Perfect Imperfect, Wabi-Sabi Interiors by Karen McCartney
For the home that values beauty over perfection
Some books sit on the shelf. Perfect Imperfect earns its place on the coffee table, the bedside stack, and the studio desk. Written by Karen McCartney with photography by Sharyn Cairns and Glen Proebstel, it is one of those rare interiors books that articulates something you have always felt but never quite found the words for: that the worn, the weathered, the handmade, and the quietly imperfect are often the most beautiful things in a room.
Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, the book celebrates the beauty found in imperfection, impermanence, and the authentic. It moves through the homes and studios of international and Australian creatives, exploring how designers today are merging digital precision with the handmade to create spaces and objects that feel genuinely alive. Current design sits alongside well-worn pieces, and the interiors it documents mix comfort, considered design, and a kind of off-beat beauty that is difficult to manufacture.
This is not a book about trends. It is a book about a way of seeing, and once you read it, you will notice its philosophy in our decor collection, in the objects you already own, and in the rooms you are slowly building around yourself.
Perfect Imperfect explores themes of accident, curation, collection, hesitation, collaboration, reuse, reimagining, and true originality. If you have ever chosen an imperfect vessel over a pristine one, or kept a piece precisely because of its age and wear, this book will feel like home.
Browse the rest of our books collection for more titles that sit beautifully in the home and reward every read.
Gifting ideas
For the design-minded friend: Pair with a Write to Me journal for a considered gift that invites both looking and thinking. A genuinely personal combination.
For the new home: This book belongs in a new space from the very beginning. Bundle with an Ecoya candle or a Federation x Somekind fragrance for a housewarming gift that sets the tone before a single piece of furniture is chosen.
For the bookworm with an eye for interiors: Pair with another title from our books collection for a curated reading stack that makes a beautiful gift in its own right.
Why you'll love it
- Grounded in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, exploring beauty in imperfection and impermanence
- Stunning photography by Sharyn Cairns and Glen Proebstel throughout
- Thoughtful, poetic text by award-winning interiors writer Karen McCartney
- Documents international and Australian creative homes and studios
- Explores the intersection of digital design and handmade craft
- A book that changes how you look at objects, rooms, and everyday life
- Beautiful as a coffee table piece and deeply rewarding to read
Details
Author: Karen McCartney Photography: Sharyn Cairns and Glen Proebstel Subject: Interior design, wabi-sabi philosophy, art and object curation Format: Hardcover coffee table book
Styling tips
Stack Perfect Imperfect with one or two other titles from our books collection and a simple object (a ceramic bowl, a single stem, a smooth stone) for a coffee table arrangement that reflects the book's own philosophy. It looks equally considered on a bedroom shelf alongside a candle and a journal, or propped open on a studio desk as a source of ongoing inspiration.
Also In These Images
Everything styled around this book in our photographs is stocked here.
- Wavy Table Lamp in Black
- Knot Ornament in matte white
- Wooden Arch Table Sculpture
- Solid Marble Rounded Bookends
- Tulip Shell Planter in white ceramic
- Champagne Clam Shell Decorative Bowl
And the other titles in the stacks:
- The Quiet Home
- The Low-Impact Home by Remodelista
- Made for Living by Amber Lewis
- Curate by Lynda Gardener and Ali Heath
- The New Mediterranean
Frequently asked questions
What is wabi-sabi and why does it matter for interiors? Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the natural process of ageing. In interior design terms, it is the preference for a worn linen cushion over a pristine one, a handmade bowl with an irregular glaze over a factory-perfect piece, or a room that has clearly been lived in and loved over one that is staged within an inch of its life. Perfect Imperfect applies this philosophy in a contemporary, accessible way that connects directly to the design conversations happening right now.
Is this book more visual or text-heavy? It is genuinely both. The photography by Sharyn Cairns and Glen Proebstel is stunning and does a great deal of the work, but Karen McCartney's writing is thoughtful and worth reading closely rather than skimming. It rewards both browsing and sitting with.
Who is this book best suited to? Anyone with an interest in interiors, design, or the philosophy of how we live with objects. It is particularly well suited to people drawn to organic, minimal, or Japanese-influenced aesthetics, and to those who are renovating, decorating, or thinking intentionally about what they bring into their homes.
Does it cover New Zealand or Australian homes? The book focuses on international and Australian creatives, so it may feel especially relevant to an Australasian audience in terms of aesthetic sensibility and climate. The design philosophy it explores translates beautifully to the NZ coastal and minimal interior styles many of us are drawn to.
Questions about this piece?
FAQs
Online Orders
How much is shipping within New Zealand?
New Zealand orders under NZ$100 are shipped for a flat rate of NZ$7. Shipping is free on orders of NZ$100 or more.
