Home Interior Design Styles: Wabi Sabi, Shabby Chic, and Design Psychology
Wabi Sabi, an ancient Chinese philosophy adapted by the Japanese
and practiced by many Westerners today, presents an alternative
way of living more than a way of decorating your home. However,
you can adapt your interior and landscape design using Wabi Sabi
principles for happiness.
"Wabi Sabi" (pronounced "wah-bee sah-bee") was formalized as the
Zen Buddhism tea ceremony evolved. Zen Buddhism originated in
India, traveled through China in the 6th Century, and to Japan
in the 12th century. The ancient wisdom of Wabi Sabi
practitioners helps today's busy home makers with interesting
interior design ideas. Wabi Sabi interior design followers learn
to relax, take time appreciate the beauty and simplicity of
natural design, and to know that their home doesn't need
perfection to bring joy, which compares to our research findings
in residential Design Psychology.
Before you relate Wabi Sabi to Shabby Chic style, understand
that the Wabi Sabi way of life starts with simplicity, whereas
Shabby Chic interiors often fill spaces with a lot of
interesting finds, which can end up with too much to care for
and eye clutter, according to Design Psychology principles. This
lesson of too much design detail, which stops the eye and makes
you feel overwhelmed, became apparent to us when we moved from
our expansive Victorian home into a smaller house and had to
choose the more important furnishings from the treasures
discovered over ten years of collecting, both in antique and
thrift stores.
If you want to makeover your home for joyous living, consider
Wabi Sabi restraints along with Design Psychology principles:
Simplify your life and home design. When you choose the best
from your treasures, keep those accessories that support
positive memories, regardless of monetary value.
Take pleasure from natural beauty. Choose design details with
colors, patterns, and textures similar to those found in nature,
which feel harmonious to people because they connect us to the
earth.
Appreciate your home and furnishings, no matter how imperfect.
When you love
your home, this love shines throughout and makes
it easier for you to clean and maintain. Your positive attitude
brings you encouragement to find beauty all around, inspiring
fresh ideas for home makeover projects.
Wabi Sabi beliefs include the principles of incomplete and
impermanent designs, which parallel the Design Psychology
principle that your home needs to grow and change, to support
your changing lifestyle and emotional needs.
In contrast to Wabi Sabi's use of modest and humble furnishings,
Design Psychology appreciates the inherent beauty in all things.
Enjoy the fruits of your hard work and don't feel guilty when
mixing the humble with quality showpieces. I love my Italian
Millifiore glass lamps sitting next to my Mexican Rose rock.
Like any good design theory, Wabi Sabi finds beauty in the
unconventional. Your originality in design makes your home
unique. Design Psychology practice avoids the use of furniture
"groups" and prefers unique, individual pieces offering comfort.
If you were tempted by a furniture set, such as matching sofa,
love seat, and the three matching tables, don't worry; just know
that additional pieces don't need to match perfectly and that
blending styles and finishes makes unconventional, unique spaces.
Design Psychology supports fearless home makeovers, bold with
colors to lend emotional support yet restrained, without
overly-filled rooms, to provide backgrounds for people and
harmonious living.
Similar to the Wabi Sabi tea ceremony, practice daily rituals in
your home. Create a home to celebrate life, one full of
tranquility and beauty. Choose your home interior design style
to best support your happiness.
Copyright © 2005 Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
About the author:
Jeanette Fisher, author of interior design books, has researched
the effects of environment on emotions for over 15 years. She
teaches Design Psychology and real estate investing. Free Design
Psychology ebooks http://www.JoytotheHome.com/
Written by: Jeanette Joy Fisher
|
