Wabi-Sabi Interior Design Trend

With each upcoming year we see new trends and styles in interior design emerging, enriched by different cultures and nations around the world. If you follow these designs closely, you’ll know that 2017 was all about Hygge - the Scandinavian design trend that focused on creating simple interiors that are infused with comfort, as well as the peak of all things green, tropical, and botanical not only in designer fabrics and wallpapers, but accessories too. This year, for one trend it’s time to take things a step towards the Far East with some in the press labeling it a progression into japanordic, where east/west crossovers are coming to the fore. So, say hello to wabi-sabi design, the Japanese-inspired trend that could, if it suits, become a part of many people’s homes this year. It's not necessarily new, but it's being talked about. The definition of wabi-sabi, it’s actually a Japanese philosophy that has been around since the 15th century. It came about as a reaction to the dominant trends of the time, which relied heavily on over-ornamentation, lavishness, and the use of rare materials. Namely, wabi-sabi is all about finding beauty in imperfection. It involves grounding oneself by forming a deep connection to the earth and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Above all, it centers around recognizing the importance of authenticity and striving to remain authentic in all aspects of one’s life. Zen like.

Choose Natural-Looking Materials

Since a large part of wabi-sabi is about connecting to the earth, it’s no surprise that this interior design trend relies on the use of natural-looking materials. [ezcol_1half]What's more wabi-sabi natural than a hand printed block design that has been translated into a masterful screen print on a smooth pure linen ground. The decorative printed linen Girard Dove by Mark Alexander could bring the perfect natural look you were looking for. [/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]Additionally, if you're looking to let some light in and make your interior more organic, linen sheers are the way to do so. As you can see here, the Pennant Moonshine by Mark Alexander is an option, and beautiful representation of how to enhance the wabi-sabi in your home. [/ezcol_1half_end]

Matching Wabi-Sabi Look

The fact that wabi-sabi is all about simplicity rather than complexity, does not mean that you shouldn't create visual interest in your home interior. For instance, you can see in the two exemplary photos below how a matching look has been achieved while still in line with the wabi-sabi principles both in fabrics, and wallpapers.

[ezcol_1half]Zimmer and Rhode Atlas Fabric Destinations fabrics. [/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]Zimmer + Rohde Atlas Wallpaper Heritage Collection[/ezcol_1half_end]

If you have the room for it, the latest Atlas fabric and wallpaper collection by Zimmer & Rohde are something to consider when pursuing the effortless wabi-sabi look.

Creating Contrast

If you have darker furnishings and you want to incorporate more contrast so you can bring the darker elements into the light, you can go for some brighter tones such as: [ezcol_1half]Natural, serene and uplifting, this Osborne and Little Pampero fabric can be used to your preference. Curtains, upholstery, bed linens, cushions... the possibilities are endless and they are wabi-sabi-friendly. [/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]Alternatively, the Seashore fabric Sanderson is another pattern, that while perhaps not intentional, follows the wabi-sabi style. You can check here to see its two colors that we have available to make sure it matches your interior seamlessly. [/ezcol_1half_end]

Textured Wallpapers

Another way to create contrast is by using wallpapers to bring forth your darker elements in the room such as decor or furniture. Examples as shown here: [ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end] Somewhere among this is trend is also the theme from the Japanese art of Kintsugi which evolved from a method mending broken ceramics by filling in the cracks with gold laquer, making a decorative feature of the flaw and adding a touch of glamour to the end result. [ezcol_1half]Anthology Shatter Wallpaper[/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]Zoffany Cracked Earth Wallpaper[/ezcol_1half_end] Browse our Textured Wallpapers and Wallcoverings that include recent collections like the Zinc Scope wallcoverings range, Anthology 05 and collections from brands such as Arte and Thibaut that will help add some sabi-esque imperfection to your walls. [ezcol_1half]Zinc Oolite Wallpaper Scope Wallcoverings[/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]Arte Cobalt Wallpaper Takara Wallcoverings[/ezcol_1half_end] For some, wabi-sabi is more of a guiding principle than a design trend. It’s about accepting things as they are, rather than spending your time wishing for something better, and retraining yourself to find the positives in less-than-ideal situations. [ezcol_1half]Zoffany Crease Fabric[/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]Zoffany Atmosfera Fabric[/ezcol_1half_end] However, even if you’re not ready to go all-in philosophically, include some of these fabric collections and designs above and below into your interiors may be a great starting point.

Villa Nova Hana Fabrics

Zoffany Edo Fabrics and Akashi Wallcoverings

So to anyone fed up with seeing endless pictures of perfectly decorated homes, will find this wabi-sabi trend of imperfection which is having it's moment in the interior design world a welcome sight. Of course this is not the only interior design trend to emerge this year, as if pastels and nordic simplicity combined with some eastern influence is not your thing, then why not go for maximalism and the more is more approach. Otherwise other trends, or fads whichever way you look at it, this year include tribal patterns, modern decadence, recycled materials, modern oriental, and mid-century design. Here's guessing which trends will prevail.