Do you ever dream of a clutter-free home where you’ve turned your back on the “evils” of consumerism for the freedom of minimalism?
You would not be alone if this is your idea of nirvana.
When selling your home, an experienced agent should always advise you to depersonalize and declutter – a strategy that creates a sense of light and space that attracts prospective buyers.
But if you’ve ever walked through a home that has been styled, you’ll realize it’s almost impossible to live your life in such aesthetic perfection. Styling is about igniting a buyer’s imagination so they see a range of possibilities for the property, rather than trying to show them how the home should be furnished.
It turns out the pursuit of a clutter-free, organized existence might not be the best approach in life. According to designers, minimalism is definitely not for everyone.
The website, Real Simple, recently published an article that champions the cause for a little clutter, claiming minimalism could have an adverse psychological impact. Here are some highlights of this argument:
Family Buy-in? – If you live in a large household, then achieving minimalism is almost impossible without a cult-like adherence to the cause by everyone else!
Just not you – Designers say creative types and people prone to a little sentimentality do not do well in a minimalist home. They like to have objects around them that serve as reminders of their life and offer inspiration.
Self-reflection – Many believe our homes are a reflection of our personalities. If you live inside an empty box, what does that say about you?
Requires discipline – You must be strict with items that you wish to bring into your apartment or house. Adherents to minimalism often have a “one-in, one-out” policy.
Stress factor – This discipline can be stressful. Folks can get caught up in the need to keep items from accumulating to maintain the goal of minimalism. For most of us, minimalism is a big commitment.
Be an “intentionalist” – This is another way of looking at how you might furnish and decorate. Rather than police everything, you only accept those items you intend to use or enjoy. Intentionalism should prevent your home from becoming cluttered without the stress of being a gatekeeper. The Swedish have a word, lagom, which means “just the right amount”. Perhaps this is the better path?