Harmonising with Nature: Redefine wabi-sabi style with PFAS-free fabrics

If the start of a new year has got you thinking about making some changes to your interior, the rise of the wabi-sabi décor trend may well give you just the incentive you need.

Inspired by ancient Japanese philosophy, this organic approach to warm minimalism can easily be achieved with the help of FibreGuard’s PFAS-free upholstery fabrics.

In this blog post, we explore the principles of wabi-sabi interior design, and look at how you can bring this restful aesthetic into your home through tactile textiles and a calming colour palette.

What is the wabi-sabi aesthetic?

Wabi-sabi is an ancient Japanese philosophy that encourages us to look for the joy in imperfection. The term comes from the Japanese words 'wabi', meaning simplicity, and 'sabi' meaning the beautiful imperfections that can occur with age.

In terms of interiors, the wabi-sabi aesthetic celebrates a rustic simplicity with an emphasis on natural materials. It's about creating an authentic, 'lived in' space in which you can fully relax and recharge.

Interiors inspired by wabi-sabi philosophy typically feature natural materials, organic textures and a muted colour palette. Think neutral shades such as beige, cream and brown, along with vintage finds and hand-crafted accessories.

Related Read: Designing wabi-sabi hospitality spaces with smooth materials

Exploring organic upholstery and earthy hues suitable for wabi-sabi decor

With many of us aware of the vital need to protect the planet, it’s never been more important to choose eco-conscious materials for your home.

One of the reasons why FibreGuard’s highly durable fabrics are a more sustainable choice is because their extended lifespan means they need to be replaced less frequently.

Wabi-sabi interior design calls for a soft, earthy colour palette of greys, browns and beiges along with layers of textural contrasts such as smooth marble or porcelain combined with rougher surfaces like raw plaster or highly grained wood. The result is a calm, organic environment which is restful on the eye and allows artwork and accessories to shine.

"Wabi-sabi design is a celebration of natural and imperfect beauty. Fabrics and fibres that are perfect for wabi-sabi décor are those that incorporate natural textures and elements such as bouclé, or those with linen, cotton, and wool characteristics." – The FibreGuard textile design team

Examples of wabi-sabi fabrics from specific FibreGuard collections include woven geometric patterns featuring muted brown, beige and terracotta, and highly textured fabrics with a two-toned look that give real textural interest to a scheme.

Woven plains in plum, granite and sage are also perfect for wabi-sabi décor because they form a calm backdrop for layers of richer textures.

Related Read: Cultivate carefree living with soft neutral room styling

Why FibreGuard’s performance upholstery is perfectly suited to wabi-sabi style

If you’re looking for fabrics to complete your wabi-sabi interior, then FibreGuard’s textured, easy-clean upholstery is the answer. Available in a wide range of finishes with alluring hand-feels such as basketweave, chenille and jacquard, our fabrics are the ideal match for tactile wabi-sabi style.

The colours on offer also tie in perfectly with this rustic interiors trend. Choose from shades such as muddy brown and moss green, as well as calming neutrals including taupe and sage.

As a market-leading manufacturer of performance furnishing fabrics, FibreGuard offers stain-resistant upholstery of the highest possible quality. Our fabrics are easy to clean because of their embedded stain-free technology. That means you can confidently include wabi-sabi pale neutrals in your scheme without the fear of them being ruined by sticky fingers or accidental spills.

Our performance upholstery fabrics are also highly durable and PFAS-free which means they don’t contain any harmful chemicals.

In line with the wabi-sabi approach to respecting the natural world, FibreGuard is committed to sustainable practices in our fabric manufacturing process. Our eco standards ensure that both FibreGuard and our suppliers adhere to strict environmental guidelines. Our STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification means that our fabrics are kind to the planet as well as to the skin. And many of our collections use Global Recycled Standard yarns or are certified under the Organic Content Standard.

Related Read: Why eco-conscious furniture manufacturers use Fibreguard fabrics

5 ways to bring wabi-sabi style into your home

1. Bring the outside in with colours inspired by the natural world such as warm browns, muted greens and soft greys.
2. Use natural materials including grained woods, textured stone and tactile linen-feel textiles.
3. Create an authentic, rustic feel with raw plaster walls, vintage pieces and naïve artworks.
4. Embrace the ‘perfectly imperfect’ vibe with hand-thrown pottery and accessories featuring organic shapes.
5. Introduce textured fabrics such as FibreGuard’s woven, touchably soft stain-resistant upholstery.

To sum up, bringing wabi-sabi style into your home can create a restful sanctuary thanks to neutral tones, organic shapes, and authentic, pre-loved furniture and accessories.

Want to find out more about how to incorporate FibreGuard’s performance upholstery into your interior? Get in touch with us today.