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There’s a kind of peace that comes from letting go of perfection. Cracked edges, sun-worn wood, faded linen – these aren’t flaws, they’re stories. That’s the heartbeat of Wabi Sabi, a Japanese-inspired design philosophy rooted in impermanence, simplicity, and natural elegance. And in the world of interiors, it’s less about styling and more about feeling.
Marie Kondo phrase it beautifully in this quote from her article: Wabi-Sabi & The Wonders of Woodwork
Wabi-sabi is an important aspect of Japanese philosophy. It centers on the acceptance of transience and imperfection, and embracing natural processes. This concept is perfectly reflected in classical Japanese architecture, in which wood takes center stage.
To help you bring that grounded, quiet beauty into your home, we’ve created a bespoke paint colour palette called Wabi-Sabi: Still Life. Curated for homeowners, decorators, DIYers, and professionals who value warmth, restraint, and soulful design, this trio of hues works together like a whispered conversation. Each shade holds its own, but none tries to dominate the room.
Wabi-Sabi: Still Life Colour Palette
So What’s the Deal with 60/30/10?
This simple ratio is the backbone of balanced design. It guides how much of each colour you use:
- 60% is your main colour – the one that sets the mood.
- 30% is your secondary colour, used to support and contrast.
- 10% is your accent – used just enough to give the space its rhythm.
Think of it like a well-plated dish. You need the base, the texture, and a little surprise. In the Still Life Palette, Light Reflection forms the base layer, Daphne’s Dream adds weight and harmony, and Pecan Nut gives just enough earthiness to make everything feel anchored.
Let’s unpack this trio.
60% Light Reflection (Y6-A2-3): The Breath Between Notes
This soft neutral is warm without being sugary. It’s not grey, not beige, not cream – just a pale, calming hue with a yellow undertone that catches the light in a way that feels alive. Cover most of your walls in Light Reflection and you’ve got space that feels open but not cold, minimalist but not bare.
Think of it as the blank canvas that isn’t actually blank. More like a sunlit cotton sheet drying on the line – uncomplicated, warm, and quietly necessary. In homes where stillness matters, this is the kind of paint that doesn’t shout. It listens.
30% Daphne’s Dream (Y1-E2-3): The Soft Spine of the Room
Daphne’s Dream is that rare taupe that actually feels like something. With its yellow undertone, it leans warm – like the clay of an old pot or the colour of dust dancing in afternoon sunbeams.
Use it on a feature wall, fireplace surround, or kitchen cabinetry. It grounds the space without feeling weighty. Paired with raw timber, it looks like it belongs. Next to metal or glass, it warms things up. It’s the connective tissue in the Still Life Palette – a gentle step deeper into the Wabi Sabi mood.
10% Pecan Nut (O6-D1-3): A Bow to Nature
This is the accent, the punctuation mark. Rich, warm brown with orange undertones – Pecan Nut is the colour of polished wood, old leather, dried leaves. It’s less “pop of colour” and more “breath of earth.”
Use it sparingly: perhaps on a built-in bookshelf, a window frame, or skirting boards and accent pieces. Or get creative: paint a panel behind a headboard or a breakfast nook bench. It’s especially striking in natural light, where it shifts and deepens like soil after rain.
Why It Works Without Trying So Hard
The Wabi-Sabi: Still Life Palette is about timeless tone and warm comfort. These three colours – when used in the suggested 60/30/10 ratio – build subtle contrast without chaos. The look is layered but not busy, soft but never bland.
Wabi Sabi décor avoids the trap of perfection. A nick in the wall, a handmade ceramic vase, a curtain that’s just slightly uneven – these are welcome. And that’s the brilliance of this palette. It doesn’t try to erase the quirks of a lived-in home. It amplifies them. Makes them feel intentional.
Bringing Wabi Sabi to Life with Décor
Painting is just the beginning. To truly live the Wabi Sabi aesthetic, curate your space with intention, not perfection. Here’s how:
- Choose materials with soul. Go for linen over polyester, clay over plastic, unvarnished timber over high-gloss MDF. Imperfections like knots, cracks, or uneven glazes are welcomed here – they give objects character.
- Embrace empty space. Wabi Sabi isn’t minimalist in the cold, museum-like sense. But it does favour breathing room. Let your walls show. Let light move freely. Not every surface needs an object.
- Celebrate wear and weathering. Instead of replacing something when it starts to age, ask yourself if it still has presence. A faded cushion, a scuffed stool, a chipped bowl – all of these can enhance a space if they’ve aged with grace.
- Keep the palette quiet. Stick to muted tones, earthy textures, and tonal layering. Use colour the way nature does – in gradients, not bursts.
- Curate, don’t decorate. Every item in the room should feel chosen. A handwoven rug, a single ceramic vase, an old pine bench. These are the touchstones that bring your space to life. The goal is to create a “settled” space, as opposed to overtly “styled”.
Wabi Sabi homes are sanctuaries rather than showpieces.
Paint Like You Mean It
This isn’t about choosing “neutral colours” and calling it a day. Rather, it’s about composing a space that breathes with you. Whether you’re a seasoned interior designer, a DIY weekend warrior, or a homeowner looking for that just-right feeling, the Paint Expert Still Life Palette is designed to give you room to feel.
Ask your nearest Plascon Paint Expert store for samples, guidance, and tailored advice. This palette works best when you see it in your own light – literally.
Because in the end, good design isn’t sterile. It’s human. And the homes we love most are rarely flawless – they’re just full of soul.
FAQs
- Can I swap the colour proportions in the Still Life Palette?
You could, but this palette was designed around the 60/30/10 ratio for visual balance. Changing the proportions may shift the room’s mood significantly. Still, it’s your space. If you love the richness of Daphne’s Dream, nothing’s stopping you from using more of it. - What paint finish works best with these colours?
A low-sheen or matte finish pairs beautifully with the Wabi Sabi aesthetic. It softens the tones and avoids harsh reflections. Ask in-store for the best finish based on your surface (walls vs. woodwork). - Is this palette suitable for small spaces?
Absolutely. Light Reflection helps bounce light and create a feeling of openness. Just be thoughtful with where you apply the deeper tones – Daphne’s Dream and Pecan Nut can add depth without making the space feel boxed in. - Will these colours match with wood furniture or flooring?
They were made for it. The warm undertones in all three shades mean they complement oak, pine, walnut, even darker stains. The palette embraces the natural variations in timber. - How can I test the colours before committing?
Head to your nearest Plascon Paint Expert store and request sample pots. Paint swatches directly on your wall and observe them in natural daylight and lamplight. Colours always look different depending on the time of day and lighting.
