When Imperfection Wins: Wabi-sabi
Someone (read: that one Ex) once told me that my imperfections made me all the more interesting, to which I of course rolled my eyes in response. Through time, however, I’ve come to find truth in that sentiment. In fact, this concept of “beauty in the imperfect” holds true for your home as well as your appearance.
Enter: wabi-sabi. Long celebrated by Zen Buddhists in Japan, this Weltanschauung embraces imperfection, authenticity and transience. Contemporary use of the term wabi implies humble simplicity and is appropriately complemented by the term sabi, the beauty acquired with age and experience. Due to widespread acceptance by the Japanese as their aesthetic ideal, wabi-sabi is here to stay. So back away from that big box store, hit up the local flea market and don’t cry over chipped chinaware – what’s a home without a bit of patina, anyway?
Wabi-sabi in the East
Self-taught Japanese architect Tadao Ando incorporates wabi-sabi principles into his architecture and design work. Ando currently heads the architectural office Tadao Ando Architect & Associates in Osaka. Above his Church of the Light in Ibaraki, Osaka.
“The Japanese view of life embraced a simple aesthetic that grew stronger as inessentials were eliminated and trimmed away.”
Click here to read his entire musing, “What is Wabi-Sabi”
Wabi-sabi in the West
No conversation about wabi-sabi in the West would be complete without incorporating Belgian architect Axel Vervoordt and his work. Known for his stunning, austere interiors, Vervoordt also incorporates simple products into his design repertoire.
Wabi Inspirations by Axel Vervoordt
Wabi Inspirations $65 USD
Allow your guests to silently admire your first-rate taste in interiors when they spot this book on your coffee table. Once just an interest in Eastern art and philosophy, wabi has become a guiding principle for Vervoordt’s design work. With projects from across the globe, this book showcases Vervoordt’s many collaborations with Japanese architect Tatsuro Miki.
Wabi-Sabi in the Kitchen:
Celebrated “slow lifestyle” magazine Kinfolk shows how one can embrace wabi-sabi while performing everyday tasks such as cooking and hosting friends.
Marble Mortar and Pestle by Food 52
Ready to try your hand at a wabi-sabi inspired dinner party? Available in black, white and in two different sizes, this beautiful marble mortar & pestle set is the perfect excuse to get out the day’s frustrations while preparing your the evening meal. Elbow grease not included.
Matcha Chawan Winter Tea Bowl by studio Yunomi
Matcha Chawan Winter Tea Bowl $72 USD
Safe for you, your dishwasher and your microwave. This unique bowl is wheel thrown, stamped and finished with a spring celadon glaze. Ideal for that first cup of morning (after) tea or simply as a decorate statement. This piece is one-of-a-kind: click here to see more of studio Yunomi’s incredible ceramic work.
Linen Blanket by Brook Farm General Store
Linen Blanket $485 USD
Made in the USA and sold by Brook Farm General Store, this cozy linen blanket complements any autumn evening with the ideal combination of warmth, style and simplicity.
No. 002 Modern Muskoka Chair by Hard Goods
No. 002 Modern Muskoka Chair $1,925 - $2,625 USD
Produced by Hard Goods, this concrete chair is the essence of refinement. Available in several color combinations to suit your personal taste.
Zen Artwork by 24 Palettes
Zen Artwork bz 24 Palettes $5 USD / download
Don’t trust yourself to paint a perfectly-imperfect ensō, a Zen Buddhist symbol embodying the concept of wabi-sabi – simply download it instead. This piece of art is available for instant download and personal framing.