This Japanese philosophy celebrates imperfection, and as applied to interior design it is all about embracing an effortless, lived-in look full of natural textures, earth tones, weathered wood and organic shapes.
Rooted in Zen Buddhism, the use of wabi sabi design creates spaces that are calm, relaxing and organic. It is about a quiet beauty. Doesn’t that sound like an amazing vibe to recreate in your apartment?
We’ve gathered eight decorating tips to help you have a wabi sabi apartment:
- Freedom of form
The wabi sabi interior is all about organic shapes and irregularity. Choose furniture and decor where form is dictated by function and the physical properties of the materials used.
- Natural, weathered textures
Think natural fibers like cotton and linen for fabric choices and weathered or unfinished wood for furniture. You want to encourage a lived-in feel that looks comfortable.
- Earth tones
Don’t use strong or bright colors. Instead choose bedding and decor in subdued, earth tones like muted browns, soft grays and calming greens. Go for matte finishes and avoid shiny or reflective surfaces.
- Subdued lighting
To create a calm apartment that reflects the principles of wabi sabi , choosing lighting that is subdued and spa like is key. Opt for lamps that have low wattage bulbs.
- Zen, minimalist bedroom
Above all, let the function of the room dictate the furnishings and decor. Keep your bedroom decoration to a minimum and instead focus on the purpose of the space: sleep.
- Buy handmade
Wabi sabi encourages the values of economy, simplicity and sincerity. To embrace this in your home buy handmade plates, glasses and other useful items.
- Blank spaces are good
With the values of wabi sabi mentioned above, this decor trend sees blank spaces or voids as positive. They give space for freedom of movement and reflection.
- Embrace imperfection
Chipped, scratched and weathered surfaces have beauty in their own right – they have history – according to wabi sabi design . Embrace these imperfections and irregularities to have a wabi sabi apartment.
Photo by Joseph Albanese on Unsplash
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