creating a wabi-sabi kitchen: 20 tips to inspire you

what is a wabi sabi kitchen?

there are many ways to create a wabi-sabi inspired kitchen, and they all revolve around several key facets of the wabi-sabi view. embracing imperfection, leaning into simplicity, favoring craftsmanship, and seeking harmony are just a few of them.

homing in on kitchen design specifically, you can expect to see heavy use of natural materials, textural contrast, muted colors, asymmetry, and negative space. (and, tip, you can use many of these techniques in the living room and bathroom, too.)

tips for wabi sabi kitchen design

let’s look a little more closely at wabi-sabi elements that could play a starring role in the kitchen.

1. select materials inspired by nature

you’d be hard-pressed to find a wabi-sabi kitchen that doesn’t feature natural materials. picture a natural travertine backsplash with marble countertops, a terracotta tiled floor, reclaimed wood shelving, and linen textiles.

2. embrace rustic finishes and patinas

speaking of natural materials: the wabi-sabi view embraces how these materials change over time. a brick floor whose patina hints at heavy foot traffic, wooden accents that are worn from years of use — these types of finishes make a wabi-sabi inspired space feel lived-in.

3. choose earthy tones and muted colors

a wabi-sabi inspired space is made up of muted colors and earthy tones. this is where you’ll prize a neutral palette of browns, tans, greys, greens, and terracottas. these natural hues complement organic materials and help create a serene space.

4. embrace imperfection and authenticity

if you have chipped bowls, patinated copper pots, or worn napkins, reconsider the urge to repair or replace them. the wabi-sabi japanese philosophy embraces these kinds of imperfections and even celebrates them for the personal memories they hold. the same goes for the imperfections you’ll find in natural materials.

5. maximize natural light and airiness

in a space that prioritizes the use of natural materials, it only makes sense to incorporate natural light as well. sunlight can highlight the imperfections in stone tile, for example, or emphasize the uneven texture of raw, unfinished wood.

6. balance function and aesthetics

wabi-sabi’s focus on minimalism means that you should incorporate only objects that are useful, or particularly beautiful. an object need not be both — incorporating a little of each, in fact, can help you achieve that just-right balance of function and beauty.

7. choose handmade floor tiles

when it comes to creating a wabi-sabi kitchen, we (naturally) have some opinions about tile. making the right tile choices, after all, is one of the most powerful ways you can infuse your space, be it a tile-floor living room or small bathroom, with a wabi-sabi view.

in a kitchen centered around the perfectly imperfect, handmade floor tiles are a natural fit. this type of handmade tile adds character with its subtle variation in size, color, and texture. we’re especially fond of stone, brick, and terracotta here. another idea: consider incorporating a transition from  wood floors to the kitchen tile.

8. opt for distressed or reclaimed wood cabinetry

if you’ll be installing new cabinetry, opting for distressed or reclaimed wood is a great way to infuse a lived-in feel from the get-go. wabi-sabi inspired spaces favor love-worn objects over the shiny and new.

9. create a focal point with a natural stone backsplash or countertops

of all the kitchen materials out there, natural stone makes the most sense in a wabi-sabi space. go for a dolomite tile backsplash if you prefer a classic white, or get adventurous with a boldly streaked calacatta gold countertop.

10. incorporate open shelving

open shelving is an excellent way to introduce open space to the kitchen — and encourage editing down. this is where you’ll want to display your most prized possessions, be they beautiful or functional. the goal here is to embrace the essence of the objects you choose to keep out.

11. display rustic kitchenware

speaking of open shelving: rustic kitchenware might be just the thing to display on yours (if rustic kitchenware is you, of course). beautiful, functional, rich in patina — it checks all the wabi-sabi boxes, so to speak.

12. create asymmetry for visual interest

embracing asymmetry in your kitchen design introduces a dynamic sense of balance that feels both organic and visually captivating. instead of strictly aligning elements, allow your layout to feature unexpected placements and varying scales. this approach aligns with the wabi sabi philosophy by highlighting the beauty of natural irregularities and thoughtful contrasts.

13. use woven baskets for storage and organization

woven baskets are another type of item you might find in a wabi-sabi kitchen, especially if they are of the handmade variety. practical with natural textures, they can bring beautiful function to a pantry, open shelving, or cabinets.

14. incorporate aged metals for timeworn charm

integrating aged metals like brushed brass, copper, and wrought iron in any hardware, fixtures, or accent pieces adds a subtle layer of history and character. this approach not only ties in with the wabi sabi ethos of embracing natural aging and imperfection but also adds a warm and inviting touch your kitchen design.

15. add potted plants or fresh herbs for greenery

considering how central nature is to the wabi-sabi philosophy, potted plants and fresh herbs fit well into this type of kitchen. consider adding a houseplant you find to be especially useful, or introduce a bit of function as well by keeping frequently used herbs close by.

16. select lighting fixtures with organic shapes and materials

while wabi-sabi inspired spaces make heavy use of sunlight, no kitchen would be complete without adequate lighting. as you choose overhead, accent, and task lighting, look at fixtures that feature natural materials or organic silhouettes.

17. mix and match furniture pieces for a lived-in feel

wabi-sabi inspired spaces feel lived-in. transient. thoughtfully curated. whether you’re choosing a table, chairs, or an island for your kitchen, remember that mixing and matching (and introducing well-loved pieces) is encouraged.

18. prioritize simplicity in the layout

a key principle of wabi sabi design is simplicity. in your kitchen, this means creating an uncluttered, harmonious space where every element has its purpose. opt for clean lines and minimal decor, allowing functional elements to shine while maintaining an inviting atmosphere.

19. include textural contrast

introducing a mix of textures in your kitchen can add depth and invite touch. combine materials such as honed stone, smooth ceramics, and weathered wood to create a layered and balanced look. the interplay between textures will celebrate the varied surfaces that make a space uniquely beautiful.

20. balance modern and traditional aesthetics

finding harmony between modern functionality and traditional charm is central to wabi sabi kitchen design. integrate sleek, contemporary appliances with vintage pieces to create a space that feels both current and familiar. this balance allows you to create an innovative space that also honors the character found in classic design.

incorporating these 20 tips into your kitchen design is more than a renovation — it's an invitation to embrace the wabi sabi philosophy in every detail of your home. from selecting nature-inspired materials and celebrating imperfection to balancing modern functionality with traditional charm, each technique is designed to help you create a space that is as soulful and unique as the artisanal tiles that inspire it.