Interview with Emmanuelle Rivassoux: Discover how wabi-sabi, a rustic Japanese minimalism, is transforming our living spaces

In a world where hustle and bustle and perfection reign supreme, a decor trend is emerging with gentleness and authenticity. Wabi-sabi, this ancestral Japanese art celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the passing of time, is now a major source of inspiration for rethinking our interiors. Emmanuelle Rivassoux, a renowned and passionate interior designer, invites us to explore this rustic minimalism where raw materials, natural colors, and objects steeped in history interact to create a soothing and emotional atmosphere. Between Asian traditions and contemporary demands, let’s dive into this exclusive interview to discover how, in 2025, wabi-sabi will transform our living spaces into true havens of serenity. Natural Colors and a Return to Basics: Shades and Decor Trends for 2026

As we approach 2026, color palettes in our interiors are resolutely inspired by nature: sand, brown, brick, sage, and burgundy now form subtle combinations rather than a single color dominating the space. Emmanuelle Rivassoux highlights this significant shift, where the days of flagship shades like duck egg blue or terracotta are a thing of the past. Today, shades blend and harmonize boldly, offering warm contrasts and a new depth to rooms. This movement reflects a collective desire to anchor ourselves in more authentic and vibrant ambiances, in line with sustainable decoration.

Discover how the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi can transform your living spaces into harmonious, authentic, and soothing places, highlighting the beauty of imperfection and simplicity.

The magic of wabi-sabi lies in the materials themselves: weathered raw wood, clay with delicate imperfections, natural stone, and linen with visible fibers. It is this marriage of textures that gives each object a unique soul. Emmanuelle Rivassoux explains that this minimalist approach doesn’t deprive itself of emotion – quite the contrary. The sobriety of the wabi-sabi style is enriched by the stories written into the furniture and accessories, often found at brands such as Muji, Maison du Monde, or Ethnicraft, which value authenticity and natural quality. The combination of modern comfort and this rustic minimalism invites everyone to cultivate an interior that is both soothing and vibrant.

Subtle geometric patterns and the end of XXL prints

While the trend for wallpapers with large plant motifs is fading, a new lease of life is taking over the world of wallpaper and textiles. Modern and subtle geometric shapes are taking over, favoring discretion and purity of lines. This return to simplicity guides the selection at La Redoute Intérieurs as well as at Ferm Living and Hay, where we find collections designed to embrace this serene aesthetic. The result is a decor that breathes, where the eye can rest on an elegant surface without being overwhelmed.

Toulette, an iconic textile revisited for uncompromising comfort

While bouclé fabric has been popular for several seasons, it’s now in white or ecru that it’s making a name for itself on contemporary sofas and armchairs. Featuring the latest technological innovations, these textiles are stain-resistant and water-repellent, allowing for worry-free use in living spaces. This textile choice evokes both closeness and a sense of cosiness, two values ​​dear to wabi-sabi. AM.PM, Madam Stoltz, and Caravane offer pieces that invite you to prolong these moments of softness and tranquility, strengthening the emotional connection to the home.

Wabi-sabi: The Keys to Successful Decor That Exudes Emotion

When it comes to successful decorating, Emmanuelle Rivassoux emphasizes the importance of emotion and personal pleasure. According to her, a successful ambiance is one that reflects the character and tastes of its inhabitants, not a simple reproduction of trends. Expert advice is invaluable for avoiding mistakes and making the most of space, but decorating remains, above all, an intimate expression. With this in mind, it’s essential to mix styles, for example, pairing sleek pieces from Ikea with more artisanal elements from Ethnicraft or carefully selected accessories from Madam Stoltz.

In her book « The Art of Receiving, » Emmanuelle also shares her tips for organizing your home to welcome guests with peace of mind. Carefully preparing your home, planning your shopping, and preparing your meals in advance are all steps to creating a stress-free, convivial experience. Successful decorating is generous, imbued with simplicity and authenticity.