How to Apply Japanese Wabi-Sabi in Interior Design

Discover this interior design trend from Japan, highlighting the beauty in imperfection and the passing of time

One of the most current styles used in home decorating, Wabi-Sabi or “the art of imperfection,” is also a different way of viewing the world. The Japanese word is almost impossible to define. However, it is used to highlight the singular beauty of things where time has left its mark.

This article, besides explaining how the concept of Wabi-Sabi evolved, also shows how this style is applied in home decor. What materials are predominantly used? What are the most common colors used? What role does nature play in this style? You will be able to implement Wabi-Sabi in your interior design project using this knowledge.

The origin of Wabi-Sabi

The concept of Wabi-Sabi originated during the Song dynasty in China (960 -1279) and was later transferred to zen Buddhism. In tea ceremonies, ritualized by masters Murata Juko and Sen no Rikyu (XV century), you can already recognize Wabi-Sabi, in that simply decorated and imperfect ceramics were used during these rites, and that guests to the ceremony were encouraged to appreciate their charm, and linger on their features. In other words, to recognize the Wabi-Sabi of those objects.

Therefore, before being a home decor style, Wabi-Sabi is considered a way to view the world in which nature is considered a source of beauty and inspiration, gifting us with colors, patterns, and shapes that cannot be achieved by humankind.

Nature has another gift: it can mold the things and elements it encounters in its way. This is why imperfections and the passing of time are accepted in Wabi-Sabi philosophy. This philosophy is reminiscent of the art of kintsugi, also a Japanese method of repairing broken pottery, in which, rather than concealing them, the cracks are filled and become an integral part of the piece. Hanami, the yearly celebration of cherry blossom, also presents this way of appreciating the fleeting and unpredictable beauty of the unique mosaics created by the petals.

The name Wabi derives from the root ‘wa’, referring to peace, equilibrium, and harmony; Sabi means “time flower,” an expression to indicate the evolution of life and later decline. Nothing is complete, and nothing is perfect. These are the three keys that best reflect Wabi-Sabi, a style that has taken the Western world by storm and is used by more and more interior designers and home decorators.

How do you achieve a Wabi-Sabi space?

We share below the fundamentals of this decorative style that you can apply to clients’ jobs or your own personal projects.

Neutral colors

The best color palette you can choose connects the space with nature and facilitates tranquillity, comfort, and gives a sense of calm. The most popular colors are sand, greystone, and snow white. However, if your client asks you to apply a more intense hue, experiment with olive green or turquoise. In any case, never use loud or garish tones.

Natural light

Natural light provides warmth during the day. To give a more intimate feel to the space, use hanging lights with spotlights.

No-frills walls

With Wabi-Sabi, we escape anything that is considered superfluous or artificial. A simple base and an unpretentious look will quickly achieve the essence of this style.

Imperfection and simplicity

For your interior design project, choose floorings with imperfect finishes and textures. When planning decorations, look for simple objects that create sparse spaces with few, well-selected elements. Gather some handmade objects to add a sense of authenticity to the ensemble.

Unique pieces

Share this process with the clients and ask whether they wish to include any piece of furniture that has meaning to them. For example, they may have inherited antiques or special pieces that reflect one of Wabi-Sabi’s keys: the passing of time.

Materials and textiles

If Wabi-Sabi consistently pays homage to nature, wood is the most important of its materials. Its warmth fits all spaces, from the most rustic to the most contemporary environments.

Try to choose untreated wood to keep it close to its natural state. You can complement the decor with other materials such as stone, clay, ceramic, and wicker. Several textiles fit the bill, such as cotton, linen, and wool. In any case, the essential factor is that they feel soft and pleasant to the touch. Creases should be the least of your worries.

Swedish hotels have also succumbed to the charm of this style, as demonstrated by the interiors of Relais Castello di Morcote. This centuries-old historical building has been restored and is inspired by Wabi-Sabi’s respect for imperfect beauty.

Lastly, remind your clients that their Wabi-Sabi spaces are to be lived in, and their small details are to be appreciated. They will love to discover the history behind this decorating style and appreciate every smallest detail in their own homes.

If you want to develop your knowledge in home decoration, you can sign up to the course Decorating Your Home on a Budget: Basic Concepts, in which Sofía Saraví O'Keefe will teach you how to apply the principles of interior design.

English version by @acesarato.

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