Wabi-sabi
Wabi-sabi is not only a fun word to say, it is an amusing perspective with which to live, design, and see the world.
Rooted in Zen Buddhism, it is an ancient philosophy that celebrates the sacredness of all that is natural and authentic — flaws and all. A wabi-sabi mind sees beauty in all things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. It appreciates beauty in a naturally imperfect world.
The natural growth of a wandering houseplant. Maturing of wood and enriched tones revealed. Layers of patina solely derived from use and exposure to the elements. Frayed edges of your favorite sweater. Fingerprints on the wall. It is all wabi-sabi and it is all imperfectly beautiful, as they are signs that love and life and ever-present and evolving.
Embracing this way of thinking in our homes and in our lives can be comforting, liberating, and even transcendent. It reflects qualities found within, allowing us to relax deeply, enjoy fully, and really tune into our surroundings and ourselves.
So what is a wabi-sabi approach to design and to life?
Spoiler alert — it’s really quite simple.
Wabi-sabi
Your Home & Your Life
Organically Inspired
Think all things natural and organic — from finishes to furniture, color palettes and beyond.
Lean into natural stone, marble, even touches of concrete. Expose the natural brilliance of woods and metals, and introduce the crafted touch of plaster elements. Finish with lush textiles of linen and wool, and what you’ll have is a wabi-sabi sanctuary.
Not only are these materials natural and beautiful, they are strong, resilient, and timeless.Conjure Clarity
Wabi-sabi is all about living with intention and finding contentment and gratitude in what you have.
The more intention and meaning behind the elements that compose your home, the more clear your energy will be and the more caring and focused you’ll feel towards the people and things you love.Casual By Nature
The one constant in life is change. We are always in some state of flux.
Accepting that things will get dirty and disheveled, and embracing the activities that create this disarray offers an attitude of gratitude — for the people, the experiences, and the love at the core of it all.
A home is meant to be lived in, not picture-perfect, and that is the wabi-sabi mentality.Focus on Functionality
Reducing the elements in our lives and our homes to that which we find truly useful and beautiful, a natural function, order and flow takes place and gracefully propels our every day lives.
It is not only about living minimally, it is about living well — a way of life unique to each of us.
Surrending to the natural imperfection of life allows a sense of happiness, wellness, and peace to arise.