The Wabi-Sabi House: The Japanese Art of Imperfect Beauty | Robyn Griggs Lawrence

The Wabi-Sabi House: The Japanese Art of Imperfect Beauty | Robyn Griggs Lawrence | A good organizational reference book

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The Wabi-Sabi Hous...

	The Wabi-Sabi House: The Japanese Art of Imperfect Beauty Robyn Griggs Lawrence Clarkson Potter, 2004 - 192 pages average customer review:based on 8 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

What is wabi-sabi?

Simply put, wabi-sabi is the marriage of the Japanese wabi, meaning humble, and sabi, which connotes beauty in the natural progression of time. Together, the phrase invites us to set aside our pursuit of perfection and learn to appreciate the simple, unaffected beauty of things as they are. Wabi-sabi can be found in the deep cracks of a weathering pine table. It is flea markets, wildflowers, and cobblestones. Intimately tied to Zen Buddhism, wabi-sabi is an aesthetic that welcomes comfort and a subtle spiritual component into the home. It is not a decorating style, per se, but a mind-set. To create a true wabi-sabi environment, one must slowly strip away excess and learn to be satisfied living in the moment.

The Wabi-Sabi House recounts the rich history of this emerging trend in home design and reveals countless ways to introduce wabi-sabi elements into contemporary living spaces, including tips for gracefully decorating with salvaged materials and vintage furnishings, advice on how to rediscover the lost joy of hand-crafting household items (or supporting artisans who do), and simple solutions for clearing clutter and blocking noise (even with a spouse, kids, and no closet space).

But The Wabi-Sabi House is so much more than a handbook for interior design. With heart and a sense of humor, author Robyn Griggs Lawrence gently reminds us that there is a life in lifestyle books, and she encourages people from all walks of life to slow down and recognize beauty in what may seem ordinary.

Intimate, authoritative, and truly inspirational, The Wabi-Sabi House lays the foundation for transforming any home into a nurturing retreat from a hectic world.

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A wonderful book!

I have told everyone I know to get this book as a starter to the world of Wabi-Sabi-- a beautiful cover also makes it lovely to look at and I like the sepia pages... I have re-examined my life using some of her practical tips. Get it if you are curious about this art of imperfection...

A good organizational reference book

There is so much beauty in simplicity. This book offers many helpful suggestions in how to simplify your decor and your life.

wabi-rific

i like this book for several reasons. first, it is just aesthetically pleasing to look at and to hold. a great coffee table book. secondly, it is written in a way that weaves together history and examples of the philosophy of wabi sabi with many areas of interest (i.e. architecture, art, tea ceremony, design, sense of self). it is easy and relaxing to read. an interesting idea and nice book.

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Wabi-Sabi, Huh?????

In answering the question of what Wabi-Sabi means to me, I have to go with the concept that less is more, and it really doesn't matter if the expense of doing something is astronomical or well within one's budget. What does it all say abut you and what your attempting to achieve? Are you talking about your home, your life style, your neighborhood and or your friends and family? What will tell everyone and anyone who just walks in off the street that you are practicing Wabi-Sabi? How can they see that you are not being a whacko or over extravicant and are just showing you that life can be what is just right for you and your place of abode and not be the perfect place to beat all perfection?
If it is imperfection that you are attempting to show/achieve, then less must certainly be more, it is just how you present it in order for everyone else to see how comfortable you are with what and who you are...ED

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Wabi Sabi House is NOT just for the Wealthy

My sense was different from that of a different reader. I felt that the author was encouraging all of us to make things ourselves--not just purchase expensive handmade items. To create beauty from our own history--family pictures, stories, relics--that evoke timeless good feelings. To not discard things we love just because they become worn--to learn to repair and maintain them, to recognize the character in nicks and scratches, and frays. To look for the sacred aspect in our surroundings--that our furnishings and possessions affect us and express us, so their selection, presentation, and maintenance are worthy of our attention and discrimination (in the best sense). And anyone who still thinks that the author is elitist should keep in mind the quote she included from 1960's House Beautiful editor, Elizabeth Gordon: "If you can't find beauty--for free--when you are poor, you won't be likely to have it when you are rich...even though you may have bought and paid for it." Everyone can have a wabi sabi house: it is in the eye of its beholder, its creator.

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reviews: page 1, 2

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