Super Traders - Articles

How does one incorporate a Japanese philosophy of impermanence and incompleteness in a bathroom? Shivani Ajmera of Quirk Studio shows us how, with their render of a gorgeous semi-open space…

Keeping in mind the narrative of minimalistic, slim and modern design that incorporates Kohler’s new ModernLife Edge line, we decided to use Wabi Sabi as our inspiration for this bathroom. The Wabi Sabi philosophy celebrates the imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. ‘Wabi’ stands for understated elegance in Japanese, while ‘Sabi’ represents enjoying the imperfections. We have used IPS, a concrete countertop, black-and-white patterned tiles, wood, black metal with a whole lot of greens and natural sunlight to tie the space together and create a mood that de-stresses and helps one reconnect with nature.

Quirk Studio’s Tips on Working Wabi Sabi Into Your Spaces And Going Minimalist Play around with natural handmade materials and textures like cement, lime plaster and stone Keep the area light and uncluttered; remember that less is always more Use a soothing, monochromatic colour palette that calms the senses Definitely add some greens and foliage, for a splash of nature and to brighten up the bath space. Plants such as bamboo and succulents help in adding that much needed pop of colour and warmth Don’t forget to stimulate your senses with a welcoming fragrance and soft lighting…so introduce elements and decor that can bring out the same Remember that flow of the layout relates with the functionality – this is most important while designing a bathroom Use fewer materials, keeping the bathroom seamless as well as easy to maintain Optimise on ceiling heights as much as possible Keep the vanity storage simple and not overbearing or bulky Avoid cluttered open shelving units – keep them as clean and neat as possible Use interesting ambient lighting to create a mood Wall-hung WCs and suspended vanities work well for small bathroom spaces, as they look less bulky as well as allow for easy cleaning and maintenance