Creating a Minimalist Home

Minimalist design in architecture follows the "less is more" philosophy. We do not have to appreciate or even apply minimalist design to our homes to follow the minimalist philosophy. Minimalism in our lives is often called "Simple Living." The Simple Living movement is either a rejection of consumerism or an expression of spiritual values by "simplifying" or only having what you truly need. This movement has been growing through the end of the 90s and has now spawned a host of books and, ironically, "must-have" products.

The proliferation of "minimalist products" is a symptom of our insecurity. We use our belongings as a crutch. They provide us security: from doing things incorrectly, from "running out." They also function as insulation, theoretically protecting us from the elements and financial instability, but in reality keeping us from each other and our own peace of mind.

Rather than collecting stuff as we go through life, we should be collecting memories. If you are keeping something for sentimental value, display it. Keep it out where you can see it and others can ask you about it. If you do not have any emotional attachment to it, and you do not use it frequently, simplify your life by getting rid of it. Extraneous items have no place in your new minimalist home.

But what if? What if you need something later? You can borrow it. If you are really unsure about getting rid of an item, put it in a box and if you do not need it for a certain period of time (no more than a year), get rid of it. If you are already moving, leave everything in a box: you will be surprised at what you pull out and what you do not! Do not keep more than one of any item in your minimalist home. No one needs three hairbrushes, seven hammers, and 500 rubber bands. Find a way to do with things that are smaller or multi-use (but do not keep items that have multi-uses that you will never use!)

With less stuff, you have less to clean in your minimalist home. When you stop "collecting," you stop worrying about having to pay for everything. When you only have one, you are using the good one! Go ahead, enjoy using your good linens; you are worth it, and they are also worth using instead of being kept in a cupboard most of the year. By using the better quality items rather than hoarding them in a closet you are improving your life in two ways: your closets are not full of things you never use, and everything you use in your new streamlined minimalist home is beautiful.

When you simplify your life by streamlining your home, remember that others may need one of those extra hammers you have somehow collected over the years. Investigate ways to give everything to charity. This too is a way to collect memories instead of clutter in your minimalist home.