There is no better feeling than the gentle rush that comes when you step into a warm and charming room. A great design is not just about how the space looks, but how it feels too. Without a personal touch it can be technically beautiful, but once you enter that space you may feel like walking on an eggshell. Accepting imperfection and the beauty of nature is an antidote to a perfectly obsessed world. Enter Wabi-Sabi’s Japanese philosophy.
Wabi-Sabi is about finding the beauty of imperfection. Rooted in simplicity, authenticity and the beauty of impermeability, Wabi-sabi design transforms space into a serene, living sanctuary. The main features of this design style include a neutral color palette, natural elements such as plants, wood, and stone, and intentionally organized spaces with unique decorations. Every item in a Wabi-Sabi home has its location and purpose.
If you want to create a home that feels easy and calm and deeply personal, these Wabi-sabi decoration ideas for your bedroom, living room, and bathroom will inspire you to cuddle the art of imperfection.
bedroom
If there is one room in your home worthy of a calm sensation, it is a bedroom. Your bedroom must be a sanctuary. It is scattered and designed to promote rest. Take a little time to scan the space and identify areas where clutter is likely to accumulate. For me, my nightstands and dressers often become catch-alls for other items. Simple tidying can create a world of difference. Remember that Wabi-Sabi is about embracing simplicity and imperfection. In the bedroom, this means incorporating organic textures, muted color palettes and simple, meaningful decorations.
How to incorporate wabi-sabi into your bedroom:
- Choose natural bedding – Linen, cotton and other organic fabrics create attractive, imperfectly textured bedscapes. Investing in bamboo sheets is also one of the best things I’ve done to fall asleep for years. They become softer with each wash and can slip into the bed more than usual.
- Celebrating handmade items – choose Handmade ceramicraw wooden furniture, and weave accents for your bedroom. These natural textures are beautiful and help to create a peaceful and calm atmosphere.
- Keep it to a minimum – A messy space with only essential ornaments and meaningful objects promotes tranquility. Keep a bolder design and decor choice for spaces with more activity, like a living room.
- Uses soft and rustic colors – Stick to warm neutral, soft blue, muted green to evoke a calm sensation.
living room
Wabi Sabi’s living room is welcoming and relaxing. This is where you gather. Make your space a reflection of you and your family. You want to soak in your living room with something warm and cozy, so invest in comfortable furniture that your loved ones won’t be afraid to step in. Incorporate personalized decorations like framed photos of family and friends and make sure your room has plenty of natural materials. The neutral colour palette, along with layered textures and plants, is perfect for morning chats over coffee, movie nights and after-school hangs.
How to incorporate wabi-sabi into your living room:
- Layer texture – Texture is everything. In particular, the colour palette is full of neutrals. Wabi-Sabi decorations include items such as linen and boule cushions, wool throws, raw wood and woven fabrics. Layering these textures creates warmth and dimensions in the space, helping your loved ones to relax.
- Choose soft lighting – Standing lamps and table lamps are perfect for living rooms. Avoid large overhead lights and instead dot the living room with small light sources. The woven lampshade is Wabi-Sabi Plus!
- Prioritize open spaces – Wabi-Sabi Home incorporates simplicity, so aim for a clean and tidy layout. Avoid overcrowding with excessive decoration and choose furniture that allows for open movement and breathing chambers.
- Incorporate nature – If there is natural light in your living room, a large plant will create a beautiful anchor in your space. Plants add lots of life and pops of colour to the room. You can also add vases of flowers and branches, or sculpture works. All of these bring outdoor beauty.
Bathroom
One of the ever-popular design trends is the spa-inspired bathroom. This perfectly matches the Wabi-Sabi design. Who doesn’t want a bathroom that feels like a calm escape? Natural stones, handmade elements and soothing color palette set the tone of a spa-like hideaway. You can actually play with the bathroom texture. The Wabi-Sabi design uses neutrality, which could be the perfect space to play with a bit of colour.
How to incorporate wabi-sabi into your bathroom:
- Uses organic materials – The world is your oyster when it comes to stones, tiles, wood and clay. All of these ingredients bring warmth and texture to your bathroom, not to mention the beauty of nature.
- Simplify decoration – Instead of a cluttered counter, choose some well-selected beautiful objects. I consider what’s left to be a Wabi-Sabi decoration, so be careful when purchasing items such as soap dishes and tooth brush holders. They will be beautiful too!
- Add a sense of ritual – A wooden stool, linen robe or ceramic incense, and holder next to the bathtub enhance your everyday routine. Remember that Wabi-Sabi embraces simplicity and it goes beyond aesthetics. It should encourage purposeful living and the bathroom is a great place to practice it. Give yourself permission to make your skincare routine romantic!
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
