Wabi sabi? Often misused term in interior design
Rant time:
Almost everyone uses the term "wabi sabi" so liberally when more often than not their homes are far too perfect to be truly wabi sabi. Tbh I do love the aesthetics and features commonly found in homes that are labelled as "wabi sabi". But in my opinion, I think it's more of a way of thought / philosophy in perception of our surroundings that gives true meaning to wabi sabi. Not simply throwing in some curves, limewash and neutral tones would that count as wabi sabi especially when everything is so carefully curated.
For our home, I wanted to break away from sharp 90 degree angles and perfect arches for the wall niche. So I told my ID - I want to go down on site when the partition guys are doing their job, to draw on the wall the organic shape for my wall niche. As for our dining area, I was never satisfied with a rectangular opening for that area and took the opportunity to also request for a curved partition design.
The ironic experience regarding the organic niche was that I had planned out the precise shape I wanted on my phone. But as I drew it out on the wall and only after the shape was cut out, did I realise I had not followed exactly what I planned. I told myself, well it's imperfect but I should still embrace what's been done.
In my experience, truly embracing wabi sabi in interior design goes far beyond simply choosing neutral tones, limewash finishes, or adding some curved partitions. It’s about adopting a mindset that values imperfection, natural aging, and the beauty found in impermanence. When I decided to incorporate wabi sabi principles into my home renovation, I found that allowing for organic shapes and imperfections became a form of artistic expression rather than a flaw. For example, instead of insisting on precise measurements and perfect angles for my wall niches, I chose to interact directly with the artisans on site. Drawing organic shapes freehand on the walls during the partition work brought about unexpected results—shapes that deviated from my initial exact plans yet felt more authentic and alive. I realized that this acceptance of unpredictability reflected the heart of wabi sabi: appreciating that beauty comes from the natural flow and imperfection of materials and craftsmanship. Another lesson I learned is that wabi sabi requires letting go of rigid control and curated perfection that dominate many modern interior designs. While a minimalist palette and natural textures help set the stage, it’s the humility to accept imperfections and the story behind every curve that truly honors this philosophy. Wabi sabi invites us to connect deeply with our surroundings, seeing the imperfect as perfect and transient moments as precious. If you’re considering wabi sabi for your home, I recommend focusing on experiential touches—like hand-crafted elements, aged materials, or asymmetrical features—and letting go of a preconceived “perfect” outcome. This approach not only personalizes your space but also fosters a sense of calm and presence, reminding us that life’s beauty lies in its impermanence and subtle charm.
