How to create a Japanese wabi-sabi interior

Let’s talk about how to implement the ideas of Japanese philosophy in the interior of an ordinary apartment.

What is wabi sabi

Wabi-sabi literally translates as “modest beauty”. It is rather difficult to give a more precise definition of this ambiguous style. It organically mixed chaos and peace, reflected the concept of sophistication and versatility.

This style is part of the Japanese aesthetic worldview. For the first time, he began to appear in the tea ceremony, poetry and drawing, and over time, his features began to be embodied in interior design.

Sometimes wabi-sabi is compared to one of the varieties of minimalism, but these styles are different from each other. Japanese aesthetics is expressed in the interior more ascetically and immerses the owners and guests of the house into a meditative state. Wabi-sabi clearly demonstrates the beauty of something that has some kind of flaw. Even objects of art are perceived in it as things full of imperfections.

How to implement wabi-sabi in the interior

Color scheme and finish

Wabi-sabi color scheme. (Image credit: Pinterest)

The color scheme of wabi-sabi is very calm and restrained: white, beige, gray are the colors that will help create an atmosphere close to outdoor recreation. Due to the use of these shades, such interiors look light and as if filled with light.

Do not choose bright accents and active ornaments. It is better to pay attention to the natural interesting texture of finishing materials and furniture. Stone, wood and coarse natural fabrics will create the necessary mood and atmosphere of an ascetic style. Avoid glossy surfaces, try to get rid of unnecessary non-functional items in the apartment.

As for the walls, it is better not to mask natural flaws and irregularities, but to emphasize them with textured plaster.

Lighting

In such interiors, you should not choose bright white light, it is better to give preference to natural. Of course, this is not always possible, so it is better to use hidden lighting or authentic fixtures.

Decor and details

Such an interior can be created with a small budget. Bring back old items from your travels that have a history, or go to flea markets. So you can easily choose the basis for the desired decor. For example, you can choose an old tea set with some kind of defect, a rusted mirror frame or handmade dishes.

Pay attention to things that are passed down from generation to generation, are of great importance to their owners and evoke fond memories.

Wabi-sabi style is close not only to the inhabitants of Japan. Today, more and more people living in Europe and America are refusing demonstrative luxury. If this aesthetic is close to you, be bold! Perhaps it is in this style that you will find your peace and harmony.