Wabi-sabi is an idea in Japanese aesthetics that can help people notice beauty in simple, imperfect, or aging things. In design, people sometimes use the phrase for natural textures, uneven shapes, and a quiet, uncluttered feeling.
Imagine a handmade bowl whose small irregularities show that a person made it. Its appeal does not depend on looking perfectly identical to a factory-made one.
The idea has cultural depth and cannot be reduced to “make it look rough.” If using it as design inspiration, do so thoughtfully and avoid treating Japanese culture as a decorative shortcut.