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How to create your own Wabi Sabi interior

November 8, 2013

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By Jodie Carter

If you havenโ€™t heard of Wabi Sabi before, in simple terms it is translated from Japanese into โ€˜a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete… a beauty of things modest and humble… a beauty of things unconventionalโ€. Originally, the words Wabi Sabi were not used together as they do have quite different meanings. Wabi has come to mean simple, unmaterialistic, humble and in tune with nature. Whereas Sabi means โ€˜The bloom of timeโ€™ such as that beautiful patina of weathered grey wood or aged copper. Nowadays people just use them as one and the term is quite well known around the world.

wabi sabi 1

Image from homelife.com.au: Cherry Cottage in Tasmania โ€“ Photography by Jared Fowlerย 
ย 

I truly believe this is a valid concept for our times. As we become more aware of the environment and sustainability of our planet, then Wabi Sabi becomes even more important. Not only is it better for our planet to embrace some of our existing pieces but it is quite on trend in interiors today. You will find well known designers and stylists such as Sibella Court successfully using aged items in their designs to great effect.

Wabi Sabi is not actually a design style as such โ€“ but rather a mindset of a commitment to using and embracing the less than perfect. Living modestly and learning to be happy with what you have.

wabi sabi 2

Image from homelife.com.au: Wentworth Falls Cottage โ€“ photography by Sharyn Cairns

Therefore it doesnโ€™t really matter if youโ€™re looking to create an industrial feel, a loft style apartment or a Hamptons retreat, the Wabi Sabi mindset is an additional tool that is not only good for the environment, its good for your soul and your back pocket.

Dig out your grandmaโ€™s tea set, use the basket with the frayed handle, display that beautiful bowl with the chip and hang an old frame you found in the garage. My favourite decorating tool is old hardcover books. Nothing beats the frayed edge and the lovely muted colours and beautiful old typeset.

Even a very modern minimalist design can embrace Wabi Sabi. Cracked un-rendered concrete walls look great with a vintage leather chair and a super sleek modern sofa. The mix of softened aged patinas against sleek modern minimalist dรฉcor works really well.

wabi sabi 3

Image from homelife.com.au: Tasmanian Country Home โ€“ photography by Sharyn Cairns
ย ย 

It is very important not to use Wabi Sabi as an excuse for a messy or dirty environment though. It does not go so far as to encompass an unmade bed, dirty surfaces, or just plain laziness. It shows the love and care you put into your home. It is never slovenly or messy. Cleanliness implies respect and that is very important for a Wabi Sabi aesthetic.

I hope these inspirational images give you ideas for your own home. You donโ€™t have to spend any money on it, go through your cupboards, raid your grandparents’ and start thinking about ways to bring some Wabi Sabi into your life. Itโ€™s good for the soul and good for the environment. Love what you have right now!

wabi sabi 4

Image from Homelife.com.au: Vintage Country House โ€“ photography by Michael Wee

Jodie Carter is a Sydney interior designer, specialising in residential projects, based in the Sutherland Shire.ย 

Jen is currently on honeymoon in Tokyo, Venice and the UK, and has opened up the blog to a series of fabulous guest posters to share their interiors-related expertise in her absence. She hopes you’ll enjoy them and look out for the odd honeymoon post from overseas! The new Mrs Francis (who will still be known as Bishop for work purposes) will be back at her desk on 11 November.

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The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital ๐Ÿ˜œ

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
The unluckiest girl or the luckiest? Day 6 in int The unluckiest girl or the luckiest?

Day 6 in intensive care after suddenly coming down with a very serious necrotising fasciitis in my elbow on Sunday. Four operations later (with more to come) I'm out of the woods, alive and have my arm. But I won't be going home until after Christmas. Also picked up a bonus bit of pneumonia to keep things interesting.

I won't lie. This has been super super hard but I feel extremely lucky nonetheless. Have come across some exceptional surgeons, anaesthetists, doctors and nurses who have been incredibly kind at my most vulnerable as well as great at their jobs. I'm really grateful. Huge thank you to my amazing husband who is holding down the fort with the help and cooking of our wonderful friends. And to friends who check in, send love, flowers, snacks and sushi, I will never forget it.

Of course I will be sad tomorrow but my boys can visit and we will have another Christmas next month.

I'll leave you with this. Never ever ignore those health niggles. @healthdirectaus is always a great starting point.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and will enjoy everyone else's celebrations on here with only a hint of bitterness ๐Ÿ˜‰

PS. Does this win the most unflattering photo of me ever published? I think so! No lippy for a WEEK.
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Comments

  1. AvatarJodie Carter says

    November 8, 2013 at 9:23 am

    Hi Jen, thanks so much for allowing me to write an article for your fabulous blog!! I trust you are having a fabulous honeymoon and we are all looking forward to your return. In the meantime though, I have enjoyed reading everyone else’s guest blogs too – so many great topics covered!!
    Love your work Jen!

    Best wishes
    Jodie

  2. AvatarFreda Larkin says

    November 9, 2013 at 8:10 am

    Well done on your article Jodie very interesting a great read. I’m sure many will be pulling out there old wares to experiment with bits and pieces to decorate and add creativity to there home.

  3. AvatarKarli says

    November 11, 2013 at 1:09 pm

    Thanks Jodie for this great piece. I love to have things I’ve collected from around the world that mean something out – out of the cupboard – but sometimes struggle with how to place them well. It’s an ongoing but nice challenge ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for encouraging me to try again!

  4. Avatarjane frosh stylist says

    November 13, 2013 at 1:05 pm

    that’s my office, Jen! X

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      November 13, 2013 at 1:06 pm

      I thought it might be and was waiting to see if you would notice ๐Ÿ˜‰ x

  5. AvatarAdam says

    June 10, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    This is a very good point, where you said: “It is very important not to use Wabi Sabi as an excuse for a messy or dirty environment though.”

    So true! A lot of people think wabi sabi means an appreciation for things that are old and weathered, so that means it’s ok to let the cat scratch the sofa and to ignore those spills on the coffee table. The concept of wabi is simplicity, but it embodies cleanliness. The concept of sabi is graceful age, but it means that objects must be cleaned, polished, repaired and respected. A messy cluttered room with dust and stains is never wabi sabi.

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      June 11, 2014 at 1:45 am

      Great points well made, Adam! Thanks for your comment. Jen

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