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Wabi Sabi: How to embrace the art of imperfection at home

By Jen Bishop โ€ข Leave a Comment

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Do you ever feel like the perfection of modern interiors and decor can be a little overwhelming? If so, you may find solace in the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi. Wabi Sabi is an art form that releases a need for perfection and encourages us to embrace flaws and seek beauty in the natural aging and decaying of objects and environment. It encourages us to embrace the impermanence of things, and is becoming increasingly popular in the world of interior design.

Photographer: Stephen Kent Johnson. Click for source.

In this article, Jade Bicheno, owner of online store Terra Cruda, explores the concept of Wabi Sabi, and how you can embrace it in your home and your life.

What is Wabi Sabi?

Wabi Sabi is a Japanese lifestyle and design philosophy that celebrates the beauty of raw, unrefined, and imperfect objects. It encourages minimalism and simplicity, emphasising a deep appreciation for the cycle of life. In interior design, Wabi Sabi embraces the use of natural materials and organic shapes in order to create a space that is calming and comforting. This aesthetic is all about accepting the imperfections of life and embracing them as part of the natural beauty of the world.

The history of Wabi Sabi dates back centuries, to the beginning of Zen Buddhism in Japan. The term โ€œwabiโ€ derives from a 16th century poetโ€™s idea that finding joy in simple things was more meaningful than chasing after the material goods of life. This concept eventually evolved into what we now call Wabi Sabi, which celebrates objects and spaces that are naturally aged or have been left untouched.

The philosophy is rooted in appreciation for all things old, worn, and slightly imperfect.

Homewares available online from Terra Cruda

The art of embracing imperfection

From the wrinkles on a loved oneโ€™s face to the chipped paint on a wall, there is something comforting about honouring imperfection. Wabi Sabi embraces the beauty in the imperfections of life and nature, celebrating the raw and unrefined elements that make up our everyday lives.

When it comes to our lifestyle and interior design, embracing imperfection is paramount, as it highlights the beauty in things we cannot control. Living with a Wabi Sabi mindset means striving for balance between functionality and nature, and by incorporating imperfection into our homes and lifestyles, we can gain a greater appreciation for lifeโ€™s little details and cultivate a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

Image: Terra Cruda

How to achieve the Wabi Sabi aesthetic

Through minimalism and thoughtful design, we can create an atmosphere that speaks to the natural chaos of life. This doesnโ€™t mean forgoing aesthetics altogether. On the contrary, Wabi Sabi is all about seeking harmony with what is, rather than seeking refinement.

To achieve this look in interior design and decor, it is important to emphasise minimalism and the natural qualities of each element. Minimalism is key to creating a Wabi Sabi atmosphere, as it allows the focus to be on the natural elements and their unique imperfections, rather than on clutter or items with too much decoration.

When selecting furniture or decor, choose pieces that are made from natural materials such as wood, metal, stone, and clay, as these will bring out the subtle beauty of Wabi Sabi. Look for pieces that have been crafted by hand, as this will allow you to appreciate the little flaws and imperfections that are part of their charm. If you choose pieces with an aged look, it will add to the feeling of authenticity that Wabi Sabi seeks to achieve.

Incorporate plants into your interior design to add a natural touch. Avoid perfection when arranging the furniture: a slightly off-kilter table or chair gives a room character. Incorporate texture by adding woven blankets and throws, leather cushions, and tactile rugs. Keeping colours neutral also helps evoke the serene atmosphere of Wabi Sabi.

Embracing this philosophy requires us to move away from trends and opt for something timeless instead. By combining good quality materials with thoughtful execution and design, you will be able to cultivate an interior environment that is beautiful, serene and sustainable. Wabi Sabi allows us to release judgement and perfection, and instead enjoy living with less and finding beauty in things that often overlooked.

Celebrating the Wabi Sabi concepts of intentional imperfection, at Terra Cruda, Jade sources sustainable products and homewares that stray from refinement. She prefers natural materials, rough textures, blurred lines and broken rules.

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February 15, 2023

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Comment your fave: 1, 2 or 3? Just 3 of the kitch Comment your fave: 1, 2 or 3?

Just 3 of the kitchens in the @duluxaus Colour Awards 2023 shortlist which will give you some serious inspiration!

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#duluxcolour #duluxpaint #duluxaus #duluxcolourawards #duluxcolourawards2023 #moodykitchen #allwhitekitchen #designerkitchen #sagekitchen #boldkitchen #colourfulkitchen #colouredkitchen #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount
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Wallpaper in every single room! What do you recko Wallpaper in every single room!

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Head over to the blog to see how @grafico_walls transformed this blank canvas Melbourne townhouse with their products, which you've probably seen on The Block over the years. And read how Damian Corney has grown this Melbourne business with wife Adele and a growing team. There's also a look inside the very cool Motley Hotel which has used a whopping 4km of their wallpaper throughout!

You can also watch a video tour with Bec Douros as the house featured on Open Homes Australia over the weekend.

Via link in bio now.

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Feeling relaxed ๐Ÿฅฐ
Did you see this cracking little transformation on Did you see this cracking little transformation on @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the finer details on the blog today via link in bio. Particularly love the kitchen refresh using the existing blue cupboards which really weren't doing anything for me before ๐Ÿ˜‚

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How's this for a compact back yard TRANSFORMATION? How's this for a compact back yard TRANSFORMATION?!

Our friends at @mintdesignau have done it again!

Homeowner Briony Marsh says: Itโ€™s totally changed our home lifestyle now we can sit outside on the lounge in the sun or shade, be in the pool, spa, sauna or cooking pizzas and hanging out with friends. It sounds cliched but it really feels like we are on holiday at home!โ€

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Swipe for before & afters of today's real reno. L Swipe for before & afters of today's real reno.

Located inside a 1912 sandstone villa in Adelaideโ€™s Kensington, this bathroom makeover combines classic and contemporary elements that complement the homeโ€™s original, period features. 

Designed by the homeโ€™s owner @designby_Tahirih, who is a property stylist too, the renovation came sooner than expected after water ingress made the makeover of their only bathroom an urgent necessity!

The whole project cost an impressive $20k, project managed herself.

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Maybe it's an antidote to the grey weather but we Maybe it's an antidote to the grey weather but we find some of the most colourful interiors from my motherland, the UK!

This beautiful lilac kitchen is found in a renovated apartment by @llidesign in a grand mansion block in London's Bloomsbury. You can tour the rest of it on the blog now, via link in bio.

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I remember the chair being such a key purchase whe I remember the chair being such a key purchase when I put together my first ever baby room for Seb. I spent many an evening relaxing on mine while pregnant as I tried to get my head around impending motherhood! Not only are glider recliners like the Chelsea fromย @iltuttoย the most comfortable chairs EVER for those many hours spent feeding and settling, why shouldn't they look this good too, am I right?!

Did you love your nursery chair? Did it look this good?!

See more on the Il Tutto Chelsea Glider Recliner Chair via link in bio now.

#feedingchair #nurserychair #nursingchair #reclinerchair #nurseryroomdecor #nursery #nurserygoals #nurserydesign #babyroomdecoration #babyrooms #babyroominspo #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #iltutto #newmumlife
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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