Wabi-Sabi Home Decor Elements in Scandinavian Minimalist Interior
Recently, it has been said that one or another room, object or interior design has strong wabi-sabi aesthetics impacts and generally, we can imagine what is meant by this - extremely simple, predominantly dark-colored space, a few, slightly worn items, some single plant - quite similar to the Scandinavian minimalist interior design that has been decorated with individual old and worn handicrafts or Asian vintage items. Decorating a minimalist light room with vintage-inspired objects is so trendy now anyway, because of that it is good to stop at some point to distinguish whether it is just a trendy interior design or can be called an authentic space inspired by wabi-sabi aesthetics and values.
The Wabi-sabi aesthetic is inspired by the values of Japanese traditional philosophical concept, which accepts the fact that human life and the surrounding are temporary and imperfect. Like many philosophical concepts, wabi-sabi cannot be easily explained, but briefly, we can say that wabi-sabi means a way of living that focuses on finding beauty within the imperfections of life and accepting peacefully the natural cycle of growth and decay.
Inspired by wabi-sabi aesthetics, the items are first and foremost minimalist, natural and very functional, without any kind of decoration, fascinating by their simple beauty and refined form. In the western world, where the idea of wabi-sabi became popular in the second half of the 20th century, more attention has been paid to the game of colors (dark shades of red and black) and to the simplicity, asymmetry of forms, but the usefulness of objects is not so important. However, it is good to remember the original starting point of wabi-sabi aesthetics when choosing design elements - there are few items, they do not have to be perfect, and are as simple and functional as possible. The most characteristic, but also the most difficult part of such interior design - every object must have own history, own soul and story to tell, and a long and personal relationship between the creator of space and every single item.
Understandably not everyone today has a personal, unique and beautiful things to furnish a whole home or the other space entirely with authentic wabi-sabi vibe decor objects. Still, it is good to avoid to get goods from high-end boutiques and supermarkets - small artisan and handcraft shops should be preferred, also vintage markets and second-hand shops are sometimes good places from where to get unique finds. And of course, self-made rugs, blankets, mugs or baskets, made with love and soul, are very suitable, even if your handmade skills are not very high.
Here you can find inspirational photos about wabi-sabi interior decoration.
And here is a small collection of handmade or vintage items, which have a strong wabi-sabi impact.
1. Handmade ceramic bowls, each a unique and a little bit different, are a solid choice, also have a functional purpose. Large serving bowl by 1220 Ceramics Studio
2. Soft, pure linen decorative pillows with handcrafted darts in faded gray enhance the warm, authentic feeling of your space. Pillows by ÖÖKÜLM.
3. "Black Bike and Ladder Leaning on Wall". Photo found from Jamaican born photographer Simon Brown portfolio - beautifully simple and dark, exactly wabi-sabi vibe.
4. Simple form, a little bit worn-out, but still functional, absolutely beautiful old shower. Photo by Elin Strömberg
5. Cozy and warm greenish gray blanket, made from Lithuanian sheep wool, found from tiny online store Oversized LT
6. Small wooden horses, from the 1930s, originally from Shanxi province, China. These horses and many other authentic Chinese vintage decoration items are available by OldWoodenStool online store (Netherlands).
1. Small, unique black matte clay outside, white glaze outside ceramic bowls for fresh seasonal spices are handmade. No two identical pieces, all are "one-of-a-kind". By GG05DesignLedStudio
2. Very simple design, dark colors inspired by colors of nature and ecological materials are an important part of wabi-sabi interior design philosophy. Stonewashed linen bedding by ÖÖKÜLM
3. Sere, dried flowers, and straws represent the natural cycle of growth and decay. Photo by Uduhamar
4. Washable black paper bags will add minimalistic but still wabi-sabi vibe for any interior. By Warm Grey Company
5. Around 200 years old large wooden French dough bowl, wonderful patina to the wood from age and use. Available online by Plaire.
6. Handmade black ceramic spoons - lovely form, finish, and scale - are both decorative and functional as well. By GG05DesignLedStudio
1. Gray washable storage paper bags are unique, simple, beautiful and functional. Available online by Warm Grey Company
2. Simple, functional design, only natural material are an important part of wabi-sabi aesthetic and white linen pillowcases by ÖÖKÜLM finely represent this idea.
3. Some primitive, but an extremely beautiful wooden animal figures, bird, and horse by Wooden Artefact
4. Small handmade ceramic bowl by PilosShop
5. Ceramic spoon, each one is unique, suitable for salt or spices or just for kitchen decoration. By Pots By Nives
6. Old books, sketches and study papers by Passions De France
7. Vintage Chinese wooden saddle stools by OldWoodenStool
8.Ceramic dinnerware set by 1220CeramcisStudio