The world of interior design is lapping up the practice of wabi-sabi. But what exactly is it, asks Marchelle Abrahams.
We are constantly striving for perfection in an imperfect world. But what if you could look beyond that and see the beauty in defects and flaws?
The ancient Japanese tradition of wabi-sabi is exactly that, and word is that the interior design world is lapping it up.
The philosophy of wabi-sabi has been around for a long time. Wabi loosely translates as simplicity, humility and always moving towards having less, while sabi refers to the passing of time and the beauty and authenticity of age.
It is in the natural cracks in wood, the wrinkles in an ageing face, and the asymmetry of handmade pottery.
In a nutshell, it is the antithesis of a society built on throwaway goods and mass production.
“No matter your personal style, there is one key factor to nailing this trend for your home design: find the beauty in the not-so-perfect," added Etsy's in-house trend forecaster Dayna Isom Johnson.
It encourages creative expression, and the only rule is to keep it natural and effortless.
READ: Handle with care
Want to embrace wabi-sabi in your home? We’ve gone in search of key pieces that celebrate authenticity and the beauty of imperfection.
Get the look...
Think handmade items, rough wood, bespoke comfort and well-loved fabrics.
The base colours are whites and earthy tones with emphasis placed on natural materials, according to Apartment Therapy. Keep these in mind when shopping the look.
Picture: Supplied
Tuareg Cabinet
Dimensions: L 900mm | W 350mm | H 1400mm
Price: R9 995
Shop it: www.weylandts.co.za
Tuareg Coffee Table
Dimensions: L 1030mm | W 1030mm | H 350mm
Price: R5 995
Shop it: www.weylandts.co.za
Rustic TV Stand Large
Dimensions: 1500 x 450 x 670
Price: R4 950
Shop it: www.beetrootinc.co.za
Dreamweaver Bowl
Price: R599
Shop it: www.rialheim.co.za
Raw Wood Lantern
Dimensions: L27xW27xH51cm
Price: R19.99
Shop it: www.mrphome.com
Cherry Blossom Indigo wallpaper
Price: POR
Shop it: robinsprong.com
Eva Solo Self-Watering Orchid Pot
Price: R999
Shop it: www.yuppiechef.com
5 ways to incorporate wabi-sabi into your home
Decor blogger Kelly Weimert is on top of her game when it comes to trend forecasting. According to her, we will be seeing more of its effects in homes across the globe. Here are her 5 tips.
- Incorporate the artisanal and homemade
- Clear your clutter
- Bring the outdoors in
- Celebrate mismatched decor
- Go back to basics