Minimalism

Less is more….

Minimalism isn’t just about owning less, it’s also about having more freedom.

Published in the International Journal of Applied Psychology this year, found that minimalists report various wellbeing benefits. These include a greater sense of autonomy, feeling more in control of their environment and having more mental space, awareness and positive emotions such as joy and peacefulness.

Minimalism isn’t just about decluttering. Instead, it’s about living a life aligned to values that include simplicity, sustainability and being a conscious consumer. We know that when we live with more purpose and choices which line up with these values we tend to report more life satisfaction.

You don’t have to be an extreme minimalist to start this journey, it can be a slow methodical journey for some. Understand why you want less. Start small and work through it. Question why you wish to keep an item, and why the item matters to you. Somethings you may want to keep for sentimental reasons and that’s ok. Each time you’re tempted to buy something new, ask yourself whether owning that item will help you stay aligned with your goals.

Once you start this journey you may find you become more selective in other area’s of your life including social events, friendships, career and generally how you spend your time.

You may be wondering how Minimalism and Interior Design work together.

Interior Design is not about fashion as ‘nothing goes out of fashion, faster than fashion’. ‘Interior Design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment. If we are working from the idea of minimalism, healthier is not cluttered. Healthier is open, light and organised. ‘A cluttered space, is a cluttered mind”. Research shows disorganisation and clutter have a cumulative effect on our brains. Our brains like order, and constant visual reminders of disorganisation drain our cognitive resources, reducing our ability to focus. The visual distraction of clutter increases cognitive overload and can reduce our working memory.

My approach to interior design is firstly functionality. The home or commercial premise has to function as it is attended too. Secondly, everything has a place. The space has to have adequate storage for the space to function and to be organised.

Re-use what we can, we do not want to add to land fill. To re-use a product is not always the cheapest option. To strip back timber furniture takes time, but the reward is great. You may not like the colour or finish of your grandmother’s chest of draws, but strip it back and give it a new fresh look is priceless. A sentimental piece you are able to keep. Use recycled product where ever you can. Recycled timber is beautiful, it adds character and warmth to a space.

When buying a new piece of furniture, purchase it because you love it, not because it is fashionable. Ask yourself, ‘will I still love it in ten years’. Buy items that are ethically produced, eco-friendly and sustainable.