Image Credit: Zinus
Wabi Sabi interiors: 11 ways to get the calming look in your home
As continue into 2025, many of us are shying away from busy, over-curated and overly perfect spaces – instead looking to embrace a calmer, more sustainable style, putting imperfections of the natural front and centre. Enter Wabi Sabi interiors.
In basic terms the philosophy is defined as appreciating the beauty in the natural and celebrating the not-quite-so-perfect.
Wabi Sabi design, therefore, stems from the Japanese love of simplicity mixed with natural materials and an understanding that there’s pretty in imperfection.
What are Wabi Sabi interiors?
While the concept in itself is not a set style interior designers necessarily refer to, it’s a way of thinking which can easily be applied and adapted to the decoration and overall feel of your home.
“Wabi Sabi is a Japanese design philosophy that embraces the beauty of any substance in its most authentic and natural form,” explains Paul Richardson, showroom stylist at Wren Kitchens.
“Unlike traditional minimalism, which often seeks sleek, flawless surfaces, Wabi Sabi highlights organic materials, soft lighting, and a sense of lived in warmth.
“This aesthetic creates a home environment that feels effortlessly harmonious, grounded, and timeless.”
Richardson says people are becoming increasingly drawn to Wabi Sabi’s calming and grounding qualities, because it offers a sense of peace and mindfulness in the home amidst fast paced and busy lives.
“It also taps into a growing desire for more personalised, intimate spaces that reflect character,” he says.
Wabi Sabi: A new take on minimalism?
While you may be thinking Wabi Sabi is just another version of the minimalism that has become so popular in home design recently, Amthal Karim, head of design at Furniture And Choice says the philosophy offers a softer, more lived-in design approach compared to the minimalism we’re already used to.
“Whereas traditional minimalism features clean lines and hard surfaces, Wabi-Sabi has a much softer, warmer style,” he explains.
“The Wabi Sabi aesthetic focuses on organic textures, tactile materials and objects that are hand-made and not completely perfect.
“It’s about showcasing objects that have a memory or a story behind them and every piece chosen is considered carefully.”
From finding beauty in every day imperfections to embracing an earthy, more grounded colour palette, we spoke to the experts about how to bring the art of Wabi Sabi interior design into the spaces in your home.
Opt for neutral, inviting colours
The colour palette of a Wabi Sabi interior needs to convey calm, soft minimalism.
“Choose warm paint colours such as a monochrome base of cream, warm white or beige so that you can showcase deeper, earthy tones against these such as terracotta or brown,” advises Amthal.
Soft, earthy hues that reflect nature are also advised. “Think rich browns and beiges, reminiscent of aged wood and stone, which will create a warm, grounding effect,” explains Paul.
To maintain the serene aesthetic, he recommends avoiding stark, bright whites. “Instead go for warm off-whites and creams that feel softer and more inviting,” he adds.
Embrace natural materials
To bring a strong Wabi Sabi vibe into your home, it’s all about prioritising natural, raw, and organic materials that develop character over time.
When it comes to furniture Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr recommends incorporating imperfect elements like natural stone and wood.
“Wooden panelling is great at elevating the overall scheme, as well as working to connect the spaces in an open-plan setting,” Al explains.
“For the Wabi Sabi look, it’s best to stick to light, natural woods such as oak or ash.
“To create cohesion in a kitchen with this vibe, use panelling either as a splashback instead of tiles or as end panels of the kitchen cabinets and then again behind open shelving in the living area”.
Room dividers are great at helping to create more intimate spaces in larger rooms.
“Shoji screens or shelving units are great at creating defined zones without disrupting the flow,” Al continues.
“Shelving can also serve as a backdrop to display all of your favourite items, from ceramics, plants or personal items you’ve collected on your travels.”
Even in the bedroom, small choices like opting for a mattress infused with natural ingredients, like green tea, can contribute to a more serene and balanced environment, recommends Anthony Newland, brand manager at Zinus.
Create a Wabi Sabi kitchen
A Wabi Sabi kitchen is similar to a minimalistic one, in the sense that it’s about having few important and meaningful items and keeping the overall space clean and uncluttered to create a feeling of tranquility.
According to Paul a kitchen designed with this philosopphy in mind moves away from pristine, high gloss cabinetry in favour of open shelving in wood or metal to create contrast or even glass to help foster the illusion of light.
