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Who would say that an idea that is so elaborate in decoration that practically all standard design rules are changed comes from Japan? Remember how we transitioned from the colorful and psychedelic ideas of the 80s to polished and formal designs in the 90s. Since the 1980s, however, the standard design concept has been questioned, as we can see from the so-called Wabi Sabi design.
It would normally be unthinkable to accept designs or ornaments with imperfections, but in Japan they see this as a way to think about the effects of nature on us, what has made it popular to get worn and imperfect objects as part of architecture and that Decoration.
Image source: Pauzarq Architects
This is just one of the ways to appreciate the most classic and rudimentary lifestyle if it’s not all about striving for perfection. If we want to reestablish this connection to nature and the passage of time, we invite you to learn something about the Wabi Sabi.
What is Wabi-Sabi?
Image source: KuDa photography
The first thing we should know is that not even the Japanese have a precise definition of what Wabi Sabi is. This is more of a mixture of meanings, with Wabi referring to “the beauty of humility” and Sabi “the deterioration of the passage of time”. Hence, the combination of the two results in a style that tries to celebrate the imperfections caused by the natural passage of time.
In this way, the Wabi Sabi design invites us to accept things as they are and not to try to find a perfection that does not exist in nature. These imperfections occur again and again in buildings. Over time, materials such as concrete, paints and metals inevitably deteriorate.
However, we have to understand that this concept is not an excuse for things to deteriorate. We are talking about a way of understanding life and accepting it as it happens. The genre goes back to traditional tea ceremonies. These (still very practiced today as part of Japanese culture) were carried out for shoguns and people of great importance.
Image source: Anders Bergstedt photo
One of them, known as the philosopher Ryku, had a special way of celebrating these ceremonies. Instead of using the most expensive dishes, he asked to be served in irregular cups, which were probably handmade by inexperienced artisans.
Image source: Pauzarq Architects
This was a way for the philosopher to show his satisfaction with what he had, and he claimed that if you could take on these modest possessions, you could be happy with the person you are. That is why the Wabi Sabi is not only a way of decorating, but also a way of understanding what is around us and accepting it as positively as possible.
In the sets, this means rooms with dim lighting, worn structural elements or unplanned details, the use of natural materials without treatment so that they can experience the natural course of time, and of course all this while maintaining a clean and cozy atmosphere.
Enjoy the Wabi Sabi Style in our house
The Wabi Sabi design doesn’t have to be completely random. There are many Wabi Sabi furniture that we can use to control the appearance of these abstract spaces. While it may be a bit difficult to understand at first, we hope that the list below will help you understand how to implement it.
Don’t try to fix the imperfections
Image source: Auhaus architecture
We have to learn to appreciate the beauty of imperfections. Many believe that if a cup is broken, we should immediately throw it away or try to fix it by hiding the parts where it broke.
In Japan, they learned to appreciate these details so much that there is an old technique called Kintsugi, which uses a mixture of lacquer with gold, silver or platinum powder to repair the broken ceramic pieces so that the mixture dries it stands out.
Image source: SUBU design architecture
Another example that can be used in modern architecture is brutalism, in which concrete walls and bricks remain in gray work (ie not covered). These untreated materials have striking contaminants that are perfect for minimalist and industrial work.
Wood is another material where imperfections can be easily identified. The houses and works restored in wood preserve this quality of suffering over time. Many owners are looking for restored homes to enjoy Wabi Sabi at its best.
A mixture of artisanal and manufactured goods
Image source: Jute interior design
The Wabi Sabi will always put handcrafted products in the foreground. Every craft product is different from the previous one, even in small details, quite the opposite of what happens in mass production, where all shapes are similar.
That is why homemade products are so popular because they allow us to appreciate the originality and charisma of every single piece. Entering the world of crafts is a way to decorate your home with the Wabi-Sabi design, since everything you produce, be it a fabric, a vase or a sculpture, has your personal touch.
A controlled disturbance
Image source: Kvartira Mirtesen
The casual location of various pieces of furniture helps to create this natural environment in the Wabi Sabi interior design. We can manipulate some elements to create an environment where not everything is perfectly positioned or arranged, but is still comfortable to live in.
Some loose cushions in irregular patterns, possibly a carpet that isn’t stretched perfectly, or even curtains where the fabric frays, are some options that won’t change the comfortable habitability of your home.
Textures are fundamental
Image source: Jute interior design
This part is easier to use if the construction of our house is made of a material such as concrete or wood, as these can easily spoil in nature. However, if we have other more durable materials, we can always bring some textures with us. Wooden chairs and tables or frames and metal decorations are valid abbreviations.
Nature can never be missing
Image source: Rupal Mamtani
Although this is an element that should not be missing in any decorative style in general, in a Wabi-Sabi home we must take special care to introduce nature into our lives.
There is nothing more imperfect and perfect than a plant. Its growth has a logical meaning that comes from a natural reaction, but the way it grows and develops is still random in its conception. Nobody knows where a leaf or flower is born.
The best companion for these organic patterns is the combination of natural colors in the furniture such as green or brown. The use of more handmade materials such as wood or ceramics also helps to keep imperfections pleasant.
Stay authentic
Image source: KuDa photography
The best thing about Wabi-Sabi style is that we can keep our taste authentic. This is not a particular decoration pattern, so we can mix how many elements fascinate us.
Life is more than a couple of options. Every piece, however extravagant, can be an essential part of our decoration. An unexpected piece creates originality and a striking note that gets all of your guests to look at it. Art projects are one way of applying this adaptation idea to the maximum exponent.
A minimum investment
Image source: Becky Harris
Another advantage of introducing the Wabi Sabi is that we can save money thanks to its simple and natural approach. As part of what makes this philosophy special is the originality of things. We don’t have to buy expensive pieces that stand out just because they’re expensive. Concrete is an example of how simplicity is adopted without having to be extremely minimalistic.
We have said it before; An essential part of this design is the use of textures, which somewhat contradicts the original idea of minimalism.
The best vintage look
Image source: KuDa photography
As already mentioned, craft products are much better in this philosophy than mass products. You can add vintage decorations in modern spaces in moderate quantities. Do you like to travel often? Then try to buy eccentric ornaments for your home.
The colors of nature
Image source: KuDa photography
A walk in a forest is the most relaxing thing we can do. The atmosphere of calm that is breathed in is not only thanks to nature, but also to the colors that surround us. Green, blue, brown, all of this gives us serenity and peace of mind. If you want to opt for a more traditional project, you can also paint the rooms with these colors.
Adopt a lifestyle
Image source: From the inside to the outside
If you want to enter the Wabi Sabi wave, you need to remember that this is a philosophy and not an artistic movement. We need to be able to appreciate the charm, spend time around us, and accept the imperfections of things as they are not foreign to aging, just as we are not immortal.
If you want to give your life an explosion of spontaneity, adopting the Wabi Sabi way of life can be a way to change the meticulous and programmed mentality that we have in society. Another way to relax and appreciate every detail of life.
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