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Imperfection embraced

Wabi Sabi encourages creative expression, and the only rule is to keep things natural and effortless

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By Marchelle Abrahams | November 28, 2017 | Interiors

Forget mass-produced decor products found at your local retailer. According to trend forecasters, the decor look for 2018 is Wabi Sabi.

Wabi Sabi is a Japanese aesthetic where the beauty of transience and authentic imperfection is embraced. In other words, it is everything that today’s sleek, mass-produced saturated culture isn’t.

“No matter your personal style, there is one key factor to nailing this trend for your home design: find the beauty in the not-so-perfect,” says trend forecaster Dayna Isom Johnson.

The beauty of Wabi Sabi is that it encourages creative expression, and the only rule is to keep it natural and effortless. Think handmade items, rough wood, bespoke comfort and well-loved fabrics.

Photography

Est Living

Most tend to think Wabi Sabi is the resurgence of the shabby chic trend, but unlike the latter, it inspires minimalism that focuses more on the people who live in the space

For example, possessions are pared down to the essentials based on utility, beauty, or nostalgia.

According to Apartment Therapy, the base colours are whites and earthy tones with emphasis placed on natural materials.

Practically speaking, the trend speaks to those moving towards minimalist living and smaller apartments.

Photography

Pixabay