What’s a “Wabi-Sabi” Home?

CEBU, Philippines —  There’s a new lifestyle trend emerging in many metropolitan cities of the world. It’s an application of a Japanese philosophy called “Wabi-Sabi” that celebrates the beauty of a naturally imperfect world. “Wabi” is a Japanese word which means an understated elegance through rustic, simple and natural design. “Sabi,” on the other hand, means seeing beauty in the flaws that come with age.

The website www.idealhome.co.uk describes “Wabi-Sabi” as about embracing a way of living that is authentic, simple and close to nature. Given that, then such lifestyle isn’t anything foreign or new at all in the Philippines. Many creative-minded Filipinos have long been practicing bringing home anything nice they find outside, not quite minding about whether everything belongs to a unified concept.   

A “Wabi-Sabi” home is a personalized space surrounded by much-loved possessions, creating a sense of peace and serenity. With many Filipinos, though, the peace and tranquility of living in their own created space do not translate to confidence. They think that gathering just any pieces does not make their home look very dignified.

Such ‘not very dignified’ mindset may have come from the fact that there is no respectable local term for the art of imperfection. “Wabi-Sabi,” therefore, may serve to fill the lack. The www.idealhome.co.uk shares ideas on embracing the Japanese art of “Wabi-Sabi” in the Filipino home:

Love the imperfections.

The Wabi-sabi trend has strong links to the Japanese tea ceremony, where the environment is calm and relaxing with simple routines that generate a feeling of belonging. The cracks and faded glaze of the tea vessels are symbolic of the loving use by generations before them.

Celebrate the imperfections, wooden floorboards can be distressed. If a leather sofa shows signs of ageing it’s all the more beautiful. This trend isn’t about everything looking pristine.

In the world of “Wabi-Sabi,” mismatched furniture choices, of all different shapes and designs, can still work harmoniously with each other.

Create a sense of purpose.

Allow everything a greater sense of purpose, such as a large floor cushion that doubles as a seat. Bring natural textures to every room by layering artisan and natural textures, such as a sheepskin rugs or linen throws.

Live with a clutter-free environment.

In order to keep the environment clutter free, for a sense of greater wellbeing, technology is best hidden away. Keep your latest tech gadgets out of sight in purpose-built storage units. Let the focus be on the natural elements of a room, not modern-day gadgets.

Decorate with natural materials.

Work with a color palette that soothes the soul – earthy color tones work best to bring a sense of nature to interiors. If choosing a pattern, pick small-scale designs or simple stripes, avoiding anything that could overpower the natural feel of the space. Add further interest to decor with handmade accessories.

Flooring in sustainable materials such as bamboo, or wooden floorboards, creates a sense of being at one with Mother Nature.

Add authentic personal style.

Stamp your own personality on your home with items that have clear links to you as the owner. Decorate with possessions that have a story to tell. Display a family photograph in a wooden frame, pride of place for all to see. Or you could make a feature of an heirloom such as a bowl, vase or a piece of art.

In short, a “Wabi-Sabi” home is living space that is realistic, practical… and sentimental. It doesn’t need a strict theme. Its actual being is its very theme.