Wabi-sabi style apartment. Modern Japanese trend | Bihome Blog

Hi! Who of you dreams of an interior that doesn't look like a cold, sterile catalog from a chain store? That's right... Honestly, most of us want to have a home where we can simply feel life. And this is where wabi-sabi comes in all white - a Japanese trend that teaches us to love what is imperfect. Sit comfortably with a cup of good coffee and let's talk about how to bring this amazing atmosphere to your home.

Beauty lies in imperfection

Listen, wabi-sabi is an absolute godsend for anyone who has souvenirs with soul in their drawers and is simply afraid that they "don't fit into a modern living room." Do you have a favorite pre-war plate with a slightly chipped edge? Or great-grandmother's old jug that lost its handle a long time ago? Brilliant! In this style, such things do not end up at the bottom of the closet. They are given a place of honor right next to a modern chest of drawers straight from the furniture showroom. And it really works! An old frame with worn gold gilding hung next to minimalist graphics creates an amazing, personal atmosphere.

How to combine the old with the new and not go crazy?

The only question is how to combine all this so that the house does not turn into a mess? The secret is to use old elements only as spices and use modern simplicity as the base. Imagine a light olive armchair, upholstered in soft, thick velvet. This piece of furniture, like a beige or deep burgundy armchair, adds incredible lightness to the interior.

And if you want to create the perfect corner for relaxation, add an armchair with a footrest. The truth is that after a whole day on your feet, nothing is as good for your circulation and peace of mind. A simple, green fold-out sofa will also work great in small rooms. During the day it does not take up valuable space, and in the evening it turns into a comfortable bed. And above her? You can hang, for example, an old wooden cart wheel. This contrast of modern fabric and raw, cracked wood makes an amazing impression.

Light that creates atmosphere

Okay, let's get to the most important thing. There is no coziness without good lighting. Forget about the harsh, harsh light. It's the mood that counts here. Imagine an evening, steaming chamomile tea in your hand, and next to it... a lamp resembling a natural stone that casts a soft, warm light. You can place it on a chest of drawers, a coffee table, or even directly on the floor if you want an intimate, calming atmosphere.

Simple, spherical forms also work great. A white table lamp in the shape of a ball will bring a lot of delicacy to the room. What to do if there is a dark, sad corner between the armchair and the sofa? Place there a white floor lamp with a spherical shade, for example the Dome model. It will beautifully dispel the darkness and make the interior seem more spacious. Remember that the most important thing is to feel good in your own home, so choose lamps that simply capture your heart.

What if I don't have any treasures in the attic?

Have you ever wondered if it's possible to create this style from scratch, without any souvenirs from your grandmother? I definitely do! Just invite natural materials into the interior that age beautifully. Rattan and bamboo are an absolute hit. A gray corner sofa will look amazing if you combine it with rattan accessories.

The iconic egg armchair can be placed opposite the sofa. Just hang a soft, Scandinavian blanket or a thick blanket over its backrest to snuggle up in on a cooler evening. Add a hanging lamp with a rattan shade and you have a recipe for coziness. In the dining room, designer chairs with rounded backrests will work great - they refer to ancient crafts, but are still extremely modern and comfortable.

Japandi, i.e. Scandinavian order with a Japanese soul

If you like wabi-sabi, you will definitely like the Japandi style, a brilliant marriage of Scandinavian functionality and Japanese minimalism. Here, however, we must remember one important rule: forget about open shelves, which constantly collect dust. We hide all trinkets, souvenirs and family photos in spacious, closed cabinets. The idea is that the space should be clean, harmonious and allow us to truly relax from excess stimuli on a daily basis.

Inspirations and arrangement details

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Will the wabi-sabi style work in a small apartment in a block of flats?
Of course it is! Wabi-sabi absolutely loves minimalism. Instead of cluttering up the space with lots of furniture, choose a few simple, functional pieces (like a green fold-out sofa) and add one or two expressive, old items. Less is more!

Where can I look for decorations in this style if I don't have family souvenirs?
It is worth going to a local antiques market or looking for gems on second-hand goods websites. Sometimes a simple walk in the forest is enough - an interesting, dry branch placed in a simple clay vase can create a better atmosphere than expensive decorations from the store.

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Lute hanging lamp Ø31cm smokey gray gold - Ebb&Flow

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Write in the comments!

And what does it look like for you? Do you prefer perfect, modern interiors straight from the needle, or maybe you have some old, "imperfect" objects with history at home without which you cannot imagine your living room? Be sure to let us know in the comments!