Minimalism
The following short essay will attempt to analyse and give a critical design description of the interior design trend of minimalism and how its presence may be affecting our psychology and outlook on our life at home.
The definition of minimalism can be seen in two different ways. One being the design related one,
It combines natural elements such as wood and stone, hints of neutral or pastel colours, clean geometric shapes, and most importantly functional design.
And then there is the lifestyle related definition to minimalism which is still connected to the design aspect yet focuses more on the effect that it has on the psyche,
A way of life that emphasizes the need to make intentional rather than mindless choices and purchases, specifically in regard to one’s material possessions.
For the purpose of this essay’s clarity both definitions shall be taken into account, yet due to this design trend being a big part of
Minimalism focuses on the need to carefully examine the things we choose to spend our money and attention on, so for us to then be able to give our full attention to the things that matter most. Minimalism pushes us to believe that quality over quantity is the key to happiness and buying one thing after the other is not leading us any closer to getting what we actually want or need. This movement started out as a lifestyle trend and now has merged into a design trend as well, as designers see the increased desire for objects that are have a simple clean cut design and actually functional. The design world now encourages the clean cut aesthetic too, by emphasizing on the beauty of the clean soft lines and shapes that bring clarity into a world of mess. Full on patterns that only indicate cluster and confusion have lost their beauty in the consumer’s eye.
Yet whilst we are continuously being told that owning things is not what will make us happy, we forget and become blind to the notion that neither getting rid of them will.
A messy environment, even if it may not be aesthetically pleasing at all times, carries a deep significance that surrounds ur creativity. By seeing things in places and in ways that they are not meant to be in, it sparks our curiosity to break free of traditions.
Finding a balance between messy and minimalist living might be the best approach as we let ourselves both be free and are risks, whilst still being careful to not let ourselves be dragged down by our material possessions.
