One of the decorative trends of 2018 is the Wabi Sabi. Close to Zen philosophy, it is inspired by nature to find beauty in the simple and imperfect. If you have not heard about it, we will explain it to you and tell you how to include it in your home.
Wabi sabi is much more than a trend; it is a way of life. And no, it is not a typical condiment of Japanese cuisine, although its name is very similar. Little by little and, in relative silence, this philosophy has also been introduced into Western decoration. And it seems that 2018 will be the year in which it will be consecrated as a decorative trend on the rise.
An aesthetic that finds beauty in natural imperfection, that bets on hand-made complements while embracing the imperfections of life and neutral colors, does it sound right? Well, let’s review its essential elements.
What is Wabi Sabi?
WabiSabi is a Japanese term that comes to mean finding beauty in imperfection. Wabi makes reference to living with simplicity and humility being one with nature. Sabi is defined as the ability to accept the cycle of life in everything and everyone with its imperfections, with the decadence that time implies.
In interior design and decoration, a Wabi Sabi home embraces authenticity. Find value in the elements lived and marked by time while promoting a sense of peace and tranquility through simplicity. More than by the latest trend or the element of fashion, it advocates harmony, authenticity and imperfection.
It is practically the opposite of the world obsessed by the perfection in which we live that demands to be always in fashion. A simple idea that can be complicated to put into practice. That’s why we tell you what elements will give that wabi sabi vibration to your home.
Go back to the basics
Close to minimalism but without its coldness. The Wabi Sabi proposes only to let in those objects that give us utility, beauty or nostalgia. Houses that promote calm and spiritual happiness through basic objects that reach our hearts.
Keep what makes you happy and gives you calm or what is necessary for your daily life. Before aesthetics, comfort prevails and that makes you feel good in your space. Your house must become a haven of peace and happiness for you!
Natural materials
Nature gives us the most perfect and imperfect materials. Wood in its natural state, aged by time, marked by the passage of time. An element in common with the raw trend.
Also the natural stone is beautiful and imperfect, for your kitchen or your bathrooms bet for it. In addition its durability and resistance make it ideal for all kinds of elements that will beautify your home. Soils and walls also very natural, almost rustic.
But also the fabrics and all the materials the more natural the better. They will help you feel at ease and create a relaxed and natural space. The wicker chairs, raffia baskets, hand-woven wool rugs, the linen fabrics … A whole world of sensations that turn a house into a home.
Neutral and natural colors
The color palette is very basic. Based on neutral tones, whites, neutral grays and browns, but also green or black. Very natural and sober colors. The ones we can find in nature. Flee from the artificial.
Merge exterior and interior
Organic materials and natural elements are part of the wabi sabi home design. Plants, wood and stone with their imperfections are a daily reminder of the beauty of imperfection. As well as the passage of time and everything changes.
To take advantage of the good vibrations that the natural elements provide us at home include fresh flowers and as many plants as we want in the decoration. The exterior and the interior merge into a unique environment full of well-being and harmony.
Includes handmade items
Embracing and celebrating authenticity in any of its forms includes all handmade elements. Buy handmade products in your vacations, make your DIY crafts or recover the pottery from a local market.
All of them will be elements that will bring authenticity and warmth to your home. This is undoubtedly one of the essential characteristics of wabi sabi decorating and that will help you create a very special space. Each one will tell a very personal story that will enrich your home. Bet on the authentic!
Not the whole package
Not everything needs to be united and cohesive to feel as a whole. Actually the environments too close break the atmosphere of a home. They are artificial. Premium what you like and makes you feel good over aesthetics and get the most imperfect environment perfect.
No gloss or metallic
Simplicity is key in Japanese aesthetics. For this reason we should avoid gloss, metallic and everything that may be excessive. Neither the excess of prints nor the shiny or too luxurious materials. When in doubt, always opt for simpler elements without many adornments.
Keep the disorder at bay
The fact that wabi sabi home praises imperfection does not mean that disorder is considered part of it. Our home must be kept organized and organized to inspire peace and tranquility, but without obsessing.
Kintsukuroi, the imperfect is beautiful
In Japanese art the imperfection of objects is not considered a defect. Not everything needs to be perfect, the passage of time, the blows of life are also part of the objects. And they look proud. The ‘Kintsukuroi’, is an art that consists of repairing broken objects filling their cracks with precious metals, such as gold or silver.
An art that reminds us of the fragility of life and objects. And they show us that blows and defects are part of the story and you have to wear them with pride. This is also the Wabi Sabi decorating that seeks authenticity and personality over aesthetics or perfection. A home is not a perfect place and we like it more like that. What do you think about the Wabi Sabi decoration? Had you heard about it? Tell us your impressions; we will be happy to hear your opinion. Happy week.