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