Nothing in this room is shiny. Limewashed walls, a chunky knit throw, terracotta pots and a light-oak platform bed all share the same sun-baked softness, and the olive tree throws the shadows that finish the picture.
The idea behind it
Wabi-sabi rooms are built from imperfect, natural textures — plaster, clay, linen, raw wood. Keep every surface matte and the palette within one warm band.
The bed sits low on a wide oak platform, which makes the ceiling feel higher and the room more grounded at once.
What you will need
Low oak platform bed, a wide frame that extends past the mattress
Limewash or textured paint, cloudy, mottled walls in warm cream
Indoor olive tree in clay pot, the room’s only tall vertical, near the window
Chunky knit throw and shag rug, heavy, tactile layers in oat tones
Steal the look
Step 1
Limewash the walls in a warm plaster tone
Step 2
Choose a platform bed lower than standard height
Step 3
Place an olive tree where evening light will hit it
Step 4
Layer a deep-pile rug and a chunky knitted throw
Step 5
Light with mushroom lamps and a hidden ceiling cove
Perfect for
- Fans of wabi-sabi and slow living
- Sunny rooms with west-facing light
- Anyone allergic to gloss and clutter
- Plant lovers wanting one statement tree
Avoid if
- You need under-bed storage height
- The room gets no natural light for the tree
- Crisp modern gloss is more your taste
Estimated budget
Budget
Limewash-effect paint, knit throw and a young olive tree
$350 to $900
Mid-range
Solid oak platform bed, wool shag rug and large planter
$2,200 to $4,500
Luxury
Clay-plastered walls with bespoke platform joinery
$9,000+
Colour palette5 tones
Clay
Accent
#B67849
Oat
Base
#E5D9C5
Olive Leaf
Green
#6F7350
Honey Oak
Wood
#C79A63
Cream
Neutral
#F4EDE0
Choose materials the sun can play with — plaster, linen, clay. The light does the rest for free.
PaletteClay, oat, olive leaf, honey oak, cream
— Mara Ellison
Get a similar look
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