Wabi Sabi

As an interior design lover, I’m constantly looking for design inspiration anywhere I can find it. Recently, as I was looking online, I came across the term ‘wabi sabi’, which refers to a Japanese worldview or aesthetic. I think the idea encompasses all of my beliefs in design, so I thought I would share it with you.  

Wabi sabi is a term used to describe imperfect or incomplete beauty, it refers to an organic and simple way of life. Wabi refers to rustic simplicity and freshness, while sabi refers to beauty and serenity that comes with age. This term is so easily transferrable into the design field, whether it is the beauty of age brought on in an antique piece, or the simplicity of using all white walls. 

For my design style, beauty comes with asymmetrical design aspects (the unexpected) and simplicity molded together to create the perfect space. I believe that it’s important that all pieces of work are inspired by something beyond just placing some furniture in a room and hanging some artwork on the walls. The true satisfaction of design comes from creating a place that makes you feel better, that is inspired by ideas and values, and the holds a grouping of objects that mean a lot to you. 

For me, wabi sabi is where my design inspirations come from, but for someone else it may be different. I challenge you to do some research, about cultures, religion, aesthetics, or art, and maybe you too will find you ‘design soul’ waiting for you. Scandinavian design is known for using the wabi sabi design aesthetic, so here are a few images to get you thinking.

Written by: Nicole Noonan