What Can Marie Kondo Teach You About Minimalist Design?

While minimalism is nothing new, Marie Kondo is responsible for getting a new wave of folks interested in the topic. Her series on Netflix was extremely popular and gave way to a lifestyle that many found refreshing and appealing. So what can her design philosophies about decluttering and cleaning teach you?

There is such a thing as too much stuff

When you enter a minimalist house, the open spaces speak for themselves. There is absolutely such a thing as too much stuff and you will feel it immediately when you visit a home with just too much clutter adorning every nook and cranny. Try to keep everything as uncomplicated as possible and embrace the simplicity of less is more.

You don’t have to hang every picture

While you may want to hang every picture your child brings home or pin up every poster you have ever owned since you left home, resist the temptation. One or two pictures are far better looking than a wall full of clutter, particularly if it is mismatched. If you are adamant about hanging your family’s artwork, then choose the best and rotate regularly.

Simple touches are often best

It only takes a little detail on your kitchen cupboards or a slight detail or texture on your tiles to raise it from the plain and mundane. Keep it simple and allow the eye to focus onto the added detail, no matter how small. Don’t feel the need to cover everything with knickknacks if the cabinetry, walls and floors speak for themselves.

Keep a little of your personality

If an item makes you happy, then keep it. If you love something, then feel free to add it to your home. Just refrain from having 362 of them scattered from your kitchen to your bedroom and everywhere in between. You don’t have to sacrifice your personality in a minimalist style, just resist the urge to go overboard where possible.

Maintain open spaces to feel comfortable

Light open spaces should be your preference in a minimalist home, as should neutral colour palettes to make you feel at your most relaxed. If you have space, don’t feel the need to clutter it with unattractive furniture. The light combined with the space will give your home a warm and natural feel allowing you to show it off at your best.