Page 11 - Decor & Lifestyle Issue 2 2024

LIFESTYLE

Here are a few ways to bring this calming
aesthetic into your living space:
1. Embrace Natural Materials
Wabi-sabi celebrates materials in their
raw, unprocessed form. Think about
adding furniture or decor made from
wood, stone, linen, or clay. The beauty
in these materials lies in their textures –
the knots in the wood, the roughness of
the stone, or the grain of a linen fabric.
Natural, raw materials are at the heart
of wabi-sabi because they reflect the Tips for Creating a Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic
passage of time and the imperfections While wabi-sabi can be applied to any room in the house, here’s how you can bring
of nature. this aesthetic into key areas:
2. Incorporate Handmade and Vintage • Living Room: Choose comfortable, slightly worn furniture that invites
Pieces relaxation. Add textured throws and pillows, and choose handmade decor
There’s something deeply personal pieces like a woven basket or ceramic planter. Natural light is also key – let the
about items that have been crafted light flow in to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
by hand. Wabi-sabi encourages using • Bedroom: Keep the bedroom simple and calming. Natural bedding materials
handmade or vintage pieces that like cotton or linen and a muted colour palette create a serene environment.
show signs of age or wear. A ceramic Embrace imperfection by making the bed imperfectly or using mismatched
bowl with visible cracks or a piece of pillowcases.
furniture with a weathered patina can • Kitchen: Use open shelving to display everyday items like rustic plates,
add character and warmth to your handmade mugs, and artisanal ceramics. Incorporate wooden surfaces and
home. These items tell a story, and their add character through well-worn chopping boards or hand-thrown bowls. The
imperfections make them unique. kitchen is the heart of the home, and a wabi-sabi kitchen feels lived-in and
3. Keep it Simple welcoming.
At its core, wabi-sabi is about simplicity.
Declutter your space and focus on Wabi-Sabi as a Way of Life
the essentials. By keeping things Wabi-sabi is more than just a design trend – it’s a mindset. It encourages us to
minimal, you create a serene, calming let go of the relentless pursuit of perfection and to find peace in the imperfect.
environment. This doesn’t mean Life is full of imperfections, and our homes should reflect that. By embracing
stripping your home of everything, but everyday life's natural wear and tear, we can create a space that feels more
it’s about being intentional with what authentic and alive.
you keep – items that serve a purpose
or have personal meaning. In a wabi- This approach is especially relevant today, with so much emphasis on creating
sabi home, every object should feel like perfect spaces that look good in photos. Wabi-sabi reminds us that our homes
it belongs without overwhelming the aren’t showrooms – they are places to live, grow, and be comfortable.
space.
4. Add Personal Touches Finding Beauty in the Imperfect
Wabi-sabi is all about personal As you look around your home, see the beauty in its imperfections. The crack in
expression. Display items that have your favourite mug, the scuffed floorboards, or the slightly crooked picture frame
meaning to you, even if they’re imperfect. aren’t flaws to be fixed. They are part of your home’s story. Wabi-sabi encourages
A chipped family heirloom, a handmade us to embrace these imperfections and find peace, knowing that nothing stays
vase, or a slightly misshapen pot can add the same forever.
a sense of history and connection to your
space. The idea is to celebrate these By adopting a wabi-sabi mindset, you can create a home that feels calm,
imperfections, not hide them. They are welcoming, and uniquely yours. It’s not about having the perfect house but about
what make your home uniquely yours. creating a space that reflects your life in all its imperfect beauty.

9 | DÉCOR & LIFESTYLE Issue 2 2024