The core value of Perfect Imperfect is the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi: that there is beauty to be found in imperfection, impermanence, and the authentic. This is done without losing sight of the benefits of living in the 21st century, where designers are merging digital technology with the handmade to produce items that combine the best of both worlds. This inspirational book, with thought-provoking text by Karen McCartney and stunning visuals by Sharyn Cairns and Glen Proebstel, is a celebration of accident, curation, collection, hesitation, collaboration, reuse, reimagining, and true originality. Perfect Imperfect explores an established aesthetic in a new way, as illustrated by the homes and studios of international and Australian creatives. It embraces current design objects alongside well-worn ones, and features interior settings that mix comfort, design and an offbeat beauty.
Karen McCartney Books
Karen McCartney possesses a wealth of experience in design, art, and architecture. Her background includes an Honours degree in the History of Art & English from University College London, and she began her career writing for the British magazine Art Monthly. McCartney has also contributed to publications like British Elle Decoration and The World of Interiors. In Australia, she served as the editor of Marie Claire Lifestyle and was the founding editor of the interiors magazine Inside Out for a decade. Her tenure at News Corp Australia saw the successful relaunch of Country Style and the development of the body&soul website. She has authored two acclaimed architecture books focusing on iconic Australian homes and curated an exhibition on the subject for Sydney Living Museums.
