Wabi-Sabi Style

Wabi-sabi (and no, it has nothing to do with wasabi, the fiery green horseradish) has a lot to teach us. This interior trend is rooted in Japanese aesthetics and encourages a change of perspective: away from the urge for perfection and towards an appreciation of imperfection. Instagrammer Julia (@juempati) shows us what makes wabi-sabi special and how to bring this unadorned Japanese minimalism and its authenticity into your home.

1. The concept: why we could all use a little wabi-sabi
2. The Japanese philosophy of aesthetics: calm and harmony in everyday life
3. Must-haves for the wabi-sabi look
4. Wabi-sabi living with Juempati

The concept: why we could all use a little wabi-sabi

What is only gradually reaching us has been a tradition in Japan for centuries. Wabi-sabi has its roots in Zen Buddhism and explores the beauty of simplicity and imperfection. Translated, wabi roughly means lonely, abandoned or sad. Sabi is associated with patina, but also stands for age, transience and signs of use.

That may sound rather gloomy at first, but its core message is inspiring and positive:
Wabi-sabi is about rediscovering the small things in everyday life and appreciating the beauty of the simple and understated. It means recognising the essence of well-used things and being content with them, and freeing yourself from attachment to possessions.

The Japanese philosophy of aesthetics: calm and harmony in everyday life

Whether we realise it or not, perfectionism follows us into every area of life at a time when Instagram, Pinterest and similar platforms are part of our daily routine. We are often led to believe that a home is only truly beautiful when it is styled down to the last detail and looks like a design exhibition, as if it came with a "please do not touch" sign. This is exactly where wabi-sabi comes in.

This interior trend brings us back to what really matters: enjoying what you have, seeing the beauty in imperfection and feeling at home, both in your space and in yourself. It is about being authentic.

When furnishing your home, this means letting go of clutter and limiting yourself to pieces that serve a purpose and are perfectly imperfect. In the Western view, design is often about flawlessness and symmetry. Wabi-sabi shows that asymmetry and natural character are what turn a space into a home. Organic forms and modest, unassuming objects create harmony and a sense of comfort.

Must-haves for the wabi-sabi look

You don't need much to embrace wabi-sabi. Quite the opposite: focus on the essentials and let go of the things you don't really need. Give it a try; the visual space can feel liberating. Bring old treasures to the fore, even if they have picked up a few marks along the way. Then follow a few simple principles to bring Japanese aesthetics into your home:

Soft colours: Japanese minimalism is anything but bare or monotonous. Wabi-sabi is understated, yet it still feels warm and welcoming, and colour plays a central role. Natural white, soft cream, delicate grey, muted earth tones, pale blue and dusky pink create a sense of calm and harmony.

Natural materials: An authentic wabi-sabi look depends on products whose beauty lies in their individuality. Think mouth-blown glass, where tiny bubbles are a mark of quality rather than a flaw; wooden designs whose grain and shape vary from piece to piece; tanned leather; or marble with ever-changing veining.

These apparent flaws and signs of use are what give the products their character. Stoneware, ceramics, linen and concrete also create a natural feel, while rough, textured surfaces define the Japanese style.

Organic forms: Organic forms create a harmonious, homely atmosphere. Wabi-sabi designs follow no rules and avoid precise lines or symmetry. Asymmetrical and rounded, they look far more natural and beautifully imperfect. The same goes for textiles: throws and cushions don't need to be arranged precisely. Placed casually, everything feels much more wabi-sabi.

Wabi-sabi living with Juempati

Instagrammer Julia, from the account Juempati, shows that minimalism can be anything but cold. She combines warm-toned wood with rustic tableware, natural textiles and accessories in organic shapes. Earth tones meet pastels, while a mix of patterns in muted colours completes the cohesive look. You'll find the essentials for the wabi-sabi look in our shop. Enjoy restyling your home.

Photo credit: Julia Biersa (@juempati)