Minimalism Myths
I had an interesting conversation with a fellow designer recently who stated "minimalism sucks" then directed me to an article with several myths about minimalism (listed below, but feel free to read the article): https://www.petershallard.com/why-minimalism-is-toxic-for-you-and-your-business/
I was so surprised to read that anyone had this perception of minimalism, and wanted to clear up the myths right away!
in this minimalistic design, we relish in the way the light plays on the blank walls. there is plenty of “stuff”, but each item is treasured, and storage (in upper cabinets) is tucked away neatly.
Minimalism Myth #1: “We shouldn’t own stuff”
There may be extremists who believe this, but for the most part minimalists simply believe that the items we have should be treasured or serve a purpose. That purpose could absolutely be to bring pleasure! Stuff is not a bad thing at all. It is when we have so much stuff that we stop respecting it, treasuring it, and valuing it. It is when that stuff begins to overtake us, crowd and overwhelm us.
The average minimalist would probably say, “we should own less stuff”.
Minimalism Myth #2: “Minimalists don’t own art”
Of course, minimalists have art! Minimalists will not, however, stack art on top of piles and piles of other art in our storage room or hide it under the bed because there isn’t enough room on the walls. Minimalists may have fewer pieces of art. These pieces will likely be well thought out purchases or pieces with stories and history. They will be treasured focal points.
Minimalism Myth #3: “People shouldn’t find fulfillment in a new car”
Hmmm… I think that it’s more likely one will find a minimalist owning only the vehicles that are truly needed, and they will absolutely find fulfillment in it, because it will be something that was considered at length, saved for, and not an impulse purchase that will add to the collection in the driveway.
If anything, I would argue that minimalists will find more fulfillment in their new car purchase!
Minimalism Myth #4: Minimalists choose to be homeless
"There’s also a ton of evidence that humans thrive in a materialist abundance. Kids consistently get better grades when their parents own a home." Well, of course, we do better with stability. It would be pretty extreme to encourage every person to live on the streets in the spirit of minimalism.
Remember, we have minimalist architecture and minimalist interiors. It is not just for office buildings. Mies Van der Rohe is a very famous architect who designed luxurious minimalistic homes, down to the interiors. We can certainly have luxury and material goods AND be a minimalist.
Minimalism Myth #5: Minimalists do less and are complacent
I don’t know if there is anything I could agree with less. Rather than sitting at home polishing collections and admiring “stuff”, minimalists will be the ones we find out hiking the trails, kayaking, experiencing nature, traveling, and living life to the fullest. The rest of us are bogged down with debt from all the stuff we’ve accumulated because we need it so much. I’ve been guilty of this myself!
while this homeowner may or may not be a minimalist, the clean lines we followed in teh design were inspired by minimalism.
The truth about minimalism
Quality, not Quantity & Sustainability:
Minimalists believe in purchasing once and holding on to the item to its death and beyond. A minimalist might repair the holes in their socks, or stitch together two old pair before throwing them out.
This is a mentality of reusing and loving what we have.
Celebrating the Little Things:
Minimalism teaches joy in everything. Too much of this makes us complacent and uncaring. Why take good care of this item? There's always 5 more!
Minimalism is a celebration of fine things, of the little things, of what we already have and creative use, and of how we can live and enjoy life without feeling the need to fill any voids with “stuff”. It is a simple and joyous way to live, not a punishment or deprivation.
Get out and LIVE:
These are people who hike, they grow their own food, they kayak, climb mountains, and get out with friends. There is nothing to hole them up at home but the basic necessities, so they get out and enjoy life!
Minimalism is not an all-or-nothing. We can strive to reach minimalism and consider ourselves minimalists even when we feel like we are drowning in “stuff”. Parenthood is an immediate minimalism challenge in itself!
It also presents itself in style. A minimalist will put more care into their purchases, so it is not unexpected for a minimalist to choose sustainable products that are crafted locally and do not offgas. They will want quality products to last a lifetime. It isn’t the pattern on pattern on pattern that intrigues a minimalist, but the simplistic beauty of high quality finishes. A pillow in a luxury linen will be coveted over the trendy pattern in bright colors sitting on an equally busy sofa with trim and tassels atop an ornate rug.
That isn’t to say that a minimalist will not appreciate a beautiful pattern or detail, but that the minimalist will let that decoration stand on its own, as a focal point to be appreciated in all its minute detail.
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