Living Minimally
If you have been on Pinterest or Instagram lately, you will have noticed the minimalist trend that has been going on for quite some time. It’s in offices, restaurants, and homes. We will admit that we love that look too, after all, we love white! While some may argue that it is stark and uninviting, it can also be serene. There is something about a space that is purposeful and is not cluttered with excess! So how can you achieve minimalism without going to the extreme? Keep reading for our take on living minimally.
Keep It Simple
To live we need stuff and it is simply not realistic to go on a purge this weekend and rid yourself of 90% of your belongings – minimalism is a lifestyle. In a consumerist culture fueled by websites like Amazon, it’s very easy to accumulate more. We think that the first step to minimalism is to simplify. Slowly pair down to only what you need and go from there. Take some time to go through all your stuff and organize it. You might find that you have multiples of the exact same thing or you own many items that have not seen the light of day. Before you get something new, ask yourself if you already have it or if you really need it. It is easy to act on impulse! When you do go in search for something new, choose to purchase something of quality. Invest in pieces that are well-made and will stand the test of time. If you love it, you won’t find the need to replace it with something new!
Less is More
Mies Van Der Rohe is famous for many beautiful buildings, but his philosophy of “less is more,” is what has truly resonated through time. There is something to be said about a space that is not overly ornamented but is still intriguing and functional. Although the Barcelona Pavilion is an exemplary piece of design, it isn’t a home – a space for living. No one lives in a home with only a couple of Barcelona chairs! One way to achieve that minimalist look is to cleverly hide everything with built-in millwork. If there is a purposeful spot for everything, you are able to eliminate the clutter! How else are you supposed to keep your kitchen counter clear and clean? Aesthetically, keeping with a simple palette can also make a small space feel larger. Where there are too many colors and textures your space can tend to feel crowded. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add in a layer of complexity! Stick with neutrals, play with the different shades and mix up the textures, but keep in mind that less is more! We love the Scandinavian take on minimalism where spaces, furniture pieces, and objects are crafted from quality materials. These spaces are thoughtful despite their simplicity and are warm and inviting.
How are you living minimally? Let us know with the hashtag #Area3livingminimally
