Over the last year or so, the term minimalism has been the centre of attention. The trend on everyone’s mind. However, especially that of interior designers and interior design enthusiasts. But what does it really mean to live a minimalist lifestyle or at least more minimal than normal? Often, you’ll see images of almost empty living rooms, other than a chair and a plant in the window. Nothing else but echo’s filling the empty space come to mind. This might be the look you’re going for. However, how can such an open and empty space create a relaxing and homely feel? Is owning nothing really a practical way of living? Here are a few ways for you to be more minimalistic in your home.
What Is Minimalism?
While everyone’s answer to this varies by his or her personal views on the subject, minimalism can more generally be defined as a life lived simply. By only possessing the every day necessities. However, minimalism isn’t exclusively applied to home décor. In fact, the concepts of minimalism can be used in all aspects of life. Finances, mental health, diet…etc. You could even use the concept to minimise your wardrobe.
Revamp
We have recently just done a revamp of our lounge and dining room. It had been on the cards for ages but was something I never got round to doing. That was until I got so fed up with the dark walls, excess clutter and generally childish feel. We hadn’t changed the decor for about 9 years so it really wasn’t our taste anymore. It was time for a change!
I have always liked where I live to feel really cozy and…well, homely. I hated the empty and well, minimalist look as I thought it was so impersonal and sometimes almost sterile. Not me at all. However, my opinions on this changed dramatically when we were doing the re-vamp. We had take everything out of the rooms we were painting. However, I found when it came time to put it back in again, I really liked the un-cluttered feel we had accidentally created. I found I really appreciated the few items we did decide to keep. The things that mattered to us and had sentimental value.
Decluttering
If you‘re considering a de-clutter or going for the minimalist look. Start by taking it room by room. Take everything out of the room and put it back piece by piece as you go through them. Also, really think about each item. Do you like it? Do you need it? Does it bring you joy. Would you even notice if it wasn’t there? Since doing our de-clutter, half the things we took out I don’t even remember and certainly don’t miss!
Oh, and the bits you decide you don’t want, don’t throw them away (unless they’re broken). Try to donate as much as you can to charity shops, find a recycler, or the Salvation Army perhaps?! It always makes me feel as though I’ve done my bit after taking a sack load of items to a charity shop.
Don’t forget, getting rid of things also means you can replace them with nicer, more up to date items. Things you maybe didn’t have the space for before. I don’t mean go crazy buying things for the sake of it. However, perhaps there was something you really wanted that you could now treat yourself to?!
I feel so much more relaxed and anxiety free since doing the re-vamp. Doing a de-clutter in these rooms has made them much more enjoyable spaces to spend time in. I find myself gravitating to these two rooms more than I had done before and feel so peaceful in them.
The Minimalism Bug
I think I’ve caught the minimalism bug as I am now going through every room in the house. Even my wardrobe is getting a good seeing to! Getting rid of old things that don’t have sentimental value or bring me joy. Yesterday I took 7 black bin bags of old clothes to the charity shop which felt amazing! I now only have the pieces I love and wear on a regular basis. It makes finding an outfit SOO much easier!
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