‘The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.” Marie Kondo

To often we find that clients recoil when we start talking about minimalist design.  Words like stark sterile and cold start to be thrown around the room.  Minimalist design done well however couldn’t be further from those negative connotations.

Minimalist design is not about going without, but rather keeping a space clear of clutter so that the objects that have true value and meaning so you can really shine.  In our designs, warm, cosy and wholesome are words that are aligned with minimalist design.  A home designed with minimalism in mind will increase happiness by placing value on simplicity and quality over clutter.

minimalist design and happiness

Have you ever wondered …

why do beautiful things make us happier?

Research into happiness has proven that visually attractive things and places make us feel more balanced and happier. Pleasant surroundings can help us feel cosy and safe, therefore the quality of the things we have in our home influences our mood in a positive way.

On the other hand, research into the psychology of mess has now shown direct link between untidiness and stress. Living in a messy home for example increases the level of the cortisol (a stress hormone) within our bodies which, if not reduced regularly can severally impact our wellbeing. We not only find a tidy space more relaxing to be in, overall it’s just harder to concentrate and stay calm if there is mess around.

wellness through simplicity

When most people picture their dream home, it’s not filled with clutter. Absence of distracting clutter brings attention to the form, light and materials help us to appreciate and see things more clearly.

The Swedish principle of Lagom is based around the idea of having ‘just the right amount.’

While the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi is based on the notion that happiness can be gained from appreciating the beauty of things ‘modest and humble’ like something that is handmade. It celebrates imperfection which makes objects seem more human and lived in.

minimalism celebrates value

A great benefit of having less is the opportunity to purchase possessions of higher quality. Many people don’t seem to put together the notion that when you own fewer things you gain an opportunity to have nicer things. Truth is, they go hand in hand.

If you keep only the most important pieces and display them beautifully in a significant place, you will find more sentimental value in your belongings. As a result, you will end up promoting the things that are most valuable to you. This supports a sense of familiarity and homeliness, which in turn will help you feel safer and more at ease.

Everyday things can affect our moods, such as the weather or the way a person speaks to us. You must never underestimate the importance of abandoning crap you don’t need, in order to make space for the quality things that you most desire. Minimalism isn’t about being boring and bare but an opportunity to choose good things that can directly define and influence your life.