When I first became acquainted with Wabi Sabi, I felt that my approach to both living and decorating had been beautifully verbalized by centuries of Buddhist and Japanese philosophy.  Wabi Sabi, in its barest bones, believes that beauty exists in imperfection, created through time, impermanence, and nature.  It is embodied in fleeting feelings, perhaps of a mysterious shadow cast against a knitted blanket or petals of a fading rose falling to the hardwood floor.

Translated into decor, Wabi Sabi celebrates the imperfection of aged and vintage goods, especially those created through the handmade process, as well as repurposing.  A beautiful home is not one custom designed and filled with mass-produced merchandise.  Instead, it is one curated through the years, with unique pieces that have emotion, history, meaning, and imperfection.

Every individual has a different understanding of Wabi Sabi, as it is based upon one’s emotions and feelings of what is impermanence and “the perfection of imperfection.”   I am happy to present Wabi Sabi Wednesdays, where I will share weekly imagery that I believe exudes the aura of this philosophy, and as always, I sincerely welcome your thoughts and inspirations!

With a grandfather who was a carpenter with his own workshop in Hong Kong, metaboy’s appreciation of this gorgeous handmade Macau bench is the perfect symbol of the nature of Wabi Sabi style.  The nicks of character, the curves of loving handmade creation, and the chips of time showcase how treasures only grow more beautiful with age.