What is Wabi-Sabi?
Wabi-Sabi is a wise Japanese tradition for achieving a balanced lifestyle.
According to author, Richard R. Powell, “Wabi-sabi is a way of life that appreciates and accepts complexity while at the same time values simplicity.” I discovered the term by attending a workshop at The Kitchener Public Library entitled Curating an Imperfect Home by Lemontree Interiors & Co.
I was immediately fascinated by the meaning of Wabi-Sabi. After the workshop had finished I checked out the three books available on the topic and dived into the research.
Some examples of Wabi-Sabi are:
- cozy and intimate spaces
- a small collection of personal mementos
- one-of-a-kind art pieces (a child’s drawing or original sculpture)
- worn or rough stone or wood
- wrinkles on cloth napkins
- clean, but well-loved furniture
and are not:
- sleek high-tech office chairs
- solid steel fences
- an overstuffed closet
- unopened storage boxes
- things that spark envy in us
Wabi-Sabi and your home
It is advised that you think about how you want your home / room / space to feel when you’re using it. Lemontree Interiors said that when we decorate and design our homes based around what we use, love, and who we are; we no longer “feel” the need to redecorate every two years. We also stop comparing our homes to others and we no longer feel the need to continually accumulate.
I’m not sharing this tradition and belief with the intent to shame you. It is merely to bring an awareness for you to have a deep look around your home and ask yourself: does your space only have what you use, love and what represents who you are?
What is important is how you answer that question. You define what Wabi-Sabi is in your own terms. Everyone will have a different answer, a different perspective. If you answer this question blindly and without truly looking around — only you and anyone else who shares that space will feel unsatisfied with it.
Below are some photo examples of our home and how we apply wabi-sabi.
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This is a very concise, helpful way of introducing wabi sabi. Thank you!
We are glad you found this post helpful! Thank you for reading 🙂
Interesting. Seems that I have done some Wabi Sabi without realizing it. My life got turned upside down, inside out, literally 2.5 years ago. You guys helped me with various rooms, what a job but a tremendous relief. I did simple redecorating in my bedroom that represented ME and gave me a peaceful place to be. This past fall I did my family room on a tight budget. Carpet gone, painted plywood and scatter mats in, simple, grounded decorating in. Old furniture stayed, covering it with simple, cozy throws and pillows. The place that brings me comfort is a lake,… Read more »
Thanks Sandra for reading and commenting. It is interesting that you were already putting into practice some of the ideas found with Wabi-Sabi. The Danish call it Hygge. No matter what definition you use, we’re very glad that you have created your own oasis, a space that represents you and makes you and your family feel well. Bravo!
Your thoughts are all ways inspiring to me, Sam & Emilio of KWPO Academy. This is timely to read as I re-visit the use of ‘my’ l-i-v-i-n-g room.. and what I need from it and for it as space I am hardly using. As you have seen working with me, it is a great space (!) with huge window, high ceiling and door to a great open balcony.
Thanks Laura for reading! We’re glad it was written at the right time for you. Take the time to imagine how you want your space to be. It will start to come together!