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The concept of minimalism in home design has recently been gaining popularity. Initially used in the mid-60s to describe the sculptures of artists Robert Morris and Donald Judd, in recent years, minimalism has been adopted in different areas such as fashion, architecture, art, and music.
But what is minimalism and what is it that attracts many people to adopt this concept? The word “minimal” in itself defines the precepts—simplicity, bareness, few, basic, or essential. As applied in design and architecture, minimalism is the use of the barest and fewest elements according to need and necessity. The principle of minimalism design takes its inspiration from Japanese traditional design, specifically the use of simple and natural forms. Minimalist homes are about spacious rooms and minimum furniture, with more attention being given to elements like shape, color, and texture.
One of the most important steps in having a minimalist home is decluttering. Clutter aside from being unhealthy has been scientifically proven to cause stress and can impede your ability to focus. The practice of minimalism is believed to keep you on track for a more organized life where you can do more with less.
But minimalism is not only about designing your homes. Some people have adopted it as a lifestyle—from the way they dress, shop, dine and work. Minimalists reduce what they own only to the essentials that they need. They also make the decision and extend constant effort to keep their work and environment simplified, focusing mainly on tasks that are a priority and of importance to their personal values.
Minimalist and Founder of Solomojo Coaching Jo Bennett gave the best testimony to the benefits of minimalism, describing it as “a conscious curation of life”. He stated that as an emotional, physical, and mental decluttering process, minimalism makes life easier. For others, minimalism is about reducing anxiety and stress, especially in a fast-paced world which is already laden with so many stressors.
So if a minimalist lifestyle is one you would like to try for yourself, Fully Booked suggests the following very useful resources to guide you in transforming your home and your life.
Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals, by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin
From Instagram-sensations Clea and Joanna, this book talks about the authors’ signature approach to decluttering and establishing order in your home. You will be guided step-by-step, room by room, through a process that you never would have thought to be so easy and fun. You will never believe the results are possible, with even the smallest spaces achieving functionality and great looks. The book is also a look book, delighting you with interesting photos and detailed tips.
Tidying Up in Style by Natalia Geci
As a “manual of order”, this book by Argentine architect-designer Geci integrates different theories on home decluttering and organizing. It points out all the common items in the home and then finds the right places for each with ingenuity and style. Geci also lays down clever solutions for those with nomadic lifestyles, based on her own experiences.
Simple Matters: Living with Less and Ending Up with More by Erin Boyle
A book focused on small space living and conscious consumption, this is a book that will be a fit for those looking to simplify and organize their lives. Simple Matters propounds the sustainability of living simply—both for the environment and for your happiness and well-being. Boyle has added personal essays, projects, and invaluable advice on how you can be creative and inventive despite living in a tight space.
Small Spaces Style: Because You Don’t have to Live Large to Live Beautifully by Whitney Leigh Morris
Interior designer Morris offers more than 200 tips for living large even on a tight space—from clever DIY custom built-ins, go-vertical solutions, chic storage, double-duty layouts, minimizing clutter, and entertaining in limited spaces. This book is a must-read especially since a lot of people are now opting to live in small condo spaces.
This is Home: The Art of Simple Living by Natalie Walton
The book is a back-to-basics guide that gives you clever ideas on how you can create a beautiful home even without having a huge budget. Walton suggests that the key is creating wholehearted interiors based on the essence of what makes you happy and what reflects your needs and style. The book features eight case studies of homes from different parts of the world, with more than 200 inspiring photographs of simple yet beautiful living.
Minimalism is indeed an interesting concept to explore, and it does not necessarily need to take a lot of your time to get guidance on how to go about it. With the help of these books that can serve as your guide, you can start decluttering your home and your life and discover that it is not as difficult as you thought it was—and have fun in the process. There is no better time to start than now
These book suggestions are available in Fully Booked, and you can visit any of their branches or place your orders online. Make sure you are updated on new and upcoming books and promotions by following their accounts at Facebook (facebook.com/fullybooked), Instagram (_fullybooked), and Twitter (_fullybooked).
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