Embrace imperfect accessories
Accessories in a Wabi Sabi home should feel meaningful and handpicked rather than overly styled – think handmade ceramics like imperfectly shaped bowls, linen textiles, woven baskets.
“Terracotta pots add an element of rustic charm,” Paul adds.
“Weave in personal touches, such as antiques or family heirlooms.”
Amthal recommends celebrating the unique or handmade by bringing in personal touches through soft furnishings, artwork or accessories.
“If you have pieces that have been passed down like old ceramics or trinkets from your travels, display them proudly,” he says.
“If you’re in the mood to shop, there’s always the thrill of browsing vintage markets and finding a piece (or three) with a piece of history attached to it.”
Go big on plants
Embrace nature, by introducing plants like dried eucalyptus branches or a small Japanese maple tree, to compliment the natural materials used in Wabi Sabi spaces.
Champion meaning over perfection
The Wabi Sabi philosophy embraces things that have meaning over perfect things – think an artfully unmade bed, a chipped ceramic pot or a cracked mixing bowl.
Paul recommends overlooking stains, breaks or chips as these small imperfections breed a sense of calm and appreciation for the functioning of everyday life.
“Marks, scuffs and wear are signs of life which is part of the philosophy of Wabi Sabi,” he adds.
Layer your lighting
Layered lighting is important in Wabi Sabi style interiors because it adds depth as well as focus.
Forget the big light, Wabi Sabi homes are all about soft lighting.
If you’re still keen to opt for a pendant, Amthal suggests a warm tone, ambient light such as a central ceiling pendant.
“Balance this with some task lighting such as a floor lamp next to the sofa for when you cosy up to read a book or watch TV,” he continues.
“Accent lighting is the final element, and it can be used in a simple way to make a big statement – such as placing a picture light to cast a soft glow on textured wall art.”
Paul recommends including linen covered shades, or frosted glass fixtures that soften illumination to create a warm and cosy glow.
In the kitchen, and to highlight open shelving or display areas, Paul advises using subtle, warm LED track lighting, that casts a gentle, indirect glow and highlights displayed ceramics or kitchenware.
Choose sustainability and longevity
The key to achieving the Wabi Sabi aesthetic is mixing the old with the new.
“Wabi Sabi aligns with sustainability, as it celebrates imperfection, encourages mindful consumption and repurposing items that aren’t ‘perfect’,” says Paul.
“The concept focuses on the use of well made, durable items that develop character as they age, which often means they last longer and don’t contribute to waste.”
Go tactile with texture
The use of texture has become synonymous with this trend, particularly the use of natural finishes, which can easily be incorporated into the home.
Embrace natural fabrics, such as linen, cotton, and wood, which will all bring a feeling of nature into your home whilst their high quality and durability elevate the overall Wabi Sabi look.
“Tapestry is an easy way to add subtle texture, depth and interest to the walls while embracing the delicate details of Wabi-Sabi design” explains Mark Tremlett, founder of Naturalmat.
Mark recommends using a tapestry instead of a headboard as it creates a focal point and adds height to the room.”
It works especially well in rooms to add character and interest when architectural features might be minimal,” he adds.
Take it low
Low-slung furniture has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its ability to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere and the style is a perfect addition to the Wabi Sabi aesthetic.
“By being closer to the ground, these sofas exude a sense of comfort and informality that complements modern lifestyles,” explains Rob Bridgman, founder of Bridgman.
“They are perfect for open-plan spaces and gardens, offering a seamless integration between seating and the environment, fostering connection and conversation.
“Additionally, their minimalist aesthetic aligns with the trend toward clean, clutter-free design, while the low profile makes them ideal for enhancing a sense of spaciousness,” he adds.
What is the difference between Japandi and Wabi Sabi?
While there are some similarities between the popular Japandi and Wabi Sabi, there are also some differences.
Most importantly, Japandi is a well-practiced interior style, Wabi Sabi, however is a philosophy that can be adapted to be incorporated into all types of homes.
Japandi, as the name suggests, is a successful blend of two schools of thought – the smooth lines of Scandanavian design embracing hygge principles of contentment, cosiness and wellbeing with Japanese philosophies, including that of Wabi Sabi principles.
While Wabi Sabi and Japandi both embrace simplicity, Japandi incorporates minimalist styles in a different way to that of Wabi Sabi as it is more centred on perfectionism.
Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at Nostalgiacore decor: 15 ways to embrace the look in your home or The ‘Frazzled English Woman’ aesthetic: 9 ways to get the look in your home
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