Since moving to Amsterdam, I've found myself drawn to my unruly and far-from-perfect backyard. Watching it change with the seasons in all its imperfect yet harmonious glory gives me a sense of stillness. I bet just sitting and observing this scene, slowly shifting in front of my eyes, has helped decrease my stress levels. Now, as fall approaches, the garden begins its natural process of decay — though perhaps 'decay' isn't the right word. It's a soft transformation, a kind of graceful fading, and it's so beautiful in all its imperfections.

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Similarly, the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi embraces impermanence and the beauty of life's flaws. In a world that often pushes for perfection, wabi-sabi offers a refreshing perspective. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, this design philosophy encourages us to appreciate the transience and simple beauty in the every day — a practice that can create homes that feel more human, more calming, and more connected to the natural world.

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Join me as I explore the topic of wabi-sabi interior design and how we can embrace the beauty of imperfection in our homes.

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The Essence of Wabi Sabi

At its heart, wabi-sabi is a reflection of life's transient nature. The term itself is a combination of two Japanese words: "wabi," which originally referred to the beauty found in simplicity and solitude, and "sabi," which conveys the passage of time and the natural aging process. Together, they form a philosophy that finds grace in the imperfect and celebrates the wisdom that comes with experience.

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Wabi-sabi is deeply connected to Zen Buddhism, a spiritual practice that emphasizes mindfulness, simplicity, and acceptance of the present moment. Just as Zen teaches that nothing lasts forever, wabi-sabi embraces the beauty in what is incomplete and constantly changing. It's a rejection of perfectionism, encouraging us to see the charm in the cracks and patina of well-used objects, and even in ourselves.

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This philosophy stands in stark contrast to the sleek, uniform designs often seen today. Unlike Japandi's clean lines or Zen's organized minimalism, wabi-sabi has a raw, human element — an acknowledgment of the imperfections that naturally occur over time.

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Core Principles of Wabi Sabi Interior Design 

Incorporating wabi-sabi into your home is more than just about aesthetics; it's about creating an environment that reflects life's imperfect beauty. For me, this is most evident when I set the table for a dinner party. My collection of mismatched wine glasses, each with its own story, somehow makes the setting feel extra beautiful. One of the glasses I even took from a beach restaurant in Hawaii a long time ago. Every glass has a different history, and together, they create a sense of warmth and authenticity, reminding me that perfection is overrated.

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The philosophy of wabi-sabi is built around a few key principles:

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Natural Materials  

Materials like wood, stone, clay, and linen are prized for their organic textures and imperfections. Each scratch, knot, or uneven surface tells a story, making these materials more beautiful over time.

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Embracing Imperfection

Wabi-sabi is about honoring the marks of use — whether it's a crack in pottery or a worn patch on a rug. These flaws reflect the passage of time and add authenticity to your home.

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Handcrafted Objects

The beauty of handmade items lies in their irregularities. A handcrafted mug or table that isn't perfectly symmetrical holds the spirit of the artisan and the warmth of the human touch.

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Minimalist Simplicity

While wabi-sabi embraces minimalism, it's not about stripping everything down. Instead, it's about focusing on what's meaningful and letting go of the unnecessary. Fewer, carefully selected objects can create a space that feels calming and serene.

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Muted Colors‍

Soft, earthy tones found in nature — such as greys, browns, and greens — evoke a sense of peace and are central to wabi-sabi.

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These principles help create spaces that feel grounded and alive, encouraging us to slow down and appreciate the imperfect beauty around us. It's not the aesthetic that sets the tone but the stories and emotions these imperfections evoke.

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Designing with Wabi Sabi

Wabi-sabi's philosophy can be applied to every corner of your home, making each room a reflection of mindful living. Here are some tips:

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Serene Bedrooms

For me, fabrics are everything when it comes to bedrooms, and I always put energy and budget into getting them right — it's totally worth it. Incorporate linen bedding and imperfect pottery to foster a sense of peace and restfulness. Let natural light filter in to emphasize the quiet beauty of the space.

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Authentic Living Rooms

As a designer, I feel like my home is never truly done — it's a constant development that will never reach its finish line. This means my living room can sometimes look unruly and mixed, but that's part of the beauty. Blend worn vintage pieces with handmade decor, and allow the room to evolve over time, adding and removing items that hold meaning rather than striving for a perfectly curated look. It's ok!

