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

Shivani Ajmera, Interior Designer and Founder, Quirk Studio, Mumbai

“Along with my partner Disha Bhavsar, I founded the interior design firm Quirk Studio in 2013. Our company is known for its bespoke concepts and contemporary, ingenious vision that we imbibe in each project we work on. The binding thread that unites our practice is the shared penchant for design and how spaces influence one’s quality of life.”

Website: www.quirkstudio.in

Text: Compiled by The Blue Pencil Design Company

Images Courtesy: Quirk Studio