November 15, 2024
More than an aesthetic – wabi-sabi is a way of life.
While we’d usually cringe at a time-worn crack or dent in a wall, the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi offers a different perspective: accepting these imperfections as a form of beauty and living alongside them.
Though often confused for one, wabi-sabi is not an interior theme. To break it down, ‘wabi’ relates to appreciating simplicity while ‘sabi’ implies recognising the naturally flawed and impermanent nature of things.
So, what is wabi-sabi in interior design?
Homes centred around the wabi-sabi concept remove unnecessary embellishments to focus on what truly matters to the owners – but this doesn’t equate to sleek and clinical spaces. Rather, you’ll find more asymmetry, organic shapes like curves, and relaxing open spaces.
You’ll also find more natural materials (think wood and stone) that develop scratches and peel as they age, and a restrained palette with a moody, cosy feel.
Of course, planning such an interior is easier said than done. To help you out, here’s a list of 6 firms experienced in wabi-sabi interiors who can advise you from conceptualisation to execution!
View this project by The Interior Lab
Helmed by a pair of industry veterans with over a decade of experience and a 30-member strong team of designers, the Interior Lab sets out with daring ideas that are meticulously executed.
To date, the team has worked on a range of home and commercial projects – including wabi-sabi homes – that “marry style with substance” and integrate elements like bespoke built-ins and customised furniture/finishings.
View this project by The Interior Lab
The firm is also a certified designer company of Austrian fittings manufacturer BLUM, so you can be assured of the use of reliable and quality fittings in your home.
In recognition of their super service quality, The Interior Lab is a six-time recipient of the Qanvast SuperTrust badge, awarded to the top 15% of firms.
Explore: SuperTrust: The Best Interior Design Firms in Singapore in 2024
View this project by Ascend Design
Thought-provoking yet functional aesthetics form the core of Ascend Design’s approach to each project they work on, to create a space that “reflects your lifestyle”.
Here’s what you can expect: a step-by-step process that involves everything from space planning to furniture proposal – covering even the smallest details that you might miss, like the size of your doors and carpentry, and how you want them to open.
Just look at these homes in the firm’s portfolio: uncluttered, warm spaces filled with organic shapes and natural materials like limewash that embody the wabi-sabi philosophy.
View this project by Intheory Design
With a tagline “Design Meets Living”, Intheory Design believes that good interior design shouldn’t just captivate the eye – it should also enhance the way people live.
Reviews of the firm are also testament to this. Many of their past clients describe their experience as one where designers take the time to listen to their needs and lifestyle habits before proposing bespoke detailed design solutions.
View this project by Intheory Design
And don’t worry if this is your first time renovating; the team at Intheory Design will guide you through every step of the way, right down to details like material and colour selection!
View this project by Ovon Design
A young team that sees the “potential of every square foot”, Ovon Design will guide you from ideation to the completion of your project.
View this project by Ovon Design
If you have a grand vision of your home inspired by the wabi-sabi philosophy, but have no clue how to carry it out, Ovon Design has you covered with a range of services that include bespoke carpentry and soft furnishing/styling consultation.
View this project by The Local INN.terior 新家室
For the Local INN.terior, building a client’s ideal spaces involves “exploration…out of [their] comfort zones” and sometimes “literally… getting [their] hands dirty with hands on work”.
View this project by The Local INN.terior 新家室
With an extensive portfolio of residential and commercial projects under their belt, the team is well-equipped to guide you in designing a home that appreciates simplicity and impermanence – while considering practicality, of course.
Contact The Local INN.terior 新家室
View this project by Fifth Avenue Interior
Incorporating wabi-sabi in your home shouldn’t be about following a fixed look that populates Pinterest boards – rather, it reflects what you value.
That’s why Fifth Avenue Interior is one firm you can turn to for your renovation, given their commitment to designing a home based on your lifestyle and vision.
View this project by Fifth Avenue Interior
The firm aims to provide quality and cost-effective projects with excellent workmanship that are “within schedule and budget, without compromising attention to details”.
They also have a dedicated after-sales service to regularly check in with homeowners.
(This article was originally published on 15 November 2023 and last updated on 15 November 2024.)
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