Philosophical concepts and spiritual beliefs often shape architectural and interior design. Even in modern design fields, these concepts—although they are typically hundreds of years old—are often given vital importance because their teachings still hold relevance. One such concept is the Japanese Wabi Sabi, which has been gaining immense popularity in recent times. Keep reading to understand exactly what Wabi Sabi is, how it evolved, its core principles and ideologies and explore how to include Wabi Sabi interior design and architecture in your project.
What is Wabi Sabi?
Wabi Sabi is an ancient Japanese concept that celebrates the beauty in imperfection. Rooted in Zen Buddhism and Taoism principles, the concept encourages people to appreciate simplicity and authenticity in living, as well as in homes and built spaces. While Western design ideologies often promote the idea of maintaining homes as flawless spaces, Wabi Sabi design instead pushes people to value defects that showcase the passage of time. It focuses on enhancing the mental health of building users by incorporating design concepts and objects that connect with them emotionally, enabling calmness and peace of mind in everyday living. Amidst the fast-paced modern lifestyles of today, Wabi Sabi architecture has gained widespread popularity across the world due to these human-centred design ideologies.
Evolution of the Japanese Wabi Sabi Concept
Sabi and Wabi were originally two completely different terms with different meanings. The term ‘Wabi’ actually meant lonely and desolate, but eventually evolved to refer to simplicity, humility and authenticity. On the other hand, ‘Sabi’ refers to the passage of time and how things change with age. The two words were not combined together until the 20th century. However, the concept of embracing imperfections is thought to have originated during the 15th century in Japan, when the tea ceremony was a popular ritual of the elite. Sen No Rikyu, a legendary tea master, is known to have used tea cups made by local potters—instead of luxurious tea pots—and invented ikebana (a way of arranging flowers in a simple way in vases). This is believed to have paved the way for the idea that rituals don’t need to be grand or gaudy to be enjoyed.
The terms Sabi and Wabi were combined much later on. Japanese author Sutemi Horiguchi used Wabi Sabi as an alternative to the term for tea hut (Chashitsu) in his 1926 essays. However, the concept gained popularity in the rest of the world after author Leonard Cohen’s book ‘Wabi Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers’ was published in 1994.
Principles of Wabi Sabi Interior Design and Architecture
Design Wabi Sabi concepts do not have any fixed principles. However, a few core philosophies and concepts guide it, including:
- Uketamo: Referring to acceptance with an open heart, uketamo promotes the idea that we must accept both the good and bad things in life (and in homes) to attain happiness and peace of mind.
- Shizen: This interior design Wabi Sabi philosophy embraces natural items and materials and promotes enhanced connectivity with nature, similar to the principles of biophilic design and biomimicry in architecture.
- Shibumi: This refers to effortless beauty, something which blends harmoniously with its surroundings without being too gaudy or prominent.
- Fukinsei: It is the concept of asymmetry and irregularity in art and design. It does not mean a complete lack of balance, but a controlled imbalance that is found in the natural beauty of objects and materials.
- Kanso: This concept focuses on simplicity and minimalist houses, promoting the removal of objects that are not completely necessary in our homes.
- Seijaku: Referring to peace and tranquillity, ‘seijaku’ encourages spaces that are not just quiet, but also enhance awareness and general productivity in the building’s occupants.
- Datsuzoku: Datsuzoku implies freedom and openness in architecture Wabi Sabi, asking designers and homeowners to be more creative and explore new aspects of design.
- Yugen: Refers to beauty that is not immediately obvious, but can be understood upon contemplation and is meaningful.
Tips for Wabi Sabi Interior Design and Architectural Design
Wabi Sabi in architecture and interior design is more of an abstract concept and less of a theory with rigid design rules. However, the below tips can be used to achieve Wabi Sabi in homes:
Raw Surfaces and Textures
Use natural materials such as bamboo, raw wood and lime plaster. Even if manufactured materials are necessary, leave them in their original state without too much treatment. For example, exposed or decorative concrete and unpolished wood veneers can add a charming unfinished Wabi Sabi aesthetic. Also include lots of indoor plants to keep the air fresh and the atmosphere light.
Minimalism and Neutrality
Wabi Sabi encourages the removal of items that are not completely necessary in homes. Stick to minimalist designs and furniture. Opt for neutral and/or natural earthy colours like browns, greys, sober reds and yellows. According to colour psychology, these colours can enhance our connectivity with nature and have several mental health benefits.
Personality and Singularity
Every person is unique and tastes and preferences are also singular. Rather than blindly following the current home design trends, select materials and products that evoke some sort of a feeling in you, which make you think or inspire you as an individual. These will help you form an emotional and/or spiritual connection with the objects that surround you every day.
Finding Joy in Imperfection
Nothing in life is perfect and our homes also do not have to be. Too much perfection in any space can give it a cold, museum-like feel. But a home is a space where one can feel cosy and relax at the end of a long day. Therefore, let the items in your home age naturally and opt for eclectic interior designs that don’t necessarily blend perfectly, but are reflections of different personalities. True Wabi Sabi can be achieved when you find happiness in the imperfection of different objects in your home.
Incorporating Wabi Sabi Design in Your Project
There is a fine line between imperfectly perfect design and plain clutter or sloppiness. To make sure that this boundary is maintained, it is important for designers to have a deep understanding of Wabi Sabi interior design and architecture concepts. Brick & Bolt, a tech-enabled construction company based in India, employs experienced architects and designers who have a complete grasp of such concepts, enabling them to create customised floor plans and designs for each individual requirement with ease. Reach out to Brick & Bolt today to ensure that your vision of a dream home or commercial property is fulfilled as per your needs, desires and budget!
Apoorva H P Achar