Embrace Wabi Sabi Philosophy

Wabi Sabi is a Japanese term when loosely translated means finding beauty in imperfection and that’s why it’s such an appropriate name for a shop like ours. Wabi Sabi is a philosophy that informs us that what you bring into our home matters, having the ability to impact your daily life positively or negatively.  We don’t embrace everything about the Wabi Sabi design aesthetic, such as a muted color palette, (big fans of bold color here) but there are three key concepts about this philosophy that really resonate with the mission of our business.   

Simplicity:  Minimalism in the home is something to be embraced because it is conducive to creating an environment where the things that are beautiful and have personal meaning can be highlighted and appreciated.  When we treat things with gratitude and respect that is a way to honor the creativity and talents of the creator/maker and the beauty inherent in the piece.   Overconsumption is a lack of meaningful connection to ourselves and things we buy and if we aren’t purchasing consciously, we will find ourselves in a home that doesn’t feel like us and where we end up being owned by our stuff.  

Imperfection:  Perfection is a monster we all wrestle with in its various insidious forms.  The interior design industry often pushes an ideal that does a disservice to many because what they are promoting isn’t achievable for most people.  Perfect interiors require lots of time and money or both, and many families don’t have an abundance of either.  People need moderately priced products and services so that they can create a home that reflects who they are, not an ideal in a magazine.  Previously used items are affordable, but flawed and elevating their value makes good design accessible to more people.

Impermanence:  Just like life, our homes have a natural ebb and flow.  Our spaces are constantly in flux and things are always changing because we are always changing.  Who we are today isn’t who we’ll be in 10, 15, or 20 years and if we have a connection to our homes and the things in it, then we’ll know when it is time to pass these pieces along. The inability to let go of things that no longer serve us keeps many of us dissatisfied with our homes, but this process shouldn’t be careless or reckless, valuing a piece that once held meaning for you means finding it a new home where it will be appreciated.