The counter-movement to our consumer society – minimalism – claims that less simply makes you happier. Minimalism is about owning little and feeling that it is enough. This is also reflected in modern living trends 2022. But what does minimalist living entail? We'll tell you.
Minimalist living – what does the trend towards minimalism mean for my home?
What is minimalism actually?
Minimalism in its definition means owning as few items as possible. It is the conscious limitation to the essentials.Masters of minimalism show that they can enjoy their lives with only 100, 50, or 10 items, without missing anything.
But the philosophy behind minimalism does not specify a maximum number of items a person may own. Rather, it is a personal attitude, a "no" to unnecessary consumption and our ubiquitous throwaway society with short-lived trends. Thus, minimalism is a "yes" to more durable possessions and things that are really important in life.
Here is an overview of minimalism:
- Own fewer items - this includes decluttering unused things in the first step.
- Conscious consumption – minimalism avoids short-lived trends.
- More space – shelves can, with the exception of a few favorite items, remain empty.
- More time – those who own less and want to own less, have more time. The apartment is tidied up faster, shopping is done quicker.
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This attitude applies to all areas of life – the clothing, the leisure time, the own living spaces. Instead of stress in everyday life, relaxation occurs. Instead of fully loaded shelves, open, empty spaces appear. Many associate a minimalist living style with sparse, uncomfortable and sterile living spaces.Why this doesn't have to be the case, we explain below.
Minimalist living = sparse and uncomfortable?
Does minimalist living mean dwelling in a sparsely furnished, sterile and uncomfortable apartment? We can answer this question with a clear "No". Much more, a minimalist attitude opens up 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 set the example. A luminary is the Japanese woman Mari Kondo. She has already taught millions of people how simplification works.
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Mari Kondo teaches that it's not about letting go of all possessions, but about keeping the things that truly bring joy. According to Mari Kondo, the beloved grandmother's tea set should be given a place of honor - and not gather dust in a box in the basement.
Things that, on the other hand, have no use for the owners today, may move on. This simplification and minimization creates space - just for grandma's tea set, which now beautifully illuminated on the shelf delights the viewers anew every day.
The living spaces gain a new, deeper quality through this focus on the truly important things. 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 furnished apartment
In these five steps, you can manage to clear out your cluttered cabinets and realize a minimalist decor. This way, you bring more peace into your living spaces and your mind.
- Get rid of unused items.Even if these items once cost a lot of money or were given to you by a loved one, you should let them go if they no longer bring you any benefit or joy today. To better detach yourself from your belongings, you can thank them and then donate them to bring joy to others.
- Create more space. Which pieces of furniture are just dust collectors? Which decorative elements do you actually not like anymore? Surfaces and your floor can also be empty, making the living spaces appear larger.
- Simplify your interior style. Simple, but functional are minimalist furniture. They are not heavy and bulky, but light and delicate - or at least appear so. Minimalist furniture is simple and straightforward.
- Use the right colors and accessories. Although the minimalist style of furnishing does not prescribe a specific color concept, you can counteract the newly gained emptiness from appearing sterile by choosing a cozy color concept. Calm, earthy or natural colors or pastel tones are suitable. However, it is also possible to set contrasts with strong colors like dark brown or black - as is often implemented in the Japandi style of furnishing with metal furniture or solid wood furniture. You can make it cozy with selected and ideally high-quality home textiles, such as a cuddly carpet, a wool blanket and comfortable cotton pillows.
- Choose decorative elements consciously. According to Mari Kondo, they should bring you joy - because they appeal to your sense of aesthetics or have a special meaning for you. Here too, less is more. Those who want to live minimally limit themselves to a few selected decor objects.
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With the minimalist interior style, you simplify your life and gain more time, save money and keep an eye on the essentials. However, this lifestyle and interior style is not pure sunshine - because the first steps require a lot of time and commitment.If you really want to simplify your life, you will reach your goal step by step in small increments.
