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Wabi-sabi – interior with Japanese philosophy

Wabi-sabi is an interior philosophy derived from Japanese culture that focuses on the beauty of imperfection. It values simplicity, authenticity, and a natural aesthetic. This lifestyle allows one to embrace the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete and to appreciate the uniqueness of everyday objects, resulting in a more harmonious interior space. Wabi-sabi helps to bring a serene and calm atmosphere to a home, and celebrates the beauty and creativity of nature.

Our tips site continues to introduce you to interesting interior styles. Today we’ll talk about wabi-sabi – Japanese philosophy that allows you to create unique interiors. Consider the features of this style, which, according to the designers, is great for everyone who is tired of the pursuit of perfection..

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

Japanese ?? translated as “humble simplicity”. Wabi means “unassuming simplicity” and sabi means “pacification of loneliness” or “a touch of antiquity.” In general, the term “wabi” in Japan meant a secluded life surrounded by nature, modesty and loneliness, and “sabi” was originally translated as “poverty, dullness.” However, over time, both meanings were combined into one philosophy and began to be associated with positive aspects..

Today, the principle of creating an interior in the wabi-sabi style means conscious simplicity and modesty in everyday life, even poverty. But simplicity is very aesthetic, artistic, attractive.

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

To understand the main principle of wabi-sabi interior, you need to remember three things:

  • in this world nothing lasts forever;
  • nothing is complete;
  • nothing is perfect.

A very unusual approach for Western civilization, striving to bring any business to completion, and any interior – to perfect condition. This different approach is clearly visible, for example, in relation to darkened silver. A European will rub such an object until it shines, and a Japanese will definitely leave a touch of time.

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

Designers call wabi-sabi “minimalism’s cousin”. Yes, it is also very simple, the interior seeks to get rid of luxury, pretentiousness, unnecessary items and decor. The Japanese are sure that even an imperfect object with a flaw is beautiful in itself, you just need to see it and admire it.

Wabi-sabi has a lot in common with eco-style, natural materials are also used here, and indoor plants, for example, bonsai, are often the main decoration. In addition, herbaria and ikebana can often be seen in wabi-sabi – also a very Japanese story..

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

Designers note that when equipping the interior in the wabi-sabi style, you can take individual elements of the loft, about which the portal wrote in detail. For example, walls that are not decorated with anything without finishing, metal structures that have already managed to get covered with patina.

Russian designers are advised to take individual elements from the rustic style. In general, according to experts, unlike Europeans and Americans, Russians are very close to the Japanese philosophy of imperfection and simplicity. Wabi-sabi is autumn, with its serenity and the gradual fading of nature. The same is true for interior items – they are gradually aging, but at the same time they carry the wisdom of the times, natural charm and home comfort.

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

There are no strict forms and symmetry in wabi sabi. It often seems that the owners just stopped the renovation in the middle of the process and did not begin to finish anything. But actually it is not! The owners just stopped striving for the ideal, preferring simplicity and natural elements..

The main differences between wabi-sabi in the interior:

  • Muted colors, only natural shades: beige, gray, coffee, milky, cream, smoky, pale blue. No red, pink, burgundy or purple! Everything is very calm and moderate;
  • The walls are almost monastic, with rough plaster and smooth corners. There are textures of concrete, stone, drawings made of seemingly flowed plaster;
  • There is a lot of untreated wood in the furniture, which is never painted, but only covered with matte varnish. In addition, there are metal parts with patina, green copper;
  • The fabrics are very simple and natural – linen, braiding, matting, wool, also in natural colors. Instead of carpets, rugs or homespun rugs.

Important! The flawed wabi sabi furniture is beautiful and admirable. If there is a textured crack on the dresser or countertop, it is not masked by anything.

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

Objects with history, some curiosities brought from travels are always chosen as decor. The storage system is hidden, ideal if the apartment has a dressing room or a pantry where you can put everything you need. In addition, it is customary to hide household appliances in special niches, because nothing should disturb the quiet peace of the wabi-sabi interior..

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

Wabi-sabi - interior with Japanese philosophy

Unusual, agree! Wabi-sabi with its roughness, deliberate incompleteness and simplicity is suitable for those who do not want to invest a lot of money in an interior that has been brought to perfection. According to Japanese philosophy, this doesn’t make any sense! Beauty can be found in modesty and create coziness with very simple things..

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Comments: 3
  1. Seraphina

    Can you provide some examples of how wabi-sabi is incorporated into interior design and how it reflects Japanese philosophy?

    Reply
    1. Gavin Evans

      Wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that values imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity, can be seen in interior design through various elements. Examples include using natural materials like wood and stone to create a sense of warmth and connection to nature, incorporating handmade or vintage items that show signs of wear and aging, embracing asymmetry and irregular shapes, and favoring muted, earthy colors that promote a sense of tranquility.

      This design approach reflects key aspects of Japanese philosophy, such as finding beauty in imperfection and appreciating the transient nature of life. By incorporating wabi-sabi into interior design, spaces can feel more inviting, peaceful, and harmonious, encouraging a deeper connection to oneself and the world around us.

      Reply
  2. Jackson Clarke

    This text talks about the concept of Wabi-sabi in interior design, which is rooted in Japanese philosophy. It seems interesting, but I’m curious how exactly can this philosophy be translated into designing living spaces? Are there specific techniques or principles that embody Wabi-sabi, and what are some examples of its application in interior design?

    Reply
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