wabi-sabi

So, i am speechless. a friend at work told me she saw a blog posting on Apartment Therapy blog and thought of me. it is back from november 2008 by grace chu.

the movement of wabi-sabi has been around for a while and recently coined as a new type of aesthetic. to be totally frank, i would love to be dubbed as a wabi-sabi fanatic. see the loose definition below. facinating and wonderful. enjoy. i am now going to imbark on becoming a member of team wabi-sabi.

Wabi-sabi is the art of finding beauty in imperfection: it values simplicity, uncluttered, underplayed, and modest surroundings. Authenticity is key to wabi-sabi philosophy: the presence of cracks and scratches in things are considered to be symbolic of the passing of time, weather, and loving use--and should be embraced. Another facet to wabi-sabi is the idea of the "obvious pretty" vs. "unique beauty." (Or, as one of the articles we read describes it, "Marilyn Monroe vs. Katherine Hepburn").

Unlike shabby chic, wabi-sabi decor inspires minimalism that focuses more on the people who live in the space than anything else. Possessions and other items are pared down to the essentials based on utility, beauty, or nostalgia (or all three). The color palette sways toward whites and earth tones thanks to the use of natural materials. It's almost Shaker-style in its approach: live modestly, and learn to be satisfied with life as it can be once the unnecessary is stripped away.

Wabi-sabi enthusiasts (called "wabibitos") are described as being "a person who could make something complete out of eight parts when most of us would use ten." Practically speaking, this could be the act of living in smaller home, driving a smaller car, or even eating just enough to be pleasantly full this Thanksgiving holiday

(photos by Sköna Hem and Emmas Design Blogg)