Less Is Perfect: The Art of Minimalist Living

I’m going to start this post with a disclaimer: there is nothing minimalist about my home. It’s older and filled with extras. Just ask one of the people who had to paint all of the dental molding in the living room. I also have many antiques that have been handed down through my family. It can be a little much. Then, there’s my propensity to save things. With the new school year starting, and all the extra things I need to do and have to think about, I’m longing for a little less.

That’s what minimalism is really about, right? Living almost entirely with what matters most. It’s not a case of removing everything but seriously considering what doesn’t improve your life and getting rid of it. For a lot of people, the real attraction to this lifestyle is the clarity that it brings. Minimalism allows you to strip away unnecessary extras until you are left with exclusively purposeful things. 

I am interested in that and am looking at my home through new eyes with minimalism in mind.

But how can I get there and find the right balance? First, I’m going to consider what we actually use and what we truly value. We’re going to look at certain items and consider whether they are just filling space. By answering these questions and removing items accordingly, I think our space will feel more defined, and we will carve out room for peace and focus. If you want to make your new house a home, minimalism gives you a solid starting point, so let’s talk a little about the art of minimalism and why less might mean so much more.

Intentional Negative Space 

It’s common to think that empty space is wasted and bland, but it can actually feel like much-needed breathing room. Instead of rushing to fill every space, it’s okay to allow a few visual pauses. These blank areas allow the items you do have to stand out even more. It’s wise to have a balance between presence and absence, as it only makes the presence more beautiful. When done properly, your negative space will actually make you feel calm. High-quality minimalist rooms possess a quiet and confident elegance in this way. 

Tactical, Smart Storage Options 

The minimalist attitude might involve hiding things from time to time, but this isn’t the whole story. It’s mainly about letting the essential things shine. Open shelving with your favourite items will help turn function into form. The same can be said about a sculptural rack. When your choices reflect your daily routine and rhythm, the space becomes something that works for you. It doesn’t have to be picture-perfect in every department, but you will be surrounded by aspects that have earned their place. 

Intelligent Disposal 

It can be difficult to get rid of some things even when you don’t really care about them. Sometimes, you might harbor a sense of guilt about getting rid of things, but living as a minimalist doesn’t mean you should live wastefully. You could give many items a second life by donating thoughtfully. You could also engage in sustainable practices such as metal recycling for worn-out fixtures. It becomes easier to let go when you know that your discards are going somewhere purposeful. 

Appreciate Clear Surfaces 

An empty entryway or a clear tabletop might seem boring to many. The same might be said about a desk that contains only necessary items. Fortunately, blank surfaces can act like rest notes in music, as they allow your space to breathe. You don’t need to bombard your environment. If you leave enough space, you will have more energy for what actually matters, and let’s face it: a clean counter is always calming.

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.