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Retreat-like Bathrooms

For me, the best tip for a retreat-like bathroom is to use uneven, unglazed ceramic tiles on the walls. They add a beautiful, imperfect texture that feels natural and inviting. Pair these with soft towels to create a space that feels like a calm extension of the outdoors—imperfect yet welcoming.

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Togetherness in Dining Areas

Choose mismatched dinnerware, handcrafted items, and rustic materials to create an atmosphere where family and friends feel comfortable and connected.

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The goal isn't perfection but creating spaces that feel lived-in, warm, and reflective of who you are.

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Wabi Sabi and Sustainability

A key element of wabi-sabi is its deep connection to sustainability. The philosophy naturally aligns with eco-friendly living by encouraging us to embrace what we already have and to appreciate the beauty of age and wear. In a throwaway culture, wabi-sabi urges us to fix, mend, and cherish rather than replace.

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Sourcing items that are made from natural, sustainable materials or opting for vintage and second-hand pieces further supports this mindset. Each object in your home, when chosen thoughtfully, can become a part of the natural lifecycle, aging gracefully rather than becoming obsolete.

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The Art of Selecting Wabi Sabi Decor 

When curating decor with a wabi-sabi mindset, it's important to focus on items that evoke a sense of time, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Think of handmade ceramics, handwoven textiles, and furniture with visible grain and texture. 

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Unlike mass-produced items, artisanal pieces carry the imperfections of the human touch, which makes them feel alive. Even a cracked bowl or a slightly uneven vase can add character to a room, making it feel more personal and grounded. When choosing the decor, look for objects that have a story to tell, whether it's an inherited heirloom or a flea market find.

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Living Wabi Sabi: Real-life Inspirations

Interior designers such as Axel Vervoordt and Lorna de Santos have embraced wabi-sabi principles, skillfully weaving together the philosophy's values with modern living. Their work shows how imperfect beauty can create homes that feel harmonious, warm, and connected to nature. Take a look via links below

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www.axel-vervoordt.com

www.lornadesantos.com

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For real-life inspiration, start small: display a handmade pottery piece, incorporate natural textures like raw wood or wool, or allow a beloved piece of furniture to show its wear rather than replace it. By embracing these imperfections, you invite the quiet beauty of wabi-sabi into your home.

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Embracing Wabi Sabi in Everyday Life 

Beyond design, wabi-sabi encourages us to apply its philosophy to our daily lives. It reminds us to let go of striving for perfection and instead find joy in the simple, fleeting moments of life. I think about this when I see the teeth marks I made in my parents' wooden bed frame when I was two years old. Now in my 40s, the marks are still there, a visible reminder of time's passage. Just as a weathered chair becomes more beautiful with age, so too can we appreciate the marks and experiences that time leaves on our own lives.

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Wabi-sabi encourages us to slow down, to embrace the present moment, and to find beauty in the mundane. It's about learning to see the world not as something to be fixed or perfected, but as something to be experienced and appreciated as it is.

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Let's Wrap This Up

Wabi-sabi offers more than just a design aesthetic — it's a way of embracing the impermanence and beauty that comes with the passage of time. From the unruly but deeply personal nature of my backyard to the teeth marks I made as a child in my parents' bed frame, these imperfections remind me of life's transience and the stories that linger in the objects around us. My collection of mismatched wine glasses and the uneven ceramic tiles in my bathroom aren't just decor choices — they are reflections of a life well-lived, where beauty lies not in perfection but in the history and texture of everyday objects.

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Incorporating wabi-sabi into our homes and lives helps us let go of the pressure for everything to be polished and flawless. Instead, we can focus on creating spaces that tell our stories, evolve over time, and reflect who we truly are. Whether it's through selecting natural materials, investing in meaningful fabrics, or allowing a living room to feel a little unruly, wabi-sabi gives us permission to embrace the imperfect in all its beauty.

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So, as you consider wabi-sabi for your own home, remember that it's not about achieving a perfect look, but about inviting authenticity, simplicity, and a little bit of chaos. And that's where the real magic happens.

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About Me

I'm Stina Stjärnstrom, a design architect with over 20 years of experience in shaping spaces — from large-scale Scandinavian developments to intimate home projects. I've always been drawn to the subtle ways design can influence how we live and feel. While I've spent years honing my skills on some of the most complex projects, what excites me the most is developing my own taste and style. Inspiration often strikes me when I least expect it, whether from a stroll through a flea market or observing the changing seasons in my own backyard. Design, for me, is a never-ending journey where the imperfect often becomes the most beautiful.

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