Selected furniture, fragile, bulky and oversized products are excluded from these offers. If an exact freight charge cannot be calculated at checkout, we will contact you with a quote before dispatch. No additional freight will be charged without your agreement.
How much is shipping to Australia?
Shipping to Australia is quoted individually. Please email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz before ordering with the products you are interested in and your delivery address, and we will confirm availability and provide a freight quote.
Can you ship to other countries?
Many of our products can be shipped internationally. Some furniture, fragile and oversized products may be unsuitable for international delivery or may require a specialised freight quote.
Please email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz before ordering so we can confirm availability and provide an estimate.
How quickly will my order be dispatched?
We aim to dispatch in-stock products within 1–2 working days.
During sales, public holidays and other peak periods, please allow approximately 4–5 working days. Working days exclude weekends and New Zealand public holidays.
Special-order products may take up to 10 working days unless a different timeframe is shown on the product page. Estimated arrival dates for preorder products are also provided in their individual descriptions.
How long does delivery usually take?
Once dispatched, estimated New Zealand delivery times are:
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North Island: Usually 1–2 working days
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South Island: Usually 2–3 working days
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Rural addresses: Allow an additional 1–2 working days
These are courier estimates rather than guaranteed delivery dates.
If you need something by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We will let you know whether the timeframe appears achievable, but we cannot guarantee a courier delivery date.
Where can I find my tracking information?
Where tracking is available, your dispatch-confirmation email will contain a link to follow your parcel.
If you cannot see the email, check your spam or promotions folder. You can also view available tracking information through your order-confirmation page.
If tracking has not updated or your parcel appears delayed, email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz with your order number.
Why haven’t I received a dispatch-confirmation email?
Your order may still be within its stated processing timeframe.
Please check the product description, as special-order, preorder, custom-made and incoming-stock products may require additional time.
If the expected dispatch timeframe has passed, email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz with your order number and we will check its progress.
What happens if my parcel is lost or damaged?
If your parcel is lost in transit, arrives damaged or contains the wrong product, contact us as soon as reasonably possible.
Please include your order number and photographs of the product and packaging where relevant. Keep the product and packaging until we have provided instructions.
If a product is confirmed as lost or damaged in transit, we will replace it. If a suitable replacement is unavailable, we will provide a refund.
Can I return something that isn’t quite right?
Eligible full-priced products may be returned when you contact us within 14 calendar days of receiving your online order or purchasing the product in store.
Products must be unused, unworn and unwashed, in their original condition, and returned with their original packaging, tags, accessories and proof of purchase.
Once approved, we can provide an exchange or Flux Boutique store credit. Refunds are not offered for change-of-mind returns.
Sale and clearance products may be exchanged or returned for Flux Boutique store credit, provided they meet our return conditions. Custom-made, personalised and specially ordered products are final sale once production or supplier ordering has begun.
Please read our complete Return and Refund Policy for full conditions.
Can sale products be returned?
Sale and clearance products are not eligible for a change-of-mind refund. Provided they meet our return conditions, they may be exchanged or returned for Flux Boutique store credit.
This does not affect your rights if a sale product is faulty, damaged or incorrectly described.
Can I cancel an order?
Please contact us as quickly as possible if you need to cancel an order.
If you request cancellation of a standard in-stock order before dispatch because you have changed your mind, we may cancel it and issue the amount paid as Flux Boutique store credit. Store credit does not expire.
We cannot guarantee cancellation once packing or courier collection has begun. If the order has already been dispatched, our standard return conditions apply.
A refund to the original payment method will be provided where Flux Boutique cancels the order, cannot supply the product, you do not accept a freight charge quoted after checkout, or a refund is otherwise required under New Zealand law.
How do I arrange a return?
Email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz with your order number, the product you wish to return and the reason for the return.
Please wait for approval and return instructions before sending the product, particularly if it is faulty, fragile or oversized.
You can read our complete Return and Refund Policy and Shipping Policy for full conditions.
Do you offer trade or bulk-order discounts?
A trade or bulk-order discount may be available for qualifying orders over NZ$400, including products purchased for commercial fit-outs.
Eligibility and the discount offered depend on the products and order value. Email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz with the products and quantities you are considering, and we will let you know what may be available.
Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
Online, you can pay by credit or debit card, or with Shop Pay, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Afterpay is available on eligible orders, and Flux Boutique gift cards and store credit can be applied at checkout.
In store, we accept card payment in person at 270 Maunganui Road.
Is it safe to pay on your website?
Yes. Checkout runs on Shopify’s secure, PCI DSS compliant checkout, and the whole site is served over an encrypted connection.
Your card details are handled by Shopify and its payment providers. We never see or store your full card number.
Services
Do you offer product hire for photoshoots, staging or events?
Many products can be hired for photoshoots, property staging, events and similar projects, subject to availability.
Daily hire is typically calculated as a percentage of the product’s retail value and depends on the products, quantities and hire period. A refundable security deposit is also required.
