The Inspiration behind our latest collection ‘Wabi Sabi’
As we emerge from these challenging times, Sekers are not holding back on launching new and innovative collections to be specified in the Marine, Hospitality, Leisure and Healthcare industries. This week we celebrated adding 2 new collections; Urmia and Wabi Sabi to our portfolio. Wabi Sabi is a versatile collection featuring two textured jacquard designs named Kinshuku and Fushin.
The Meaning behind Wabi Sabi
This bold design duo was inspired by Japan’s age old philosophy known as Wabi-Sabi. In today’s society Wabi-Sabi is a concept centered around accepting the beauty that can be found in imperfections. The exact meaning of the terms Wabi and Sabi are difficult to translate into english:
- Wabi describes the pleasant feeling that can be derived from spending time alone, surrounded by nature.
- Sabi is used to express that something or someone has aged and become weathered.
Although both have quite negative connotations, in the 14th century Wabi-Sabi found a more optimistic meaning and began to commemorate the grace that comes as a result of age and use. The concept encourages one to believe that with age, beauty grows as new charm is acquired. It is an aesthetic that has influenced modern art and Japanese culture that finds beauty in flaws, impermanence, naturalness and uniqueness.
How traditional Japanese aesthetics influenced our latest upholstery collection Wabi Sabi
Wabi-Sabi can be characterised by it’s careful use of colours which are drawn from nature. It draws inspiration from tones that can be found in the natural world such as the darker shades that can be found in the sea, the mountains and forests, as well as the lighter hues of natural materials. Our Wabi Sabi collection combines natural, earthy tones and textures to create two visually impressive designs. From the warm neutral tones of Mocha and Latte, to the burnt orange hues of Rust and Amber and the refreshing green of Fern and Moss, Wabi Sabi boasts a great selection of colourways.
Taking its cue from traditional Japanese aesthetics, Kinshuku echos the Wabi Sabi principle that is Fukinsei. This concept suggests that nature is never perfectly symmetric, yet shows that the impact of this asymmetry can be magnificent. Fukinsei interior decor focuses on creating harmony with asymmetric patterns. The aim is to create an engaging atmosphere while inspiring creativity. Another characteristic of Wabi-Sabi is marks of aging. Fushin presents a complementary semi-plain with subtle line markings. These textured indents create depth within the pattern and mimic the cracks, scratches and textures that signify beauty according to Wabi-Sabi.
Ways you can incorporate the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic into your interior project
The Wabi-Sabi aesthetic isn’t really one that can be bought but rather a mindset that influences both you and your surroundings. Instead of seeking to create a glossy, stylish and coordinated interior space, aim to create an area that is relaxed, calming and full of items that are charming and unique. Wabi-Sabi teaches us to first re-examine what we consider most essential in life and make these ‘essential items’ the main focus in our interiors. It favors having fewer items, with strong durability that can withstand the test of time. These items that we have may become imperfect over time, allowing them to tell a story and radiate beauty.
Others ways of incorporating Wabi-Sabi include using genuine, organic materials such as wood, glass, stone, metal and rattan, as well as drawing the eye to existing flaws. It is encouraged to leave details incomplete and given items that have chips and cracks pride of place in the room.
To view our full Wabi Sabi collection, click here.