Author: Interior Design Durham
Going against the mainstream idea that having more things is equal to living better, a new idea of living with the minimal appeared inspired by the minimalist movement. According to this idea people should live only with the things that has a deep meaning to them. There isn’t a maximum number of things that someone should have to be considered a minimalist, but the main idea is that “less is more” and a fulfilling life is a life where you a surrounded by things and people that has meaning to you
One way of thinking about the minimalist in interior design is going to Japanese design and understanding the aesthetics of WabiSabi. WabiSabi is an aesthetic movement develop under the idea of the beauty of the impermanent and imperfect. This movement were expressed in a lot of different arts, like paint, calligraphy and ceramics, but to our ideas of minimalist interior design, the most important expressions were the works of Sen no Rikyu (1522 – 1591) in the Japanese Tea Ceremony or Chanoyu.
We usually think about the Japanese tea room as something that always were simple and full of deep meaning. However, it wasn’t always like this. The Japanese Tea Ceremony was a luxurious practice that was performed to show how someone has expensive possessions and a great culture of the nearby world.
Sen no Rikyu, with his aesthetic balance and preference towards the simple, changed the focus of the tea ceremony to communion between peoples in a place that is beautiful because of its simplicity and imperfection. He focused on imperfect and asymmetrical utensils that would be considered defective by others. For him, these things made in modest materials for the time (bamboo, clay and wood) could receive the marks of time and usage, making them bear more meaning than just their form and material alone. According to Sen no Rikyu, these utensils can make us perceive the imperfect nature of our life and the beauty of a world that is always in motion.
To help us think about how we can transport the ideas of Sen no Rikyu to our modern home, Andrew Juniper, in his book “WabiSabi: The Japanese Art of Imperfection”[1], tell us about some of the design principles of a minimalist WabiSabi approach.
According to his ideas, a WabiSabi interior design should start focusing on simplicity, no embellishment or ostentation, and on free space, were nothing should surplus the required for a single room. Because “it is often necessary to get rid of all excess in order to give sufficient space to just one expression”[2]. Having simple and spacious rooms, one should work in keep these rooms sober and concentrate in fill part of the free space with objects and furniture that are made of organic materials, that can show the passage of time and get more meaning according to its age, has some irregularities and has a natural uneven texture.
Using these design principles, you should be able to design an interior that is minimal in quantity of things but has a deeper meaning for the ones that live in these spaces. The Japanese WabiSabi aesthetics toward the natural and imperfect may not resonate with you. However, their simplicity and sobriety can help anyone how wish to live a simpler life to design places that focus on what is important for them.
[1] JUNIPER, Andrew. 2003.WabiSabi: The Japanese Art of Imperfection. USA; Japan: Tuttle Publishing.
[2]Ibid, p. 116.
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
One of the significant decor elements for the living room is the sofa. Sofa designs for living room radiates the feeling of comfort, the dweller’s personality, and their personal touch to the design. From traditional Indian settees to modern-day lounges, with plenty of choices available, it can be puzzling what to choose. With this curation […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]
Flooring design is an important element for the overall aesthetics and function of your home. Whether you prefer the classic style of marble, the tradition and warmth of wooden flooring, or the practical use of tiles, the right flooring can revive your space. With shifts in design trends, Indian homes are starting to incorporate a […]
When designing a home, interior decor ideas to craft spaces become a necessity. From small plant vases to big furniture pieces everything comes in handy for making space speak one’s personality. But with an ample amount of products available in the market, it becomes daunting at times what to choose. With this blog, we cover […]
A bedroom is more than just a place to sleep, it’s a personal retreat that reflects your style. Modern bedroom designs are the best mix of functionality, comfort, as well as aesthetics that transform an ordinary space into an elegant yet inviting one. Whether you like minimalistic design, industrial design, warm wood, and linen in […]
The Indian home decor market has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing preference for personalized, high-quality interiors. No longer are homeowners settling for mass-produced decor—there is a clear shift towards customization, exclusivity, and sustainable choices. The demand for bespoke home decor products, especially wallpapers, is skyrocketing as […]
Have you ever walked into a home and instantly felt a sense of peace, like everything just “flows” perfectly? Or, on the flip side, stepped into a space that felt heavy, cluttered, or just… off? Believe it or not, the way a home is designed and decorated affects not just its aesthetics but also the […]
Tiny house designs are very exciting and intimidating in themselves. Moreover, they come with their benefits and challenges as well. To know and understand tiny house designs, one must have enough knowledge about the challenges one can face. It can be individual or separate entities and also can be shared living spaces. The following are […]
A well-designed false ceiling design for hall can create the entire mood of your interiors by adding elegance and character to the space. From simple gypsum to highly designed wooden patterns, these ceiling designs not only beautify the whole ambience but also improve sound quality distribution, thermal insulation, and lighting distribution within the room. In […]