The counter-movement to our consumer society – minimalism – claims that less is simply happier. Minimalism is about owning little and feeling that it is enough. This is also reflected in modern living trends for 2022. But what defines minimalist living? We tell.
Minimalist Living - what does the Trend towards Minimalism mean for my Home?
What exactly is minimalism?
Minimalism in its definition means owning as few items as possible. It is the conscious restriction to the essentials. Masters of minimalism show that with just 100, 50 or 10 items, they can enjoy life without missing anything.
But the philosophy behind minimalism doesn't set a maximum number of items a person can own. Rather, it is a personal attitude, a "no" to unnecessary consumption and our ubiquitous throwaway society with short-lived trends. With that, minimalism is a “yes” to more durable possessions and things that really matter in life.
This is minimalism at a Glance:
- Owning fewer items – the first step is to clear out unused things.
- Conscious consumption – minimalism avoids short-lived trends.
- More space – Shelves are allowed to remain empty, with the exception of a few favorite items.
- More time – if you own less and want to own less, you have more time. The apartment is tidied up faster, the shopping done faster.
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This attitude applies to all areas of life – clothing, leisure time, your own living space. Instead of stress in everyday life, relaxation occurs. Instead of fully loaded shelves, there are open, empty spaces. Many associate sparse, uncomfortable and sterile living spaces with a minimalist style of living. In the following we explain why this does not have to be the case.
Minimalist Living = sparse and uncomfortable?
Does living minimalist mean living in a sparsely furnished, sterile and uncomfortable apartment? We can answer this question with a clear "no". Much more, a minimalist attitude opens the view for the essentials, for things that are really valuable - both in their function and in their emotional value.
Minimalist living is also about decluttering. Many have done it. A luminary is the Japanese Mari Kondo. She has already taught millions of people how simplification works.
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Mari Konto teaches that it's not about letting go of all possessions, it's about keeping the things that truly bring you joy. According to Mari Kondo, dear grandma's tea service should have a place of honor - and not just gather dust in a box in the basement.
On the other hand, things that are of no use to those who own them today are allowed to move on. This simplification and minimization creates space - for grandma's tea service, which is now beautifully illuminated on the shelf and delights the viewer every day anew.
This focus on the really important things gives living spaces a new, more profound quality. It's not about keeping the living room or bathroom as empty and sterile as possible - but about consciously perceiving, using and enjoying every aspect, every piece of furniture, every decoration.
That's what makes a minimalist Apartment
In these five steps you can clear out your cluttered closets and create a minimalist interior. In this way you bring more peace into your living space and your mind.
- Get rid of unused Items. Even if they once cost a lot of money or were given to you by a loved one, you should let them go if they do not bring you any benefit or joy today. To better detach yourself from your belongings, you can thank them and then donate them to make others happy.
- Make more Space. Which furniture is actually just a dust catcher? Which decorative elements do you no longer like at all? Storage areas and your floor can also be empty, so that the living spaces appear larger.
- Simplify your Interior Style. Minimalist furniture is simple but functional. They are not heavy and clumsy, but light and filigree - or at least they look that way. Minimalist furniture is simple and straightforward.
- Use the right Colors and Accessories. Although the minimalist interior design style does not prescribe a specific color scheme, you can counteract this by choosing a cozy color scheme so that the newfound emptiness does not feel sterile. Calm, earthy or natural colors or pastels are ideal. It is also possible to create contrasts with strong colors such as dark brown or black, as is often done in the Japanese style with metal or solid wood furniture. On the other hand, you can make it cozy with selected and ideally high-quality home textiles, such as a cozy rug, a wool blanket, and cozy cotton pillows.
- Choose decorative Elements consciously. According to Mari Kondo, they should bring you joy - for example, because they appeal to your sense of aesthetics or because they have a special meaning for you. Again, less is more. If you want to live minimalistically, limit yourself to a few select decorative objects.
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This is how you simplify your life with the minimalist furnishing style and gain more time, save money and keep an eye on the essentials. However, this furnishing and lifestyle is not pure sunshine - because the first steps in particular require a lot of time and commitment. However, if you really want to simplify your life, you can reach your goal in small steps, bit by bit.
