Contemporary Wabi Sabi Style

A collection of modern wabi-sabi projects from around the world, looking at how different designers have played with elements of the same style

This book illustrates a break from the traditional wabi-sabi style and a modern approach to design, redefining wabi-sabi for better reference, enjoyment and practicality. The book’s layout is simple and clean, with transitional pages that incorporate elements of Japanese kusanshui and an overall color palette of earthy tones common to the wabi-sabi style. A foreword by Ukrainian designer Sergey Makhno shows how the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-sabi has inspired thinking about the meaning of life and led him on his own design journey In recent years.

The Wabi-sabi aesthetic—the core of traditional Japanese aesthetics—is a simple beauty that can stand the test of time. Based on the concept of “not stripping away its rhythm”, designers have transformed the traditional Wabi-sabi style to create a modern Wabi-sabi that is more in tune with modern aesthetic sensibilities. From the tennis player Maria Sharapova and American socialite Khloe Kardashian, to the domestic winner of the Asian Hotel Design Award, Wabi-sabi has become one of the hottest styles of the moment. This book features over 30 Wabi-sabi style projects from around the world, ranging from commercial spaces such as hotels, showrooms and restaurants to residences, and presents a comprehensive look at the use of Wabi-sabi elements in contemporary interior design. Many of the most influential designers in the wabi-sabi genre are featured, including those who have created their own wabi-sabi homes.