How to Nail the Wabi Sabi Trend in Your Home

Move over hyggeOpens in a new window. There’s a new trend in town. If you haven’t heard of wabi sabi, you’ll probably look at the name and say, “What in the world is that?” Don’t worry. Chances are you’ll fall in love with it after reading this. Wabi sabi is an ancient Japanese philosophy focused on finding beauty in imperfection and not just accepting, but celebrating the beauty found in age. It’s rooted in Zen Buddhism and was first introduced in the 12^th century, where priests and tea masters incorporated the concept of simplicity into the tea ceremony. Instead of striving for perfection, they used irregularly shaped bowls and broken cups. In fact, broken cups would often be mended using gold fill to highlight the imperfection.

Translating that ancient concept into today’s culture means appreciating every wrinkle and unfinished surface in furniture and decor. Here’s how to nail the wabi sabi trend in your home.

Natural Materials

Materials such as natural metal and wood work best for wabi sabi. We suggest choosing pieces that have hand-crafted appeal. Look for characteristics such as the nicks and dings in uneven wood grain. Go for metals that have an oxidized look. This is where you can really have fun mixing and matching pieces. Perfection is the least of your worries.

 

Appreciate the Wrinkles

The idea of an unmade bed with wrinkled sheets may be scary for some, but it is valued in wabi sabi. Forget perfection. Celebrate the human touches that add a comfortable, lived-in feel to your home. In the living room, a slightly wrinkly throw on your sofa does the trick.

 

Outdoor Patio

Authenticity is key as we move from indoor to outdoor. Teak is a great material to utilize when living the wabi sabi lifestyle. It ages naturally into a gorgeous patina gray without rotting or warping. It’s also insect infestation-resistant, so you’ll enjoy its beauty for years to come. When it comes to the patio, embracing fallen leaves is also encouraged. There is no need to hurry and sweep them away. It’s all about appreciating each stage of their color-changing process.

 

Embrace Simplicity

Wabi sabi welcomes the simpler things in life. Feel free to use less decor and allow your furniture to be the focal point. There is beauty in negative space. Sprinkle in greenery and handmade vases or bowls for added style. Soft colors, natural hues and understated textures work well for the aesthetic you wish to achieve.

 

Remember, home doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be comfortable.

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