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This Is the #1 Home Trend for 2018, According to Etsy

No matter how hard we work to keep our homes chic and organized, in today’s world of over sharing, there always seems to be someone around to make you feel crappy about your efforts. And let’s call a spade a spade: It’s a drag.

Well, brace thineselves for Wabi Sabi, friends. The Japanese aesthetic rooted in Zen Buddhism is all about actually embracing interior imperfection—and living your most authentic (read: Cheerios-strewn) life. According to Etsy’s latest home trends report, the philosophy is poised to dominate decor in 2018.

Hmm. Out with the new and in with the old and un-retouched? Now there’s a novel concept for the new year. Below, the core tenets of Wabi Sabi, and some Pinterest visuals to illustrate.

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Nature

Communication and harmony with nature is essential to Wabi Sabi. Think: Earthy tones like greens and grays, raw materials like wood and stone and elements of greenery left in their natural shapes.

 

Asymmetry

“Keep it real” is basically Wabi Sabi’s motto. Thus, embracing the innately wonky across decor and styling is encouraged. To achieve the look on a micro level, look to leaving linens un-ironed, embracing dinged-up furniture rather than replacing and “fixing” broken ceramics with the Japanese art of Kintsugi.

Modesty

With a focus on living with less and relying on organic, imperfect materials, Wabi Sabi asks that you keep things simple across decor (nothing too precious or fussy or fancy, folks), and that you adopt a general less-is-more approach. Zen indeed.



grace1

Home Editor

From 2014-2019 Grace Beuley Hunt held the role of Home Editor covering interior design, styling, trends and more.