Embracing the imperfect - Wabi Sabi

At Sarah Vivian Home, we fully embrace the ethos of Wabi Sabi in our approach to design and styling. The spirit of Wabi Sabi has been around since the early 9th century, with its roots founded in Zen Buddhism. Over time Wabi Sabi has evolved into a (mainly) Japanese concept of finding simple, natural beauty in imperfection. The Wabi Sabi aesthetic is described as ‘imperfect, impermanent and incomplete’.

Wabi Sabi is made up of 2 concepts. Wabi is defined as simplicity - less is more, while Sabi defines finding pleasure in the imperfect. Together, Wabi Sabi style celebrates the passing of time and the beauty that comes with age; the worn patina of an object with its unique flaws and cracks.

Wabi Sabi embraces materials that are organic and tactile; aged wood, worn stone and concrete, soft linens and cotton, beaten metals. Shapes are asymmetrical and organic, using natural elements such as branches as eye catching features. The Wabi Sabi color palette is a neutral one; off white and greys are complemented by soft greens and earth-tone colors such as ochre and terracotta to reflect the beautiful simplicity of nature. Blues are inky and deep. Lighting is soft and calming.

In a world where we are trying to reduce our footprint and our impact on our earth, the idea of using objects again and again truly resonates with SV Home. It is the honoring of what has been before, and shaping these pieces for the future. We believe there is nothing better than reusing or re-discovering a discarded product, and bringing it to life again. The most beautiful objects are the ones that have a story to tell. In our homes we use vintage items over new items wherever possible. Sustainability is at the core of who we are, and the concept of Wabi Sabi holds true for us.

At SV Home we believe embracing Wabi Sabi in our styling provides a space with a sense of grounding, peace and balance, while paying our respect to both the past and our future.