It might seem counterintuitive for an online store to advise to purchase less, but we believe our products can help build a minimal home, creating an environment of purposeful living and, ultimately, meaning.
Although minimalism often gets a hard time in the press, and it is extraordinarily hard to live minimally in an overrun family home, we can still consider the principles behind minimalism, even if the reality of the philosophy is more difficult to achieve.
The Minimalists, who have helped over 20 million people across their platform and popular Netflix documentary, state:
“Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.”
Minimalism is about more than decluttering. When you understand you have the power to strip back and create a home of less stuff, you realise you are free. You have autonomy over your destiny; you can create the life you wish to lead.
This is difficult in these trying times when we're all bundled in at home, yes, but perhaps we can take small steps toward a bigger vision. Minimalism doesn't have to be extreme. Inputting furniture that fits organises a home in a way that makes sense to the space. The furniture becomes an extension to the architecture as opposed to the bulky, stand alone pieces of the past.
Widely regarded in the architectural world as the king of minimalism, John Pawson has very few items in the Cotswold retreat he designed for his own family. You might think that would appear stark, yet interior images reveal a home that is warm and desirable, and full of natural material. Built-in custom furniture that fits the space is unobtrusive and, ultimately, relaxing. Plus, with Made in Ply, it's achievable.
Stripping back and streamlining your home will build a sense of calm. It doesn’t take much to upgrade a tired living space or home office, but the rewards will be felt daily. This is a chaotic world, and our home is our sanctuary. With work and home schooling and life all mixing in one big messy laundry heap, it’s easy to feel overwhelm. In minimalism, we take back control. We declutter our homes and thus, our mind.
If there were ever a time when we needed this more, it’s now.
“Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom.” The Minimalists