Collection and return are preferred, although delivery may be arranged. Email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz with your dates, product requirements and location for a quote.
Do you offer interior design services?
Yes. We offer in-home and online interior design services, ranging from focused advice to more comprehensive design packages.
Depending on the package, Flux Boutique store credit may be included. Email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz with a little information about your space and what you need help with, and we can recommend the most suitable option.
Can I book a smaller consultation?
Yes. If you do not need a complete interior design package, we can arrange a focused consultation to help with layout, colour, furniture, styling or another specific decision.
In-person consultations are available within the Bay of Plenty, and online consultations can be arranged elsewhere. Email us to discuss your space and preferred timeframe.
Can you help me choose art prints and sizes?
Absolutely. Email us a clear photograph of the wall and surrounding furniture, along with approximate measurements and the prints you are considering.
We can help with print combinations, sizing and layout, and may be able to create a simple visual mock-up to help you picture the finished arrangement.
Do you offer print framing?
We stock selected frames in A5, A4 and A3 sizes. We may also be able to arrange professional framing for larger A2 and A1 prints.
If you are purchasing both a print and frame, add a note at checkout or contact us before ordering to discuss availability and framing options.
Can you help me pair a planter with a faux plant?
Yes. Send us the links or names of the products you are considering, along with any useful measurements or a photograph of the space.
We can help you choose a combination with the right proportions, colour and overall feel.
Do you make custom furniture?
Custom furniture may be available depending on the project, materials and timeframe.
Email us with your inspiration, dimensions, preferred materials and budget so we can assess the project and discuss the next steps.
Can you create a green wall or plant installation?
Yes. We can design greenery installations for residential and commercial spaces.
Pricing depends on the size, products, installation requirements and location. We can prepare a tailored quote or work within an agreed budget.
Can you create a custom everlasting bouquet?
Yes. Email us with photographs of your space or inspiration, your preferred colours, approximate size and budget.
We can curate an artificial floral arrangement or provide a selection of stems for you to approve.
Other Questions
Are all online products available to view in store?
Our physical store carries a curated selection, so not every product shown online will necessarily be available to view in store.
If you are visiting to see a particular product, please contact us in advance. We will confirm whether it is available and, where possible, have it ready for you to view.
How can I introduce my brand or products to Flux Boutique?
We are always interested in discovering thoughtful, design-led products that may suit Flux Boutique.
Email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz with your brand information, wholesale catalogue, pricing and minimum-order requirements. If samples or an in-person appointment are appropriate, we will arrange this with you directly.
Can Flux Boutique products be used for an editorial, photoshoot or event?
Product loans may be available for approved editorials, photoshoots, staging and events, subject to availability and agreed conditions.
If you only require imagery, we may also be able to provide approved high-resolution product photographs.
Email us with information about the project, publication or event, required products and relevant dates.
Shipping & Returns
We want shopping with Flux Boutique to feel straightforward, from placing your order through to delivery and returns.
New Zealand shipping
We offer nationwide New Zealand shipping at the following rates:
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Orders under NZ$100: NZ$7 flat-rate shipping
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Orders of NZ$100 or more: Free shipping
Selected furniture, fragile, bulky and oversized products are excluded from our standard and free-shipping offers.
If an exact freight charge cannot be calculated at checkout, we will contact you with a quote before dispatch. We will not charge additional freight without your agreement. If you do not wish to proceed after receiving the quote, you may cancel the affected product or order for a full refund.
Dispatch and delivery estimates
We aim to dispatch in-stock products within 1–2 working days. During sales, public holidays and other peak periods, please allow approximately 4–5 working days.
Once dispatched, estimated delivery times are:
-
North Island: Usually 1–2 working days
-
South Island: Usually 2–3 working days
-
Rural addresses: Allow an additional 1–2 working days
Courier timeframes are estimates rather than guaranteed delivery dates.
If you need something by a particular date, please email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz before ordering. We will let you know whether the timeframe appears achievable.
Special orders and preorders
Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery of special-order products unless a different timeframe is stated on the product page.
Preorder arrival dates are displayed in the relevant product descriptions. These are estimates and may occasionally change due to supplier, production or freight delays.
Tracking your order
Where tracking is available, you will receive a dispatch email containing a link to follow your parcel.
If tracking has not updated or your parcel has not arrived within the expected timeframe, email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz with your order number.
International destinations
Many of our products can be shipped internationally, although some fragile, furniture and oversized products may not be suitable.
Please email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz before ordering so we can confirm availability and provide a freight quote.
Lost, damaged or incorrect deliveries
If your parcel is lost in transit, arrives damaged or contains the wrong product, please contact us as soon as reasonably possible.
Include your order number and photographs of the product and packaging where relevant. Please retain the product and packaging until we have provided instructions.
