There is no denying that there are plenty of Singaporeans who are obsessed with Japanese culture. Naturally, it should come as no surprise that this love for all things originating from the Land of the Rising Sun will extend to our taste in interior design. 

The Muji style, with its emphasis on minimalism, has been a huge hit in the interior design scene for several years now. But this is not the only Japanese interior design idea that has captured our attention. The past year has seen a resurgence of the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic, and we believe this trend is here to stay!

What is Wabi-Sabi?

Wabi-Sabi is less of a particular interior design style and more of a worldview that focuses on the idea of finding beauty in imperfection. It emphasises accepting things as it is rather than striving for perfection. 

Does this ideology reflect your style and personality? If the answer is yes, you might want to consider this interior design idea for your next home makeover project. While there is no hard-and-fast rule for translating this philosophy into home decor, our experts have several pointers to help you achieve this feat.

How to incorporate Wabi-Sabi into your interior design?

1. Keep things simple

The Wabi-Sabi philosophy is about seeking simplicity and being content with it. Naturally, your home decoration should fit this ideology. Opt for a neutral colour palette or hues associated with nature and keep bright colours to a minimum, reducing them to accents or using them in muted shades.

This thinking extends to your furnishings as well. Avoid overdecorating your living space and go with affordable furniture that is practical and durable. Wooden furniture, in particular, is highly recommended!

2. Opt for natural touches

A core tenet of the Wabi-Sabi philosophy is the rejection of perfectionism. Instead, it focuses on what is natural and real. An excellent way to reflect this ideology in your residential interior design is by introducing natural elements into your home, such as potted plants.

3. Embrace Asymmetry

Whether it is ensuring a symmetrical layout for your living room or purchasing a matching dining table set, there is often a great emphasis on symmetry in various modern interior design ideas. However, our homes aren’t showrooms, so it is time to reject this constant strive for perfection. 

Instead, why not embrace asymmetry and decorate your living space with furnishings that catch your eye? The aim is to create a casual and cosy environment at home. Comfort should be one of your utmost priorities, so go with what works and feels best for you!

4. Look for natural materials that age well

Similar to how the Japanese display great reverence for their elders, the Wabi-Sabi philosophy shows great appreciation for the natural process of ageing. As such, when you go about furnishing your home, you should opt for quality furniture pieces that can withstand the test of time. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of materials – copper, wood, and leather – that fit the bill. While the natural instinct for many homeowners is to preserve the material, such as applying leather conditioner to your sofa, to maintain its pristine condition, we advise letting your furniture age gracefully and naturally instead. 

Whether it is the green patina that forms naturally on your copper coffee table or the natural crease of your leather sofa, these signs of wear and tear convey how much you have utilised and cherished these pieces of furniture. 

Do you like what you have seen of the Wabi-Sabi style? If you are passionate about this interior design idea, you should seek out a reliable interior design firm that can assist you in bringing your vision to life.

At Aegro Interior Studio, our interior designers understand that everyone has their unique needs and preferences. As such, we aim to listen attentively to your wants so that we can provide you with the best possible interior for your home that satisfies all your requirements. Do not hesitate to contact us today to learn more about our services and rates!