Minimalists are people focused on living a meaningful life without the burden and distraction of clutter. Clutter can manifest both mentally and physically. Minimalists work hard to shed unwanted material objects and attitudes from their lives.
You may have heard about minimalism and wondered whether it really helps its devoted followers. Here’s what the minimalist lifestyle is all about and how it affects your home decor, mindful internet consumption, and inner peace.
What is Minimalism?
Minimalism is defined as a lifestyle or technique characterised by large amounts of spareness. It has also been described as the art of understanding how much is just enough. This concept can be applied to many areas of life and is often associated with peace and tranquillity.
Intention
One of the key principles of minimalism is being intentional with everything. The ways a minimalist spends their time, money, and energy, are all intentional. This intentionality is meant to focus on what a person truly values and has passion for in life, while removing whatever is causing distraction.
Today’s society often puts a lot of pressure on people and has created a “more is better” attitude. The possessions people own are becoming less about their use or purpose and more about the desire to have more than those surrounding them.
Minimalists find happiness in areas outside of possessions. They are much more focused on inner peace than the newest designer handbag. This is why their homes are simplistic, featuring classic furniture pieces that serve clear purposes. Instead of buying flashy items, they hold onto the possessions they value most.
Being a minimalist offers the freedom to disengage and slow down from the modern mania of being busy 24/7.
Focus
It’s not just possessions that minimalists are less worried about. Life moves fast and people often find themselves multitasking just to get more done in a day. Being a minimalist offers the freedom to disengage and slow down from the modern mania of being busy 24/7. Intentional ventures that add value to life are the focus instead.
Overall, excessiveness is left behind. Minimalists only keep the significant essentials, while discarding the frivolous and not needed.
What is Digital Minimalism?
Today’s society relies on the internet. Everything is digital. This means many people spend significant chunks of their day stuck to a screen of some sort, whether it’s for work, play, or both. The 24-hour news cycle, social media, emails, and many other digital temptations distract people from pursuing meaningful endeavours.
Digital minimalism, like any other form of minimalism, is about knowing how much internet consumption is enough. Unlike most people, digital minimalists do not feel the need to check their emails intermittently throughout a conversation. They don’t make sure the number of “likes” on their latest Instagram post is continuing to climb during a family dinner. They’re able to engage with the online world in an intentional way. Minimalists won’t allow social media to become an all-consuming distraction from their values and passions.
One way you can use technology to help you with this is by watching a minimalist documentary on Netflix. Minimalism: A Documentary About The Important Things, has great advice about this way of life and provides a meaningful way to engage with technology.
How to Start Becoming a Minimalist
To become a minimalist, you must be intentional in all areas of your life. Focus on whatever you value and feel passionate about. The first area that new minimalists turn to is the home.
If you have many possessions but wish to become a minimalist, consider sorting through them before purchasing anything new. Ask yourself, “Which of my possessions brings me happiness and adds value to my life? Which are non-essentials taking up space and creating clutter?”
Once you have sorted through your existing possessions, you can move on to finding furniture and decor options that will help you create a peaceful, minimalist space.
What Kind of Furniture is Best for a Minimalist Home?
Multipurpose Items
One great way to cut down on the amount of furniture you need is by investing in some multipurpose items. For example, a footrest that doubles as storage means you have a place to keep essentials where they aren’t creating clutter. They also make a comfortable place to rest your feet after a long day, all wrapped into one!
Another example is a Japanese low sofa bed, which takes up little space while serving two purposes.
Minimalism means making wise investments in timeless, durable pieces, that will withstand the test of time.
Simple Designs
Simple furniture with clean lines and a clear purpose, such as a bamboo tree coatrack, will create the look and feel of minimalism in no time. When in search of minimal decor, instead of opting for an ornate clock, choose a simple option that focuses solely on the numbers and hands. This allows you to focus on the purpose of the clock without being distracted. This adds to the minimalist atmosphere you are creating.
Search For Value
A minimalist purchases furniture for their home with intention rather than to follow a trend or get the cheapest deal. Minimalism means making wise investments in timeless, durable pieces, that will withstand the test of time. The point is not to buy for the sake of buying, but to buy only what is essential for you to live a meaningful life.
Once you have freed up your living space and purchased furniture and other home necessities with intention, you will feel more inspired. You’d be passionate about becoming a minimalist in other areas of your life.
