Contemporary Wabi-Sabi Style

Japanese minimalism has gained popularity, with designers transforming the traditional Wabi-sabi style into a modern aesthetic that is in tune with modern sensibilities. This book showcases over 30 Wabi-sabi style projects from around the world, featuring influential designers and their own wabi-sabi homes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: Artpower International

In recent years, Japanese minimalism has emerged as a prominent design movement, with the essence of the Wabisabi aesthetic, the core of traditional Japanese aesthetics, being a timeless beauty that withstands the test of time. Designers have embraced the concept of preserving the rhythm in the Wabi-sabi style, transforming it into a modern iteration that resonates with contemporary aesthetic sensibilities. This aesthetic has gained popularity among notable figures such as tennis player Maria Sharapova and American socialite Khloe Kardashian, as well as domestic winners of the Asian Hotel Design Award. Wabi-sabi has become a hot trend, captivating the fashion world.

This book showcases over 30 Wabi-sabi-style projects from across the globe, encompassing commercial spaces like hotels, showrooms, and restaurants, as well as residential spaces. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the incorporation of Wabi-sabi elements in contemporary interior design. Featured designers in the wabi-sabi genre include those who have designed their own wabi-sabi homes.

The Wabisabi aesthetic is characterized by its simplicity, humility, and appreciation for the impermanence of things. It emphasizes the beauty in the imperfections and the transient nature of life. In interior design, Wabi-sabi is embraced through the use of natural materials, such as wood, stone, and clay, as well as the incorporation of asymmetry, simplicity, and the absence of excess. The focus is on creating spaces that are calming, serene, and harmonious, with an emphasis on the interplay of light and shadow.

One of the key principles of Wabi-sabi is the idea of "kintsugi," which refers to the art of repairing broken objects with gold, silver, or other precious metals. This concept is applied in interior design to create a sense of history and patina, highlighting the imperfections and wear of objects over time. Kintsugi adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to spaces, while also emphasizing the value of embracing the natural state of things.

Another hallmark of Wabi-sabi is the use of natural light and shadows. Designers incorporate light fixtures and architectural features that play with the natural light, creating a sense of depth and texture in spaces. Shadows are also used to add visual interest and contrast, highlighting the beauty of imperfections and the natural elements of the environment.

In conclusion, Japanese minimalism has brought the essence of the Wabisabi aesthetic to the forefront of design, creating spaces that are both timeless and contemporary. The Wabi-sabi style emphasizes simplicity, humility, and the appreciation for the natural world, with a focus on the interplay of light and shadow, natural materials, and the concept of kintsugi. By embracing these principles, designers can create spaces that are calming, serene, and harmonious, with a sense of history and patina that reflects the transient nature of life. Whether it's a residential space or a commercial setting, Wabi-sabi can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any environment, making it a popular choice for those seeking a unique and timeless aesthetic.

Weight: 1548g
Dimension: 290 x 235 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789887506980