I’ve been obsessed with these tiles, but for the longest time, I couldn’t put my finger on why. Then one day, as I was watching the last episode of ‘Killing Eve’ (no spoilers, I promise), I understood why.
Ever heard of kintsugi? It’s the beautiful Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold. The philosophy behind kintsugi really resonated with me. As a mum of two energetic boys, I’ve learned that life rarely goes as planned. There’s always something that doesn’t quite fit the picture-perfect image we have in our minds—whether it’s the mess in the living room that never seems to disappear or the unexpected challenges that come with balancing work, family, and everything in between.
Kintsugi
Kintsugi dates back to the late 15th century. Legend has it that a Japanese shogun sent a damaged tea bowl to China for repairs. Dissatisfied with the unappealing metal staples used to fix it, Japanese craftsmen sought a more elegant solution, creating a technique that highlighted the cracks with lacquer mixed with precious metals. Kintsugi embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and transience, celebrating the history and resilience of an object rather than disguising its flaws.
Just like in life, our homes aren’t perfect. There are scratches, dents, and marks that tell a story - a cracked tile backsplash in the kitchen, a beloved wooden coffee table with its scars, or that mark left when you moved the couch for the first time. These ‘imperfections’ add character and a sense of history to your home. I often find those ‘picture perfect’ homes on Instagram or Pinterest unattainable and simply not real. I believe it’s important to create spaces that are not just beautiful but meaningful.
How can you bring kintsugi into your own home?
Start by looking at your space with fresh eyes. Do you have any items that are chipped or cracked? Instead of discarding or replacing them, think about how you might repair and highlight these imperfections. Embrace the idea that your home doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
Share your kintsugi-inspired projects on social media and tag me—I’d love to see how you’re celebrating the beauty of imperfection in your own space. Let’s start a conversation about how we can all find beauty in the ‘broken’ and create homes that reflect our unique journeys.