Minimalism

bySavannah Dodge/September 18, 2020

MINIMALISM

When you think about the ‘Tiny House Lifestyle’ some may also connect this to a lifestyle by the name of ‘minimalism’. However, minimalism has many different faces in today’s world. Some may think of it as a life with less clutter or the absence of decoration within a home. Others may not have ever even heard of minimalism before in their lives. This article’s intent is to answer questions regarding this confusing thing called minimalism.

First things first, you have to compare each of these lifestyles. What do they bring to the table that interests you?

Tiny House Lifestyle:

Mobility
Financial flexibility
New Construction
Smaller carbon footprint
Sustainable living
Aesthetic freedom in the design of your home
Low Maintenance Building Materials

Minimalist Lifestyle:

Needs > Wants
Experiences > Possessions
Time flexibility
Financial flexibility
Less Material Objects
Reduces stress & promotes healthier living

Tiny living in many ways has become a direct extension of minimalism. Each becoming heavily rooted within each other.

Minimalism is a lifestyle, comprised of reducing:

Your wardrobe
Furniture
‘Things’ & ‘Trinkets’
Unnecessary decorative items

Putting more time & energy into things like:

Experiences (concerts, events, etc.)
Relationships
Activities / Hobbies (art, sports, gaming, sewing, etc)

Minimalism does not aim to erase the ‘things’ that bring you joy.

example: avid book readers…. If having a collection of books that you read brings you joy and happiness within your life, you should keep that collection. However, minimalism is also deeply rooted in recycling and reusing. If you have a large book collection, maybe start lending some of your books to friends, start a book swap, book club, etc.

This lifestyle continuously pushes individuals to think about what they want in their life. It aims to bring a sense of calm and joy into your lives. Taking attention away from unnecessary stressors such as:

Cleaning your large house every weekend

Organizing your clothes

Keeping up with ‘trends’

Spending too much money on furniture

Minimalist Lifestyle v Minimalist Aesthetics

Oftentimes minimalism is thought of for its aesthetic meaning. Where a space is designed in a simple and intentional manner.

Examples below show that minimalism can manifest itself in a number of aesthetic representations. It does not have to be a white box or monochromatic. It can have color, light, contrast & life within it. The beauty of minimalism is the varying interpretations of it.

One of which is our own Clark Art Museum in Williamstown, MA. designed in part by Tadao Ando, famous for his minimalist designs.