Wabi Sabi

I went to the Pittsburgh Paints seminiar a few days ago and listened to a great talk by Janice Lindsay (author of All about Colour) and Canada's premier colour designer. She was discussing a new trend in decorating and designing called Wabi sabi.
The definition of wabi sabi (according to Wikipedia) is a Japanese aesthetic which can best be described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete". The Japanese describe wabi sabi more as an emotion - one of solitude and quiet moments where North Americans are more likely to describe it as an imperfect object.

"nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect"

Characteristics of the wabi sabi aesthetic include authenticity, asymmetry, simplicity, modesty, intimacy, and the suggestion of the natural processes. Items such as fading autumn leaves would be an example of wabi-sabi or a chip or crack in a vase which may make it more interesting.

I love this idea that there is beauty in the imperfect, as most of the items in my home are imperfect, due to a busy household of four children and three cats. It is also great to embrace the fact that things can create an emotion and that they do not have to cost alot. Here's a quote that I love that I think captures the essence of wabi-sabi.

Ring the bells that can still ring
Forget your perfect offering
There’s a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.

Here's some photos:



A wabi sabi tea bowl image from Wikipedia


eclectic kitchen design by san francisco interior designer Susan M. Davis

Photos from Skona Hem and Emmas Design Blogg


Images from http://www.poetichome.com/
Image from http://www.tendir.com/ Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architectsvia DeZona

Photos from Apartment Therapy via Sköna Hem and Emmas Design Blogg

Kelly over at Design Ties also attended this seminar and wrote a great post on wabi sabi as well. Check it
out.

I believe that every space can be comfortable, warm, elegant and beautiful. I would love to help you achieve your beautiful space – email me at lisa@lisagouletdesign.com or if in the Ottawa area call me at 613-762-0818.