If a product is confirmed as lost or damaged in transit, we will replace it. If a suitable replacement is unavailable, we will provide a refund.
Change-of-mind returns
Eligible full-priced products may be returned when you contact us within 14 calendar days of receiving your online order or purchasing the product in store.
Products must be unused, unworn and unwashed, in their original condition, and returned with their original packaging, tags and accessories.
Once approved, eligible returns may be exchanged or returned for Flux Boutique store credit. Refunds are not offered for change-of-mind returns.
Return delivery and original shipping charges are not refundable for change-of-mind returns.
Sale products
Sale and clearance products are not eligible for a change-of-mind refund. Provided they meet our return conditions, they may be exchanged or returned for Flux Boutique store credit.
Your rights remain protected if a sale product is faulty, damaged or incorrectly described.
Custom and special orders
Custom-made, personalised and specially ordered products cannot be returned because you have changed your mind once production or supplier ordering has begun.
This does not affect your rights if the product is faulty or incorrectly supplied.
Cancelling an order
If you request cancellation of a standard in-stock order before dispatch because you have changed your mind, we may cancel it and issue the amount paid as Flux Boutique store credit. Store credit does not expire.
If the order has already been dispatched, our standard return conditions apply.
A refund to the original payment method will be provided where Flux Boutique cancels the order, cannot supply the product, you do not accept a freight charge quoted after checkout, or a refund is otherwise required under New Zealand law.
Faulty products
The 14-day change-of-mind period does not apply to genuine claims involving products that are faulty, arrive damaged or are incorrectly described.
Your rights are protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. Where appropriate, we will repair or replace the product. If a suitable repair or replacement cannot be provided, or a refund is otherwise required under the Consumer Guarantees Act, we will refund the original payment method.
Arranging a return
Before sending anything back, email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz with your order number and reason for returning the product.
Once approved, returns should be sent to:
Flux Boutique
270 Maunganui Road
Mount Maunganui 3116
New Zealand
For the complete conditions, please read our Shipping Policy and Return and Refund Policy.
Terms & Conditions
Payment & Billing Name
The name that will appear on your cardholder statement after a purchase will be “Flux Boutique.”
Acceptance of Terms
By visiting or shopping at Flux Boutique online, you agree to these terms and conditions. Please read them carefully.
Product Descriptions
We aim to describe all products as accurately as possible. However, descriptions and other content may occasionally contain minor discrepancies. If a product is not as described, you may return it in unused condition for an exchange or store credit.
Returns & Exchanges
Change of Mind
If you’re not completely satisfied, you may return items within 14 days of receipt in original condition (unused, unwashed, and in original packaging) for an exchange or store credit.
Refunds are not offered for change-of-mind returns.
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Email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz with your invoice number and reason for return before sending items back.
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Return shipping is at your cost.
Sale Items & Special Orders
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Sale items: Eligible for exchange or store credit only (no refunds).
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Special orders: Final sale (no change-of-mind returns).
Faulty or Not as Described
If a problem is minor and can be put right, we’ll repair or replace the item within a reasonable time.
You may choose a refund or replacement if any of the following apply (as set out in the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993):
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The item is significantly different from its description, sample, or demo model.
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The item is unsafe.
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The item is not fit for its normal or agreed purpose and can’t be fixed easily within a reasonable time.
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We can’t repair or replace the item within a reasonable time.
What counts as a “reasonable time”?
There’s no fixed number of days—it depends on the item and remedy. We aim to resolve minor issues as quickly as possible. Reasonableness may consider:
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The type of fix needed (simple swap vs complex repair)
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Stock/parts availability and service logistics
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How essential/urgent the product is for normal use
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Clear, prompt communication and agreed timeframes
If we can’t put the problem right within a reasonable time, you may choose a refund or replacement under the CGA.
Packaging & Condition
We’re unable to accept unused goods returned with damaged packaging unless they are faulty.
Shipping Charges
Freight charges are non-refundable unless the goods are faulty. For faulty returns, we will also refund the reasonable cost of returning the goods to us—please contact us first for instructions.
How to Return
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Email contact@fluxboutique.co.nz to request a return and receive instructions.
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Send items (well-packed; trackable and insured shipping recommended) to:
Flux Boutique
270 Maunganui Road
Mt Maunganui 3116
New Zealand -
Once your return is received and assessed, we’ll email you to confirm your exchange or store credit (or the applicable remedy under the CGA if the item is faulty).
Legal
All purchases are subject to the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. Nothing in these terms limits your statutory rights.
Contact
Questions? We’re here to help: contact@fluxboutique.co.nz.
Trade / Designer Discounts
We are more than happy to offer discounts for bulk purchases or designers.
The minimum order is $400, discounts start at 15% but the more regularly you shop the bigger the discount you'll receive.
Please get in touch with us contact@fluxboutique.co.nz for more info.
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