Sabi

We live in a time when it is very easy to fall into the trap of the constant pursuit of perfection. The world of media is dominated by the image of young and beautiful individuals, who quickly achieve success, and are happy and satisfied in all areas of their life.

It is an illusion that leads to a decrease in self-esteem in individuals and to the gain of mental complexes. In addition, individuals are encouraged to buy things they can't afford and they don't need, which is not good for either the planet or the wallet. In opposition to this, the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi arose.

What is Wabi-Sabi philosophy?

Wabi-Sabi is a life philosophy which is becoming more and more popular and entering all areas of life. The concept of Wabi-Sabi consists of two parts, the first years ago, was synonymous with abandoning the comforts of life in favour of becoming a hermit. However, over the years, this has progressed to a second level. In Japanese, Wabi is used to describe inner beauty. Sabi is the acceptance of human imperfection. The combination of both words, creates a concept that is supposed to indicate the abandonment of perfectionism and consumerism in favour of an appreciation of nature and inevitable changes.
Currently, the world of social media creates an unattainable personal image that cannot be met. The philosophy of Wabi-Sabi emphasizes the acceptance of one's imperfections. It is supposed to be an extremely liberating feeling, the consequence of which is self-acceptance. Another important principle is to abandon mindless consumerism. Minimalism is definitely more valued than excessive accumulation of products. In Wabi-Sabi, nature plays an extremely important role. It is in nature that individuals find true peace and solace. An important element of Japanese philosophy is also the acceptance that nothing lasts forever and that transience is a natural process. When a person understands this, it is easier for them to appreciate the uniqueness of everyday life.

How to decorate the interior in the style of Wabi-Sabi

Interior design in the style of Wabi-Sabi fills a person with harmony and peace. The key to successfully creating this style, is the use of the right colour palette. Subdued earth colours are the leading colours, different shades of brown, white and grey are used. It can also be complemented by stronger accents, like green or blue. In rooms in the style of Wabi-Sabi, natural colours are a must. The basis is wooden furniture, for example, a bookcase made of natural wood, a rattan armchair and linen pillows. This is a kind of arrangement that naturally calms and also promotes rest. For floors, panels or parquet are great. In terms of accessories, we focus on natural items. Wabi-Sabi is a minimalist style, so instead of a few banal trinkets, it is much better to opt for hand-made napkins or a vase filled with wildflowers. The interior should be primarily functional. An excess of objects not only disturbs the space, but also hinders the process of concentration. In the case of Wabi-Sabi furniture, its usefulness is more important than its fancy appearance, which is why decorations and ornaments are avoided.

The defining characteristics of Wabi-Sabi interior design

Wabi sabi can look very different depending on who is adopting it. Since it is based on a value of imperfection and authenticity, it will reflect the people living in that space.

However, there are definitely some key aspects that you will likely find across all wabi sabi interior design.

Natural materials instead of imitation/synthetic materials
Lots of negative space in the layout – fewer, longer lasting items
Functional accessories rather than decoration for decoration’s sake – i.e. decorative bowls also serve as a place to put keys, wallet, etc.
Imperfections – cracks, scratches, rough edges or weathering, organic shapes, asymmetry
Simple, low profile furniture
Neutral and understated color palette
Wabi sabi homes may also include a “Zen space” for meditation and relaxation