Wabi-Sabi for your home – Japanese home interiors with a higher meaning

Photo of author
Written By ms

Discover the Wabi-sabi meaning – Japan’s way of life and the Japanese wisdom to lifestyle is a fabulous choice for home interiors – Find out why

Are you a Wabi-Sabi person? Does your home décor style match the Wabi-Sabi meaning? Let’s find out. You may not have heard of Wabi-Sabi; however, I am sure you are aware of the concept. Frankly, all of us have a bit of wabi-sabi in ourselves. You may have a couple of fashion items to style a shabby chic look or a home décor item that is rustic like jute mat. Are you the one that enjoys wearing a bangle from your grandmom or keeping a book from years ago? These choices are mostly a Wabi-Sabi style – being nostalgic, rustic and natural.

natural wabi-sabi

You see the traditional manner of life from Japan celebrates the good in everything, the beauty in the broken. Wabi-Sabi believes that in our life, everything is perfect due to the imperfection in it. So, beauty is most beautiful when it is a little unattractive. As time passes, item ages with grace. To accept this fact, that everything and everyone gets old, yet stays beautiful is Japan’s Wabi-Sabi. This approach to life and lifestyle brings you closer to your true self. Interesting right? In a way, this manner of decoration is a bold and simple way to discover your true and original style. Are you ready to find yourself – better now than never!


Home with Wabi-Sabi

A home irrespective of its size is a beautiful place for all of us. When it comes to choosing a decor style for our home, everyone looks for original and unique designs. After all, you surely want your home to be one-of-its-kind – this is why Wabi-Sabi is such a fabulous decor choice.

The Philosophy

The philosophy of Wabi-Sabi dates back to the 15th century. It’s the wisdom of knowledge in finding natural simplicity. It is all about keeping yourself humble and grounded. The prime motto here is to make people understand the true meaning of being original and natural. 

Wabi-Sabi is the discovery of beauty in imperfection, the acceptance of the cycle of life and death

Pinterest
What is Wabi-Sabi art for interiors?

Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese-inspiration for home interiors. This style is a harmony of the bare and essential with elegance and grace. Think of natural materials – rusted metal, textured stoneware pottery, seasoned wood with age cracks, sand grain texture on walls. At the heart of it, this Japanese decoration is all about finding beauty in imperfection.

wabi-sabi broken

What is the meaning of Wabi-Sabi?

In the Japanese language, “Wabi” refers to a sense of natural elegance and “Sabi” means imperfection. Together “wabi-sabi” is the elegance of broken objects – meaning it is an ode to seeing beauty in the broken. For example, as per Wabi-Sabi, a vase with a crack enhances your home’s style and look of your home. The decor manner is rooted in Buddhism. It teaches us to be happy with what we have without constantly yearning for more.

What is wabi-sabi in home decor?

For your home décor, Wabi-Sabi suggests accepting things as is, in its natural form. Acceptance of naturally imperfect form is the basis of wabi-sabi art. Here are some of the best décor tips for Wabi-Sabi design in homes:
a. Use of natural materials
b. Keep things simple and clean
c. Take flaws as a form of beauty


Wabi-Sabi Design

I am sure you are excited about some Wabi-Sabi at your home. Here are some of the best Wabi-Sabi design basics for your home interiors.

Simplicity

Wabi-Sabi Japanese design favours bare and natural use of material. It is all about putting essential pieces together effortlessly. The imperfect feel of Wabi-Sabi inspires you to form a deep connection with the earth. It also motivates you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.


Use of natural materials

Since this manner of decor is all about connecting with nature, the use of natural materials is the key. Instead of buying those expensive decor elements for your home, try re-purposing the things you already have. For example, use an old stool as a side table. You can also opt for natural wood frames for your bedroom. Bamboo, cotton or linen are all nature-friendly elements. These elements will elevate the natural look of your home.


Embrace the Flaws

Being imperfect is perhaps the focal point of Japanese philosophy. Finding the beauty in imperfect things is a modest approach to decor your home. It adds a peaceful and calm vibe, making your home more cheerful and livable.


Home Décor with Wabi-Sabi

Now that you know the benefits of this art form from the east, we hope you make use of it. Let us see some of the examples of this art:

  • You can reuse an old door or a ladder as a headboard
  • Make use of natural bed linens made up of Bamboo or cotton
  • Add warmth to your space with earthen flower pots or vase
  • Integrate wooden furniture for aesthetic home appeal
  • Bring fresh flowers into the rooms for positive vibes
  • Create a welcoming home atmosphere by mismatching the elements
  • Add beautiful dishware to your kitchen cabinet
  • Decorative bowls and trays are perfect
  • Wall-hangings made from discarded cuttlefish bones are the best
  • Use a rug that is vintage and slightly worn
  • Crumpled or creased pillowslips are the best examples of this art

Why choose Wabi-Sabi?

Wabi-Sabi design benefits are not limited to your home décor and interiors. As a philosophy extended as a form of interior style, this Japanese wisdom can enhance your overall wellbeing – both for your inner self and your outer world.

For Peaceful Home

A Wabi-sabi home embraces an overall sense of peace. In our modern world, many of us are in a constant race to be perfect today, for a better future tomorrow. You know it can get tiresome. Now and then, we set ambitious goals and end up stressing ourselves. Setting high standards is excellent; we all do that. But when we are obsessed with perfection, it can take a toll on our mental health.

A home with the Japanese philosophy promotes the presence of imperfection in us; it rejoices in our natural way of being. Natural is a welcome break from our routine life – it brings a feeling of peace and calm in our today.

wabi-sabi walls

Easy décor choice

Bringing Wabi-Sabi into your life is easy. It doesn’t require any training nor money or special skills. All it takes is a mind quiet enough to appreciate a beauty that comes with time. 

wabi-sabi zen

Values the legacy

Every object or item, once put to use, begins to weather away slowly. Sometimes it also breaks or cracks. Now, rather than throwing away old or broken objects, the philosophy suggests celebrating its unique character that has developed over time.

The goal isn’t to live forever. The goal is to create something that will.

Chuck Palahniuk
wabi-sabi

If you wish to bring nostalgia, beauty or a combination of both into your home, wabi-sabi is for you. This ancient philosophy teaches us to keep things simple and natural. Love your imperfections and express more of yourself, be uniquely you. Cheers!


Timeless wooden boxes for Wabi-Sabi Decor


Comments are closed.