As our lifestyles become more and more hectic, we’re looking for new ways to introduce a touch of serenity and peacefulness into our everyday lives. It’s no wonder that the principles of Japanese design are slowly being introduced into homes across the globe. The most recent trend that has charmed all individuals who need a bit of tranquility in their homes is wabi-sabi. This unique style transcends the boundaries set by design trends and can be seen as a way of life. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese philosophy that teaches us to embrace the beauty of imperfection in its entirety. Welcoming it into your home will not only help you create a truly inspiring, enchanting look, but also fill both you and your home with serenity and tranquility.

Understand the beauty of imperfection

What makes wabi-sabi truly authentic is its perfectly imperfect appeal. This style is characterized by the acceptance of natural patina and stark beauty that are the result of the natural passage of time. Wabi-sabi encourages you to value innate flaws of the world around you because that’s what makes it special and unique. In terms of interior design, wabi-sabi accentuates the natural form, asymmetry and rugged beauty of all things transient. Everything that is incomplete, irregular and aged is more than welcome to a wabi-sabi inspired home.

Embrace natural materials entirely

There’s nothing more beautiful than the intricate patterns of wood and roughly cut edges of natural stone. As such, these materials are an essential part of a wabi-sabi-inspired interior. Introducing them into your home in every shape and form will give your space an organic touch that celebrates imperfection. There are so many creative options when it comes to implementing these rich materials. Salvaged wood with an aged patina is the perfect choice for your furniture and flooring, giving your space timeless appeal. You can also use decorative details made of flawed or scratched wood. Natural stone also brings numerous design possibilities that will fit perfectly into wabi-sabi décor. Whether you use it for your bathroom elements, flooring or statement features, you can experiment with its finishes and intricate patterns.
Of course, when it comes to natural materials, wood and stone aren’t the only options. Bamboo, clay, woven grass, rough paper and wool can also be used throughout your home, giving it a natural look in all its richness.

Bring a sense of openness into your space

Wabi-sabi interiors embrace simplicity and minimalism, focusing on the things you really need rather than cluttering your home and lifestyle with useless items. Embracing this principle requires you to free your space from unnecessary objects and create an open, airy atmosphere that will exude effortless beauty. Simplifying your décor and decluttering your space is the perfect way to create a tranquil ambience where each element can stand out. In an open space, you can play with form, texture and elements and accentuate the asymmetry of design.

Embellish with unique decorations

Wabi-sabi décor is as authentic as the style itself. It’s based on the use of unusual, quirky embellishments that capture all the principles of this design. When decorating your space, remember to keep it simple, moderate and authentic. You should focus on details with innate flaws, enticing irregularities and an aged look. Elevate your decor with several scented candle jars and create a soothing atmosphere. Handmade decorations, vintage pieces and unfinished artwork can also help you capture the spirit of wabi-sabi perfectly. Whether you use them to decorate your walls or embellish your shelves, remember that asymmetry is the guiding principle.

Choose wrinkled fabrics

Another distinctive feature of wabi-sabi style is its cosy, lived-in spirit that permeates a space. This is achieved through the implementation of aged objects, as well as wrinkled materials. Dressing up your bed in elegant designer bedding with subtle wrinkles and creases will create the perfect wabi-sabi look in your bedroom. Not only will this fill your sanctuary with a sense of imperfect beauty, but it will also bring in a feeling of comfort and cosiness that stems from a lived-in ambiance, which is just the right atmosphere you want to create in your room. You should follow the same principle when choosing fabrics for other rooms.

Discover the charms of muted tones

This unique style is characterized by the lack of strong and vivid colours. Instead, it embraces a palette inspired by nature that reflects all natural elements. You should focus on muted hues, such as soft browns, rich greens, deep and light blues, subtle grays, rusty reds and shades with yellowish undertones. Although such a palette creates a slightly monochromatic look, it certainly isn’t monotonous. The combination of such hues creates a sense of harmony found in the natural world. A matte finish is preferred over a glossy one, which works perfectly with muted tones.

Embracing wabi-sabi and all its principles will truly transform both your home and your life. It will help you adopt a more mindful lifestyle, become aware of the unique beauty around you and teach you to appreciate the transience of life.