How wabi-sabi interior design creates calm & character in your home

Have you seen the words ‘Wabi-Sabi’ pop up in interior design discussions lately and wondered what this design trend is about? You’re not alone.

Gaining popularity in recent years, Wabi-Sabi design draws from a Japanese philosophy rooted in finding the beauty within imperfections, embracing simplicity and acknowledging the natural aging of materials over time. 

Originating from Zen Buddhism, this design method encourages a slower and more mindful way of living, opting for natural and unique materials that evolve and change. Unlike sleek, chic and modern conventional decor that embodies perfectionism, Wabi-Sabi focuses on authenticity to create serene and uncluttered spaces. It offers a fresh perspective on how to fill interior spaces meaningfully to promote a calm and balanced environment.

If this sounds like the feeling you want to bring into your home, you are in the right place to learn about the elements and principles of Wabi-Sabi, and how best to embrace this trending style in your space.

Why is Wabi-Sabi interior design trending?

In a world filled with overconsumption, constant ‘newness’ and an obsession with perfectionism, Wabi-Sabi is a welcome choice for those wanting to create a space that feels more authentic, lived-in, homely and simple. Living in a space like this extends beyond the decor, inviting a feeling of calm in life beyond your home.

This refreshing alternative to perfectionism allows for flaws – a normal part of a well-lived life. By using natural and organic materials, it also offers a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to decorating, encouraging the sourcing of vintage and aged items that utilise artisanal craftsmanship and meaningful design.

This approach encourages homeowners to unwind comfortably in their lived-in space, slow down, connect with nature and embrace life’s beautiful imperfections.

Wabi-Sabi core principles explained

Imperfection: The Wabi-Sabi design movement sees beauty in flaws and irregularities, be it in handmade items, natural materials and fibres, unique finishes and asymmetrical designs. This design concept is not afraid of cracks, marks, scratches or faded and frayed fabrics, instead embracing flaws to add character to a space to remind us that nothing in life is perfect, or permanent.

Impermanence: General wear and tear of products and materials is a key component of Wabi-Sabi designs, highlighting the beauty in objects that weather, change and evolve with us. Embrace the natural changes of raw materials, such as a faded rug, scratches on a dining table or cracks in tiles and concrete, understanding impermanence creates a space that feels cosy and lived-in while embracing the passing of time.

Simplicity: A true iteration of minimalist design, Wabi-Sabi is the opposite of clutter, instead, opting for only essential, meaningful items on display. Think clean lines, intentional decor that serves a purpose and an uncluttered room to restore a sense of calm. Wabi-Sabi's simple design is warm and organic and avoids a feeling of stark or cold spaces by using warm, earthy textures, colours and layers to add depth.

How to bring Wabi-Sabi design into your home

Wabi-Sabi is as much about your mindset as it is about your space. Let go of perfectionism and accept the small tears in natural fabrics, cracks in stone and chips in a piece of furniture as part of the story.  Declutter with purpose, selling, donating, recycling or removing any items that no longer serve you or bring joy.

Breathe life into a bland or cold room by bringing in natural elements in furniture or decor. Think greenery and texture from live plants, wooden dining tables and cabinetry, natural stone splash backs, accents and benchtops, and wood or concrete flooring.

Finding vintage or aged pieces that blend with your modern pieces creates a balanced Wabi-Sabi look, where the aged pieces bring individuality and character to an otherwise perfect space.

Embracing Wabi-Sabi means finding beauty in simplicity, imperfection and natural evolution to transform your home into a peaceful and authentic sanctuary. By incorporating the simple principles into your home, expect a visually calming, meaningful and timeless home, where every scratch, chip, crack and fade tells a story.

For more interior design inspiration, check out our blog on how to fill awkward spaces in your home.