1.    No Seriously, that’s the name of the style

If you had been doing some serious research about interior design styles, chances are you will come across names like “Japandi”, “Muji Look” or maybe you’ve heard of “Wabi Sabi?” 

Often associated with wabi-sabi is the art of kintsugi. This is the art of repairing pottery with a golden inlay. Instead of discarding the broken piece it is restored. The gold serves to highlight the break and becomes part of the history and presence of the piece. (Image source: Unknown)

“Wabi-sabi is Japanese acceptance of imperfections as both meaningful and in their own way, beautiful – a refuge from the modern world’s obsession with perfection. Wabi-sabi is a concept of aesthetics, which helps us see the world in a whole new way. “

Extracted from: Japan Expert Insights

Wabi Sabi is an interior design style that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a known fact that Singaporeans love all things Japanese, it is no surprise that this style has gain quite the cult following in our tropical island. In a nutshell, this is a Japanese aesthetic that embraces imperfection and celebrates the beauty of things that are old, worn, and weathered. In this Nerd article,  we'll take a closer look at Wabi Sabi and explore how it can be incorporated into your home’s interior design.

2.    Appreciating Imperfection

At its core, Wabi Sabi is all about appreciating the beauty of imperfection. It is a philosophy that values simplicity, understated elegance, and the beauty of natural materials. In Wabi Sabi, there is an appreciation for things that are handmade, natural, and have a sense of history and tradition. 

The Terrace Flat by Melvin Keng of Kaizen Architecture skilfully captures the spirit of Wabi Sabi in his unconventional flat. (Source: Kaizen Architecture) 

One of the key elements of Wabi Sabi interior design is the use of natural materials. This can include wood, stone, bamboo, and other materials that have a natural texture and feel. These materials are often left in their natural state, with minimal processing or finishing, to showcase their inherent beauty.

Another important aspect of Wabi Sabi interior design is the use of muted, earthy tones. These can include shades of gray, brown, green, and other colors that are found in nature. These colors help to create a sense of calm and serenity in a space, and allow the natural materials to take center stage.

3.    You Must Like Vintage.

Wabi Sabi design also embraces the use of imperfect and aged objects. This can include things like antique furniture, vintage textiles, and handmade pottery. These objects have a sense of history and character that cannot be replicated in new objects. They have a story to tell, and their imperfections are celebrated rather than hidden.

In Wabi Sabi design, there is also a focus on the beauty of simplicity. This can include minimal furniture, simple lighting, and an uncluttered space. The goal is to create a sense of calm and tranquillity in a space.

The concept of “Ma” (negative space), where nothing is actually something, deep right? (Source: Wikipedia)

One of the most important elements of Wabi Sabi design is the concept of "Ma," which is the Japanese term for negative space. This refers to the space between objects, and the importance of leaving room for the imagination to fill in the gaps. In Wabi Sabi design, negative space is just as important as the objects themselves. It allows for a sense of balance and harmony in a space and can create a feeling of spaciousness in even the smallest of rooms.

4.    How to Implement leh?

So, how can you incorporate Wabi Sabi into your own interior design? Here are a few tips:

• Embrace natural materials. Use wood, stone, bamboo, and other natural materials to create a sense of warmth and texture in your space.
• Keep it simple. Avoid clutter and focus on minimal furniture and simple lighting to create a sense of calm and tranquility.
• Celebrate imperfection. Look for antique furniture, vintage textiles, and handmade pottery that have a sense of history and character.
• Use muted, earthy tones. Stick to colors found in nature, such as shades of gray, brown, and green.
• Embrace negative space. Leave room for the imagination to fill in the gaps, and allow for a sense of balance and harmony in your space.
• Find beauty in the everyday. Look for beauty in the simple things, such as a well-worn book or a handmade bowl.

Using cement and natural materials, mixed in with some random vintage pieces, voila, a Wabi Sabi home! (Source: Kaizen Architecture)

5.    Give it a Go!

Source: Tiktok: @sixidesasia

Wabi Sabi is a beautiful and unique interior design style that celebrates imperfection and the beauty of natural materials. It is a philosophy that values simplicity, understated elegance, and the beauty of objects that have a story to tell. By incorporating Wabi Sabi into your own interior design, you can create a space that is not only beautiful, but also be full of interesting narratives! So why not give it a try and see how you can incorporate this unique and inspiring style into your own home?

Posted on 16th June 2023

Astley Ng – the designerd

SIXIDES Editorial Team