‘Wabi Sabi’: The Japanese decor trend that will be huge in 2018

First came ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘HOO’-gah), the delightfully dreamy Danish design trend that encompassed cosy spaces decked with chunky blankets, candles, hot chocolates;  then came ‘lagom’, the Scandinavian trend that is all about the minimalist, pared down and practical spaces.

However, a new design aesthetic is slowly shaping up to be 2018’s ‘it’ home decor trend of the moment: wabi-sabi.

Not to be confused with the spicy Japanese sauce we know and love, Wabi-sabi is in essence a Japanese philosophy that celebrates imperfection. In the design world, it’s all about that effortless, lived-in look; think: natural textures like linen, muted colours, organic designs and shapes.

You won’t find any of the curated cosy touches characteristic of the ‘hygge’ trend, nor the deliberate, thought-out minimalist aesthetics here. Instead, it’s all about the weathered wood, worn furniture, wrinkled linen, handmade materials and more.

Perhaps the growing trend of wabi sabi among home-owners and interior design enthusiasts is a response to the rigidity and excesses of modern day life. And it’s a welcome change too.

After all, as much as sleek, minimalist interiors make for the Instagram-worthy, Pinterest-perfect home, it’s not the most practical when it comes to the up-keep. For those of you who love a lived-in space that won’t have you stressing out over wrinkled sheets or a unaligned shelf, wabi sabi may speak to you.

Browse the gallery above for 25 stunning wabi-sabi home designs to inspire your crib this 2018.

Sarah Khan

Photos: Pinterest

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