Find beauty in imperfection with wabi-sabi home decor
What's the story
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic which celebrates imperfection, simplicity, and the natural cycle of growth and decay.
We can easily bring this philosophy to our home decor by simply embracing the unique characteristics of each item and valuing authenticity over perfection.
Once wabi-sabi makes its way into your living space, it will feel way more relaxed and genuine.
Here's how to do it.
Drive 1
Use natural materials
Incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, and clay can add warmth and authenticity to your home.
More often than not, these materials come with their own unique textures and patterns that accentuate their imperfections.
Using articles made from these materials can help you connect with nature while lending character to your space.
Drive 2
Choose handmade items
Handmade items carry the marks of their creation process, making them ideal for a wabi-sabi-inspired home.
The pieces may have slight irregularities or variations that make them charming and add individuality.
By opting for handmade decor, not only do you support artisans, but you also invite unique elements into your living space.
Drive 3
Embrace minimalism
Wabi-sabi advocates a simple life, one that revolves around the essentials. It asks us to get rid of the clutter, and keep only what really matters.
This minimalist philosophy creates clean spaces where one can focus on the beauty of every element without being distracted by the mess.
By following this, we can appreciate the beauty and serenity of our environment, and what each element brings to it.
Drive 4
Highlight aging objects
Instead of discarding aging objects, consider showcasing them as part of your decor.
Items with patina or wear tell stories about their history and use over time—an essential aspect of wabi-sabi philosophy.
Displaying these objects adds depth to your home's narrative while celebrating life's natural progression.
Drive 5
Incorporate earthy colors
Earthy colors such as browns, greens, grays, or muted tones reflect nature's palette—central elements in wabi-sabi design principles—and evoke calmness within any room setting they are used in.
Effectively creating harmony throughout spaces where they appear, these colors are prominently featured among other decorative choices made elsewhere around homes too.