Mark and Sally Bailey were inspired to write their latest book, Imperfect Home, by a simple hand-beaten brass spoon while they were in Japan, home of the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which can be interpreted as serene simplicity combined with the appreciation of aged beauty. This perfectly fits the Bailey's own design ideas of reclaimed interior design. As they walked around the Tokyo Folk and Crafts Museum admiring the little imperfections of hand crafted objects the idea for the book was born.
 
In an age when we seem to be obsessed with perfection, the idea of imperfection could be considered scary, but to Mark and Sally it is those imperfections that give an object a soul. They have showcased their natural reclaim design ideas in their own homes and for over twenty five years have advised others how to do the same. Mark and Sally's design ideas truly embrace imperfection and follow in the belief of Victorian art critic, John Ruskin, in The Stones of Venice that 'to banish imperfection is to destroy expression, to check exertion, to paralyse vitality'.
 
This, their third book, particularly highlights their ideas of appreciating the unique beauty of craftsmanship, natural textures and worn elements found in most old houses. Each chapter celebrates imperfection, with creased textiles, scuffed texture, shaded colour, handmade crafted and gathered collections.
 
The book shows how, in designs, to embrace signs of history in the house from the walls to the furniture. It is all about creating a homely feel and the feeling of joy in using items rather than keeping them just for best. Use your imagination in your designs, they say. Repair and patch. Repurpose and mismatch. Makeshift and upcycle. Expose and display. The final design will then reflect your own unique style and may, like the featured homes in the book, create a calm personal retreat.
 
Imperfect Home by Mark and Sally Bailey, photographs by Debi Treloar is published by Ryland Peters and Small.
 
To find unique items with aged beauty shop in your local architectural salvage yard, look on Salvoweb, or at charity shops, markets and fairs. Once discovered imperfection could change your life.