Is there beauty in imperfection?

I find beauty in imperfection and impermanence.  It's all over my art. 

 The petal that is captured as it starts to decay, 

the rusted objects found in debris, the peeling layers of wallpaper in old homes, 

  and objects no longer needed for their original function, the list is endless.

Accepting  transience and  imperfection (flawed beauty) can also  relate directly to your living space.  The Japanese world view/aesthetic of wabi sabi   acknowledges three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.

Wabi Sabi  reveres authenticity. When you look for authentic furniture and objects for your home you will rarely find them  in big box stores.  Natural materials predominate in wabi sabi homes: paper, aged wood, linens, cottons, etc. Look for anything that celebrates the  marks of time , weather, and  the effects of loving use.

This graphic is a good summary of the characteristics of wabi sabi. 

 

Characteristics of wabi-sabi include: asymmetry, asperity (roughness, irregularity), simplicity, economy, austerity,  and appreciation of the integrity of natural objects and processes.  Look for: natural flawed beauty, patina, handmade, irregularity, bareness. How refreshing!

 

 This aged cabinet maintains the marks of its history.  No effort could make it perfect.  The vignette on top is simple, asymmetrical  and references the beauty and temporality found in nature. While there is austerity in the products, there is also tranquility.

Many  examples of wabi sabi contain little or no colour, but I feel  colour is not exclusive of this aesthetic.  Here's a good example that has all the characteristics noted above. The marks of time are evident, even more so on colour.

The delicacy of pink blossoms against all the weathered wood pits naturalness against roughness. 

Not every space that has  wabi sabi characteristics looks exactly the same.  All of these spaces have some wabi sabi elements.  

 

 The wood console table is a hint of wabi sabi against the glass.  The space is simple and tranquil.

  I love the imprefection of this countertop against the modern, pristine cabinets.  Am I the only person who craves warmth in countertops?  Imagine the difference if this island were finished in granite.

 Lots of natural materials, simplicity and economy is line and adornment, and a focus on the handmade.

If you want a little wabi sabi in your home here are suggestions for a start: 

If you want to find out more about this aesthetic ....

And remember ...

And a lesson we can all learn from Wabi Sabi....you can also interpret it in a much looser fashion to accept what you have as beautiful and to live with only what you need.

All links to images and many more examples  on my Pinterest board Wabi Sabi 

Simple Christmas table decorations

Some homes are so overdecorated for Christmas you don't know what to look at and come away with a jumble of impressions. How much better is it to present a simple display that gets noticed.

Before you go out and buy new objects to decorate look at what you have with a creative eye.  There are so many possibilities.  I hope this collection gives you ideas of your own.

Fresh Flowers

Cream poinsettias in green bottles

I've always loved cream coloured poinsettias.  As you near Christmas they often go on sale and the longer you wait the less you'll pay.  If your deal looks a little bedraggled this is the perfect solution. Cut  the blooms and arrange separately in bottles or clear glass vases. Perfect.

Amaryllis and candles

 Martha Stewart

Keep your display simple and repetitive.  Amaryllis is the flower of choice here but carnations are relatively inexpensive and last forever. 

Tiered Trays

Ornaments and greenery with a tiered cookie stand

 Style at Home

Green ornaments on stacked cake plates

Woman's Day

Consider stacking several cake plates of varying sizes to make an arrangement similar to this one.

Glass Candlestick Holders

Glass candleholders on mirrored tray

BHG

Glass candleholders with silver and gold glitter candles

 Martha Stewart

Create your own glitter candles and display with glass candle holders. Place a few candles in a large box and coat with spray adhesive (sold at crafts stores). Spoon glitter over the candles to coat; let dry overnight.

Fresh Fruit

Oranges with pine and candles on mirror

Divine Distractions

Simple white candles of varying heights, oranges and greenery.

Pears and pink ornaments with candle

BHG

The pink adds that special touch to this display of greenery and pears.

Ornaments 

Colourful ornaments in a glass container

BHG

Layer a vase on a tray of similar shape and fill with ornaments.

Pine and pinecones under glass

Good Life of Design

Fruit in tall vases with candles and greenery

BHG

Tall glass  vases or jars are perfect for displaying ornaments  or fruits as a centerpiece.  Add in some greenery and few candles and presto- stunning centerpiece