Robyn Griggs Lawrence - Simply imperfect : revisiting the wabi-sabi house

Advance Praise for Simply Imperfect

Simply Imperfect is an inspiring breath of fresh air and freedom in our consumerist society a book that awakens us to the beauty of lifes imperfections. In looking beyond the contemporary world of shallow materialism, Lawrence invites us to celebrate the depth and elegant grace of authentic simplicity, both in our possessions and in our awareness of life.

Duane Elgin, author of Voluntary Simplicity and The Living Universe

Do those TV home shows where every kitchen and bath needs updating drive you bats? Are you very DISinclined to follow the latest fashion trends? Do you find grace and beauty in things that are handmade and well-worn rather than in things that are new and flashy? Then I predict you will be simply delighted to read Simply Imperfect and discover the Japanese aesthetic known as wabi-sabi.

Cheryl Long, editor-in-chief, Mother Earth News

Robyn Griggs Lawrence applies an ancient Japanese philosophy to todays world and comes up with relevant, poetic solutions for modern living. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to simplify and create peace and respite in their homes.

Wanda Urbanska, author, The Heart of Simple Living: 7 Paths to a Better Life and coauthor, Less is More

Simply Imperfect is a meditation, a path to be walked upon slowly, a breath to be inhaled and exhaled consciously. Its use of the ancient Japanese philosophy wabi-sabi, as a design point of view and, more importantly, a way of being in the world, returns us to the simplicity and beauty of home-made, home-grown, naturally inspired, and all that the cyber-world of virtual and superficial realities has seemingly forgotten. Wabi-sabi is the breeze through a screen door, the patina of a copper roof, the smoothing and grooving of an old wooden table. It is life unfolding without the need to change or correct it ...its simply, and wonderfully, imperfect.

Skaie Knox, editor-in-chief blogger, DiggersList.com

Simply Imperfect is the ideal antidote to the strident, guilt-ridden environmentalism of yesteryear. Robyn Griggs Lawrence gives readers the perspective they need to really enjoy their homes and their lives while making changes in their routines that benefit the planet, and their peace of mind. This is a wise book that I find myself revisiting again and again.

Bryan Welch, publisher, Mother Earth News, Utne Reader, Natural Home & Garden, and author, Beautiful and Abundant: Building the World We Want (2010)

Copyright 2011 by Robyn Griggs Lawrence. All rights reserved.

Cover design by Diane McIntosh

Cover Photo Povy Kendal Atchison

Interior book design/layout by Gregory Green and John McKercher

Interior photography by Joe Coca, unless otherwise noted

eISBN: 978-1-55092-470-1

Inquiries regarding requests to reprint all or part of Simply Imperfect should be addressed to New Society Publishers at the address below.

To order directly from the publishers, please call toll-free (North America) 1-800-567-6772, or order online at www.newsociety.com

Any other inquiries can be directed by mail to:

New Society Publishers

P.O. Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC V0R 1X0, Canada

(250) 247-9737

New Society Publishers mission is to publish books that contribute in fundamental ways to building an ecologically sustainable and just society, and to do so with the least possible impact on the environment, in a manner that models this vision. We are committed to doing this not just through education, but through action. Our printed, bound books are printed on Forest Stewardship Council-certified acid-free paper that is 100% post-consumer recycled (100% old growth forest-free), processed chlorine free, and printed with vegetable-based, low-VOC inks, with covers produced using FSC-certified stock. New Society also works to reduce its carbon footprint, and purchases carbon offsets based on an annual audit to ensure a carbon neutral footprint. For further information, or to browse our full list of books and purchase securely, visit our website at: www.newsociety.com

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Lawrence, Robyn Griggs

Simply imperfect : revisiting the Wabi-Sabi house / Robyn Griggs Lawrence.

Includes index.

Original ed. published. as: The Wabi-Sabi house. New York : Clarkson Potter, 2004.

ISBN 978-0-86571-691-9

1. Interior decoration Psychological aspects. 2. Interior decoration Themes, motives. 3. Zen Buddhism Influence. 4. Design Japan. 5. Wabi. 6. Sabi. I. Lawrence, Robyn Griggs. Wabi-Sabi house. II. Title.

NK2113.L39 2011747.01'9

C2011-901464-5

To Suzanne Griggs, with love

My moms not wabi-sabi at first glance.
Shes much more refined than rustic.
But she taught me gracious manners
the most important of all wabi traits.
Thank you, Mom.

I also dedicate this book, with love and respect,
to the honorable Japanese people. A portion of the
proceeds from sales of this book will be donated to the
Tzu Chi Foundation, a Buddhist nonprofit humanitarian
organization providing relief to the devastated region.