We present you a new furnishing concept from Japan - the simple aesthetic combines the Asian love for simplicity with Zen Buddhism teachings as the key to joy in life. The Wabi Sabi living trend is based on modern, purist furnishing principles and at the same time brings a romantic touch from the past. In the article, we'll tell you what the term actually means and how you can interpret the Japanese's inspiring message into your own four walls. Embark on a journey of discovery, learn to appreciate the beauty of the little things and create more space for creative hobbies! We'll show you how it's done.
The Wabi Sabi philosophy of life at a glance
Similar to HyggeWabi Sabi is not about a specific furnishing style with clear principles, but rather about a philosophy of life that brings the beauty of imperfect things to the fore. The striving for perfectionism does not play the main role here - in contrast to minimalism, a reduction to the essential promotes personal development and imagination.
The term “Wabi Sabi” is derived from the Japanese words Wabi (sad, alone) and Sabi (gone) and stands for the transience of all things. The literal translation doesn't sound particularly inspiring - but Wabi Sabi actually has a positive meaning in Japan and is understood as an inseparable part of the basic Buddhist idea of liberation from all unnecessary objects. Functionality comes first. Basically, similar to purism, it's about getting rid of things you don't use in everyday life and tidying up your rooms.
All the more so - only after you become independent of possessions can you recognize the simple aesthetics and elegance of the little things. Even when setting up, the focus is on comfort. Instead of styling the perfect flawless interior and focusing on symmetry and harmony, the Japanese aesthetic fascinates with a natural look. The combination of inherited and purchased furniture made from natural materials may seem chaotic at first glance. But upon closer inspection, the facility turns out to be an authentic beauty.
The basic principles
Anyone who is fascinated by the Wabi Sabi living trend and would like to implement it in their own four walls needs to know the basic principles of Japanese purism. Here are the most important ones at a glance:
- Focus on what's important. Thepurist lifestylesays that a sparingly furnished room provides enough free space for movement and energy flow. The visual emptiness is particularly attractive. Stick to the rule of thumb: “Less is more”. Every piece of furniture in the room should fulfill a specific function and be used every day. Assess what you really need and which items will significantly increase your living comfort - without thinking about their aesthetics. It's better not to concentrate on a uniform living concept - this way you can still remain flexible.
- The Wabi Sabi living trend has established itself as a counter-movement to consumer society - and promotes a return to nature. It goes without saying that natural materials are used extensively in interior design. All the more so - even old furniture with a patina can find its place in such an interior. In Japan, many pieces of furniture are inherited and stay in the house for several generations.
- Furniture and home accessories with flaws set accents and are highly valued for their decorative properties. So feel free to use homemade ceramic vessels with restored vases, bowls, etc. mix.
- Fabrics, textures and differently treated surfaces bring variety to a purist interior. Normally linen, cotton, wool, but also leather come into question. They are skilfully combined with marble, hand-blown glass, stoneware, exposed concrete and of course wood. A successful mix of materials increases the feel-good factor in the room and brings structure to the furnishings.
- When it comes to colors, the choice is up to your own preferences. Nevertheless, opinions are mostly divided here - the minimalists lean towards a gray color scheme with light wood as an accent, while the purists opt for furnishings in white, elephant leg and cream. It is important that the eyes relax and an ambience with a homely character is created.
Combine the furniture correctly
Wabi Sabi allows individuality to be expressed - anything is allowed as long as you like it. Here is an overview of the most important furniture:
Upholstered furniture: Low seating furniture is typical of Japanese culture - in the living room, a modular sofa together with a coffee table made of recycled wood forms a cozy lounge corner. The cozy reading corner (see photo above) should not be missing in the bedroom either - the upholstered armchairs with headrests can always be repositioned in the room if desired. The soft seat cushions, the pleasant feel of the linen fabric and the sturdy wooden construction promise the highest level of seating comfort. By the way, the furniture is made from local wood and scores points, among other things, with its high-quality manufacturing, which guarantees its longevity.
Wooden furniture: Coffee tables, dining tables, even washbasins are traditionally made from recycled wood. The wooden surface is not sealed, but simply treated with special oil - this way the raw look is preserved. An attractive grain simply catches the eye and transforms what at first glance seems to be simple pieces of furniture into real statement pieces.
Bathroom furniture: stone washbasin, ceramic bathtub, glass shower cubicle and optionally a small cupboard complete the bathroom program. Marble tiles are ideal for a minimalist look - they complete the black and white color scheme and give the bathroom character in no time. Large windows allow enough light and air into the bathroom, cozy bonsai trees transform it into an oasis of well-being and give the room the finishing touches.
