Hi, cuties! Wow—I can’t believe August is here! This summer has really flown by and as a result, I have been doing a lot of reflecting lately on the passage of the seasons and the impermanence of time…which is actually the perfect segue for me to introduce today’s Kuotes theme and our latest oh-so-special themed collection from KKH: Wabi Sabi!
“The Japanese aesthetic concept of Wabi Sabi literally means finding beauty in the incomplete, imperfect, and impermanent.”
Not sure exactly what Wabi Sabi means when it comes to home decor and interior design? It’s essentially the embrace of imperfection and individuality, a blend of rustic chic and organic modernism, and an emphasis on natural materials. Read on to learn more about how to get the look in your own home and to shop all of my favorite pieces from our new collection.
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What is Wabi Sabi?
The concept at the heart of Wabi Sabi is a celebration of the impermanent, the incomplete, and the imperfect. It’s a Japanese philosophy that the humble beauty of simple things (“Wabi”) goes hand in hand with the irrepressible passage of time (“Sabi”).
“We can’t resist the passage of time and the ways in which time changes the world around us, so embracing beauty along the way is the best course for finding peace and joy.”
When it comes to interior design, the concept is everywhere in rustic, organic, and coastal aesthetics. Reclaimed wood, natural stone, and woven materials like raffia, rattan, and macrame all honor the perfectly imperfect essence of Wabi Sabi, as does the mixing and matching of organic shapes and decorative objects from nature alongside modern silhouettes.
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Equal Parts Organic & Curated
The fact that Wabi Sabi celebrates imperfection doesn’t mean that it’s a haphazard design motif. In fact, I like to think of it as half organic and natural, and half curated and intentional.
The curated element comes into play when you let go of expectations of how your home “should” look, and embrace design elements that you love and that celebrate the most unique aspects of your space.
I really love the fact that Wabi Sabi design embraces pulling elements of the existing environment into the home. For example, if you live in a wooded area, you could bring in furnishings crafted from a similar wood to the trees around you, or if you have a water view and love the curve of the coastline, you could choose vases and sculptures that have similar flowing lines.
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How to Add Wabi Sabi Design Elements to Your Home
If you love this Zen-inspired design style and want to add it to your home, start by taking stock of what you already have and what you love the most. The great thing about Wabi Sabi is that it’s a philosophy you can apply to many existing design styles. On the other side of the coin, give a critical eye to pieces in your home that aren’t serving you.
Once you ground yourself in what you find most beautiful and serene, think creatively about how to fill any newly opened space in your home with furniture and decor that feels beautifully crafted, drawn from your favorite elements in nature, and like it can add to your home’s essential story in a meaningful way.
“Ultimately, what you want are pieces that will stand the test of time, both physically and stylistically—and over time, your relationship to the design will continue to evolve!”
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