In our modern society, where speed and mass production are the norm, the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi conveys an important message of slowing down, finding beauty in nature and appreciating simplicity. While the Western world often strives for perfection and focuses on 'what could be', Wabi-Sabi finds beauty in the here and now, in what 'is'. It recognizes that nothing is perfect, nothing lasts forever, and it is the imperfections that tell our story.
The influence of Wabi-Sabi is also increasingly visible in interiors. The result is a home that radiates warmth, authenticity and a deep connection with nature. In this article I delve deeper into the essence of Wabi-Sabi and share 6 practical tips to apply this philosophy in your interior, allowing you to create a warm and authentic atmosphere.
Art of imperfection
Nothing is perfect. Instead of striving for perfection, Wabi-Sabi invites you to discover the beauty of the imperfect, the imperfect . Wabi-Sabi embraces simplicity, but unlike popular forms of minimalism that strive for symmetry and a streamlined appearance. The minimalism of Wabi-Sabi lies more in asymmetry and the roughness of natural materials. Think of handmade ceramics with subtle irregularities, weathered wood with knots and cracks, or vintage furniture that tells a story. It is precisely these imperfections that give the space character and create a sense of authenticity.
Transience as beauty
Although Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese philosophy, it has deep roots in Chinese Zen Buddhism, which believes that life is temporary, excruciating and empty. ‘Wabi’ refers to the loneliness of living in nature, and ‘Sabi’ represents the natural passage of time, decay, degradation and the realization that beauty is fleeting. The combination of the two is the essence of the philosophy: the beauty of imperfection and an appreciation for the fleetingness and transience of life.
It's not just about aesthetics; it's a way of life that challenges you to see the beauty in everyday things and the changes that time brings.
Traces of life
A fundamental aspect of Wabi-Sabi is the appreciation of craftsmanship and its visible traces. Natural materials such as stone, metal, wood and leather are considered living elements, and the traces of time, such as rust and patina, are accepted as a tribute. This not only creates a sense of authenticity but also a strong connection with nature in the living environment. The Wabi-Sabi colour palette fits in seamlessly with this and consists of earthy tones such as brown, grey, green and various cream colours.
Image via Instagram: Durietz Design | Piet Albert Goethals
Wabi-Sabi in the modern interior
Wabi-Sabi integrates perfectly into contemporary interiors and in my opinion represents a welcome evolution of minimalism. It radiates warmth and embraces the perfectly imperfect details in an interior design in a broader way. Interiors designed with the Wabi-Sabi philosophy feel welcoming and comfortable, something that minimalist interiors sometimes struggle with. By combining old Wabi-Sabi objects with new and finished elements, an interesting interior is created. This not only creates an aesthetically pleasing whole, but also contributes to a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle.
The 6 tips that you can apply yourself
By following these steps you can create more warmth and tranquility in your own interior .
1. Less is more
Minimize your interior by clearing out or giving away unnecessary decorations and items. Leave spaces open and avoid cluttering your interior. This gives you space to breathe and creates a sense of simplicity and calm.
2. Natural materials and textures
Choose natural materials such as wood, metal , stone, leather and linen to create an authentic atmosphere in your interior. These materials often show natural imperfections, which contributes to the charm and authenticity of your space.
For example, leave the natural grain and knots of a wooden table visible, and keep a rough and unpolished look for a stone floor. Choose rough and uneven surfaces over smooth finishes. Experiment with techniques such as limewash, clay plaster, lime paint or Venetian plaster to add texture to your walls and create an aged and characterful look.
3. Earthy color palette
Use a color palette inspired by nature, such as warm earth tones (brown, beige, taupe, and gray) and soft creams. By playing with different shades and textures within this earthy color palette, you can create a space that feels warm and inviting as well as calming and relaxing.
Image via The Greenwich Hotel | Axel Vervoord
4. Imperfect, handmade and vintage items
Choose furniture and decorative objects that show character with irregular shapes, such as asymmetrical, rough and organic designs. Add handmade accents to your interior, such as a handwoven rug with subtle irregularities that contribute to its unique beauty. A handmade vase with small variations in shape also adds a personal and authentic element to your decor.
Vintage items convey a story through their patina, signs of wear and other small imperfections. These unique features give your interior a sense of warmth, history and authenticity that is often missing in modern spaces. Discover in my previous blog how to harmoniously combine vintage and modern styles.
5. Natural light and mood lighting
Make the most of natural light. It not only brings a sense of freshness to the space, but also reveals the textures and nuances of materials in an organic way. In addition, provide warm and dimmable mood lighting for a cozy, cozy atmosphere.
Image via Pinterest: Lorna de Santos | Nacho Uribe Salazar
6. Seasonal decoration
Adapt your decor to the seasons. Seasonal elements, such as flowers, branches or natural decorative pieces, emphasize the transience and change inherent in Wabi-Sabi.
By incorporating the core principles of the Wabi-Sabi philosophy into your interior using the tips above, you will not only create a calming space that evokes a sense of serenity and harmony, you will also create an environment that tells a story and aligns with a sustainable ethos.
For more inspiration, check out the SelectedBy Blog