Design a Wabi Sabi balcony
The Asian Wabi Sabi living style can also be clearly seen on the balcony - a small rock garden gives the outdoor area that certain something. Bonsai trees, moss and conifers in planters form an attractive ensemble that creates a relaxed atmosphere. A small island of nature in the middle of the big city that invites you to relax after a long day at work and has a calming effect.
Exciting mix of materials
Admittedly, the natural materials make up the Wabi Sabi living trend. And it's not boring at all - stone, wood and ceramics present themselves as real all-rounders and can be used in numerous areas as floor coverings, wall cladding and even in ceiling design. The end result is contrasts that create tension. In the photo above, for example, the raw look of the untreated stone is contrasted with the shine of the polished vase.
The trend style is oneVariety of materials and fabricsused - from hand-woven carpets, to leather pendant lights, to wickerwork. Combined according to the new mix-and-match trend, the different textures form a stylish ensemble and provide variety. Natural motifs such as fish, birds and plants adorn the carpets and decorative cushions and give the room a homely touch. Plants complete the living program.
Wabi Sabi living trend – the colors
Brown, beige, sand color and warm shades of ivory, cream and champagne are usually present in purist interiors. In contrast to Wabi Sabi, the Scandinavian purist interior designers rely on white; in minimalist luxury houses, the color anthracite is in the foreground. The Japanese aesthetic is made up of warm wood nuances and earth tones. Light dove gray concrete walls form the perfect backdrop for the warm color palette with a yellowish undertone. Surprisingly, white is hardly present as a soloist in the interior - this is mainly because the color is hardly found in Japanese nature. Brown creates the optical illusion that you are sitting in the middle of the forest, the sand color of the stone - that you are in the mountains. Green, especially pink and light blue, set accents and spice up the otherwise reserved color scheme.
The room design at a glance
In Japan, living space is limited - which is why the Wabi Sabi living style is particularly suitable for small apartments, where the residents have to concentrate on the essentials when furnishing anyway. The living space in Japan is divided into two - the kitchen with dining area and the living room are right next to each other, or in any case are separate rooms. The guests are welcomed in the dining room - this is also where the family spends their evenings together.
Anyone who decides on the living style should pay great attention to the design of the kitchen. It – as a communication center – is the focus. The fronts are usually handleless, but made of real wood. The wood has a characteristic grain and, ideally, a patina that makes it look old and used. Favorite tableware - for example porcelain plates, bowls and mugs - are displayed as unique decorations on illuminated shelves.
The wooden floor creates a seamless transition between the kitchen with dining area, the living room and the bedroom. The Japanese usually hide wardrobes in the hallway - in niches and corners. XXL mirrors are often the only decoration for the walls. Recently, the trend has caught on - and modern pictures are also being hung.
In the bedroom, light clearly plays the main role - different light sources are skilfully combined and create a cozy ambience. The modern double bed is very low; the mattress is usually placed directly on a wooden platform. Purism at its finest.
Implementing the Wabi Sabi living trend in your own four walls – tips and tricks
Admittedly, even if the Japanese living trend may look so attractive, not everyone can or wants to carry out complex renovation work, for example by covering the walls with stone. Luckily, the style can be interpreted in a modern way without much effort. Here are some tips on how to bring a touch of Asia into your interior.
- Clean up. The room is 40% empty. Now is the time to get rid of all unnecessary furniture, decorations and home accessories. Or divide the room into zones depending on function and redesign it.
- Upholster the sofa and armchair in linen fabrics – add variety with new upholstery made from high-quality fabrics. Decorate with decorative pillows with covers made of cotton, wool, velvet with hand-knitted details. Add accents with textures, not colors.
- Replace the old high-floor carpet with a hand-woven version.
- Decorate very sparingly, especially with ceramic vases or bowls made of mouth-blown glass, with bonsai trees and recycled wood.
- Less is more - choose only the furniture and home accessories that you really like. Resist the temptation to keep bringing new items home.
- Buy less but of higher quality - long-lasting textiles, handmade unique pieces and of course self-made decorative pieces increase the feel-good factor.
- A neutral color scheme serves as a connecting element in the interior - so the interior appears less eclectic and chaotic.
Modern but at the same time traditional, simple but very effective – this is how the new Wabi Sabi living trend from Japan can be described. Behind the purist concept is much more than just an interior design style - it is much more an attitude to life. Unnecessary furniture and accessories are specifically avoided in favor of more free living space. Instead of colors, accents are set with fabrics and textiles. The natural materials are the focus and shape the interior. The end result is a unique interior design that best reflects the character of its residents.
The professionals show the way – the talented interior designer and architect Sergey Makhno caused a sensation with his interiors. Unconditional modernity is skilfully combined with purism. The end result impresses with a pure luxury ambience in Asian style!
The projects from the architecture and interior design studioSergey Makhno
