I Love Axel Vervoordt’s Wabi-Sabi & Feng Shui Approach

I have always been drawn to the serene beauty of Axel Vervoordt’s interiors. Spaces feel calm, grounded, and timeless. His interpretation of Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese art of finding beauty in imperfection, naturally aligns with my appreciation for Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese practice of creating harmony between people and their surroundings.

Both philosophies celebrate nature, balance, and intention, qualities that make a home feel not just stylish, but alive. And the good news?

However, Axel Vervoordt’s creations often unfold in grand settings, like a Belgian castle or a New York penthouse, which can make translating his style into a small home or apartment feel daunting. When space is limited, it is important to adapt his principles to suit everyday practicalities and needs, working with the beauty of well-chosen objects and proportions that fit a more intimate scale.

Lets start by defining both philosophies:

The Essence: Wabi-Sabi Meets Feng Shui

Wabi: quiet elegance, simplicity, and humility.
Sabi: the grace and texture of age.
Feng Shui: balancing yin and yang, and ensuring the smooth flow of qi (energy).

When woven together, these ideas create interiors where materials feel honest, light moves gently, and every object has a purpose.

Core Principles of the Look

1. Materiality with Energy

Courtesy of Axel Vervoordt - Portraits of Interiors, Timeless Interiors

Vervoordt favors raw, tactile surfaces: old wood beams, natural stone, weathered plaster, handwoven linen. In Feng Shui terms, these bring in the wood and earth elements, which create grounding energy.

Small space tip: Even a reclaimed wood stool, a jute rug, or a clay vase can add that same elemental grounding without taking up much room.

2. Colour as Calm

The palette is subtle, warm whites, clay beige, soft greens. In Feng Shui, muted earth tones anchor stability, while greens encourage renewal.

Small space tip: Light colors on walls make rooms feel larger, while textured neutrals (linen curtains, wool throws) prevent the space from feeling flat.

3. Light & Flow

In Wabi-Sabi, shadows are as important as light. In Feng Shui, light guides qi through a space. Vervoordt arranges rooms so there’s a natural flow of energy, with clear pathways and no clutter blocking movement.

Small space tip: Keep furniture away from main walking lines, use mirrors to bounce light, and avoid cramming every wall with storage.

4. Objects with Meaning

Vervoordt chooses pieces that tell a story, often aged or imperfect. Feng Shui also values the energetic imprint of objects.

Small space tip: Limit décor to a few meaningful items: a ceramic bowl from a trip, a vintage lamp, a handmade cup. Give each object space to breathe.

How to Recreate the Look in a Small Space

Start with Decluttering
In both Wabi-Sabi and Feng Shui, space is as important as what is in it. Remove anything you do not use or love.
Choose Natural, Honest Materials
Even in a small apartment, you can bring in a reclaimed wood coffee table, linen bedding, or stoneware mugs.
Balance Yin & Yang
- Yin: soft fabrics, warm light, matte finishes.
- Yang: a single bold object, natural sunlight, crisp lines.
  Keep a gentle balance—too much yin feels sleepy, too much yang feels restless.
Mind the Entryway
In Feng Shui, the entrance sets the tone for energy entering your home. Keep it clear, well-lit, and inviting, maybe a small bench and a plant.
Create Zones
Even in one room, you can suggest different zones: a quiet corner for reading (yin), a bright table for work or dining (yang).
Let Nature In
A small potted tree, fresh branches in a vase, or a simple view to the outdoors connect you to the changing seasons, key in both Wabi-Sabi and Feng Shui.

In Summary

I love Axel Vervoordt’s work because it blends restraint and richness, humility and luxury. By combining Wabi-Sabi’s natural imperfection with Feng Shui’s flow and balance, you can turn even the smallest home into a space that feels spacious, peaceful, and deeply personal.

It is not about buying more, it is about choosing less, but better, and arranging it with intention so every object and every empty space feels right.

Please visit Axel Vervoordt website

Axel Vervoordt & Feng Shui