Guest Picks: Tactile Treasures for the Home

The Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi centers on the belief that beauty is found in imperfection. It’s quite refreshing in this day and age, when everything seems to be about the glossy and new, don’t you think? This month I have rounded up 20 finds that embrace the wabi-sabi aesthetic, with tactile treasures made from natural materials like wood, paper, cloth and clay. I hope you find much here to love. — Laura from Lolalina

Shadow Vessel - $250This bowl is patched together by hand from natural cottons and linens, creating a richly textured surface. It’s fragile and beautiful, more artistic than functional.


Palm Fiber Bench Brush - $13.95Palm fiber brushes are traditionally used in Japan to tidy up tiny bonsai forests. Use yours as a hand broom to clean up small messes.


Vintage Indigo Throw - $375This vintage indigo throw has the look of a well-loved, faded pair of blue jeans. But in a throw, all of the faded bits and imperfections feel somehow elevated.


Squares + Lines Planter - $400This hand-built stoneware pot has an appealing organic shape and interesting texture. It includes drainage holes, so it’s ready for planting.


Fringed Flokati Rug - $78Just imagine sinking your feet into the deep pile of this fringed flokati rug — total bliss! The pure wool has a naturally variegated look, so no two are identical.


Waffle Linen Throw - $250The texture of this waffle linen throw is incredible. Keep one close at hand for wrapping up on chilly evenings.


Cappuccino Cup, Mauve - $24These hand-thrown, glazed cups come in three beautiful earthy hues. I would hang an assortment of them on a simple wooden peg rack.


Joshua Tree Pillow - $198Maps from a visitor’s pamphlet for Joshua Tree National Park, California, were used to create the printed fabric of this pillow. The other side has a patchwork of desert-hued materials.


Real Material Leather and Steel Side Table - $795The untreated cowhide top of this raw steel table is meant to take on a worn patina as it ages — the imperfection is part of the appeal.


Handmade Ceramic Carafe, Mustard - $40.90These carafes are handmade in Australia from French porcelain, a delicate-looking yet incredibly sturdy material. The interior has a glossy finish, while the exterior of each piece is rough and matte, making for a delightful feel in the hand.


5-Piece Goa Brushed Steel Cutlery Set - $72This elegant flatware is ergonomically designed to sit well in the hand. The contrast of the hand-polished stainless steel against the matte black is beautiful.


Faceted Walnut Salt and Pepper Shakers - $48These hand-shaped walnut salt and pepper shakers look like miniature works of art.


Capri Table Linens, Aqua - $48The slightly chunky weave and frayed edges of these aqua blue table linens from Serena & Lily make them beautiful mates for a set of hand-thrown dishes.


Indigo Bloom Platter - $348This platter from ceramic artist Lisa Neimeth is handmade from California clay and has a hand-painted indigo design. It’s pretty enough to hang on the wall but tough enough for the dishwasher.


Line Pattern Ceramic Hanging Planter by Half Light Honey Studio - $38These lovely earthenware planters are handmade to order from artist Samantha Carter’s Asheville, North Carolina, workshop.


Midcentury Ceramic Oblong Serving Tray by Snapshot Vintage - $128This signed pottery piece is vintage 1960s with a unique design and a beautiful indigo hue. I would use it to hold keys and change atop a midcentury teak credenza.


Soapstone Mortar and PestleThe mortar of this smooth, sculptural soapstone set also works as a serving bowl, and it looks good enough to leave out on the counter between uses.


Indigo Dye Kit - $40This indigo dye kit contains the supplies and instructions you need to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind dyed pieces like the one shown. You provide your own fabric — try it on napkins, placemats, a runner or a throw.


Slate Platter, Large - $20This slate platter makes a striking serving dish for cheeses, antipasti or sushi. Natural slate acts as a chalkboard, so you can label what you are serving right on the platter. Rubber protectors on the underside keep your table from getting scratched.


Jasmine Candle - $60This candle is sculpted without a mold, by using water alone, which gives it a flowing, organic look. And if the good looks aren’t enough to win you over, maybe the scent will — it’s night-blooming jasmine. Heavenly!

Next: Slow Design: Today’s ‘Wabi-Sabi’ Helps Us Savor the Moment

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