What is Wabi Sabi?
Wabi Sabi isn’t necessarily a trend, but rather a philosophy and a way of life. Deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism, it refers to the simple and unmaterialistic, embraces all things imperfect and impermanent, and accepts the natural cycle of life. Indeed, Wabi Sabi can be woven into all aspects of our lives, and while the pandemic has forced us to take a moment to slow down from our fast-paced world, be in tune with nature, and accept our imperfections, we can certainly benefit from embracing this mindset when Hong Kong opens up again.
What about Japandi?
In more recent years, we’ve seen the Japandi philosophy gain traction in the interior world. Quite simply, it is a hybrid of Japanese and Scandinavian design, which, despite coming from opposite sides of the globe, share a deep appreciation for authentic natural materials, simplicity, craftsmanship, as well as the ‘less is more’ ethos. While Japandi takes from Wabi Sabi’s philosophy of embracing imperfection and the passage of time, it also draws inspiration from ‘hygge’, a Scandinavian term that refers to the feeling of comfort, contentment, and well-being. Together, these two concepts create a beautifully balanced look that is warm, laid back and tranquil – all while remaining highly functional.
Indeed, Wabi Sabi and Japandi’s values of embracing the natural, perfectly imperfect and beautiful craftsmanship are everything we are at EastWood. Take a look at some of our latest collections that will help you achieve a naturally stunning, simple and refined space.
One with nature
Connecting with nature plays an integral role in the Wabi Sabi and Japandi philosophies, and there’s no easier way to do so than incorporating pieces into your home with natural materials to achieve that earthy connection. Our recycled Chamcha wood stools take old wood and upcycles them into characterful furniture, with hollows, cracks and markings, which reflect maturity as well as create a unique patina of age and originality. Perfect as stylish seats or even as side tables, these naturally stunning stools prove that there is so much beauty to be found in pieces that embrace the passage of time and natural processes. Our wooden vases and bowls are a smaller alternative to the stools, with similar variations that create a naturally striking effect.
Out with the new, in with the old
Wabi Sabi is all about appreciating things that are old, weathered and natural, which our boat wood stools perfectly embody. Their journey begins in Indonesia, where the wood is salvaged from old fishermen vessels that once sailed the Southeast Asian seas. Now, these boat wood pieces take on a new life as naturally stylish furniture, each bearing colourful chipped paint, dents and bolts that tell the story of their unique past.
Nature’s influence
Aside from natural materials, consider collections that pay homage to Mother Nature. Our PURE coffee tables and side tables draw inspiration from the Earth’s molten rock, and are created using original artisanal techniques. Handcrafted from natural mineral powder and colour pigments blended together along with metal detailing, each piece features hand-etched patterns reminiscent of cracks in dried lava, giving way to naturally unique designs that lend plenty of textural interest. Gently angled tapered legs lend a light and lifted appearance, giving way to a silhouette with a more sophisticated feel.
The joy in simplicity
Simplicity sits at the heart of Wabi Sabi and Japandi, as clean and minimal spaces can help create a serene space to slow down and calm the mind. Our SARI dining table in sustainably sourced solid Rosewood features angled legs for a modern yet playful design, with clean lines for a light and airy appearance. It comes with a drawer cabinet to keep your cutlery tucked away and within easy reach, enabling you to maintain the look of a clean, clutter-free space.
Accessories with a purpose
Accessorising your space with intention will help you maintain a pared-back look that reflects the Japandi and Wabi Sabi philosophies. Look for naturally stunning pieces that also help serve a purpose like ZEN, our curation of sculptural, decorative and artistic interpretations that are expertly designed by our longstanding partner SWEE. Beautifully hand carved by skilled Thai artisans using natural materials like sustainably upcycled black-tinted mahogany and suar wood, each piece carries a unique story that is sure to spark interest and conversation. From Mango wood bowls that feature naturally occuring cracks mended with butterfly joints, to bowls with beautifully carved honeycomb detailing, this exceptional range offers stylish, functional accessories that enable you to decorate with a ‘less is more’ approach.
The art of craftsmanship
Both Wabi Sabi and Japandi share an appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship, which reflects the labour of love that was put into each piece and adds an authenticity that can never be replicated. Indeed, fine craftsmanship runs through every range at EastWood, and our Grooves sideboard is no exception. Crafted from honey brown stained solid mango fingerjoints (leftover off-cuts that would otherwise go to waste) and mixed hard woods, this stylish storage solution features beautifully hand carved lines that add to its individual character. Its doors open up to spacious compartments, offering plenty of space to keep your serveware and tableware neatly tucked away.
We hope this blog inspires you to bring a little Japandi and Wabi Sabi into your space – while there are indeed many pieces you can find here at EastWood, remember that these design philosophies can easily achieved by integrating what you already have. Think perfectly imperfect crafts made by your little ones, an indoor plant that welcomes nature in, or time-worn furniture passed down from your loved ones – the important thing is to remain grounded!
