Seeing simplicity as a sanctuary
minimalism.com
“The simpler and more intuitive you can make something, the better. Most of us know the feeling of being overwhelmed by technical complexity, but lately also by endless possibilities within the virtual world. Values can help here to guide us in what is right—for society and for us personally.” – Oliver Grabes
00 – Seeing simplicity as a sanctuary
Stepping into a room where simplicity reigns, where every item has its rightful place amid clean lines and soft colors, offers more than just aesthetic appeal; it's a gateway to tranquility. The minimalist movement, with its emphasis on less, speaks directly to our senses, guiding our minds towards peace. Architecture that favors minimalism doesn't just aim for visual appeal; it creates spaces that foster serenity and contemplation. Imagine living in an environment that acts as a sanctuary for your senses, where the clutter of the external world falls away, leaving room for calm and focus.
Our moods are deeply influenced by our visual surroundings. A cluttered, chaotic space can stir anxiety, while tidy homes, calming art, and cared-for gardens have the opposite effect, elevating our spirits. This universal desire for serenity, often clouded by religious interpretations, is a basic human necessity that crosses all cultures. Simplifying our spaces does more than clean them; it invites peace into our lives, serving as a powerful reminder that sometimes, achieving peace means embracing simplicity. Through minimalism, we learn that subtracting the unnecessary can add volumes to our sense of well-being.
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01 – Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
Embracing freedom: The art of letting go through minimalism (by Nate Grant)
Brimming with emptiness: How owning less helped me to stare into the void (by Oliver Sharman)
From individuality to "us": How minimalism changed my life (by Serra İspahani)
Do you have an interesting story you would like to share on minimalism.com? We want to read about it. Here, you have the opportunity write about your experiences and contribute to our journal.
02 – Minimal art
From our curated gallery
03 – Minimal design
Explore our list of curated design resources
Tadao Ando: Ichigoni 152 by Pundersons Gardens (video/architecture)
Cabin porn (blog)
Tooooools: lo-fi effects (tool)
Leibal (blog)
04 – Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
Rediscovering ikigai: what we got wrong and how to find meaning in life by Anne-Laure Le Cunff (article)
Manu's guide to minimalism (article)
All I possess by Simon Freund (experiment)
05 – Shop
Discover our hand-picked minimalist products in the Minimalism Life® shop
06 – Brands anchored by simplicity and sustainability
Minimalism can be about frugality and owning less, but it can also be about supporting ethical brands with sustainability at their core. Here’s several that you might be interested learning more about:
Stiksen: Premium caps from Sweden
CDLP: Luxury essentials
Nordic Knots: Rugs inspired by the beauty of the Nordic light
JAK: Portuguese leather sneakers
Form&Thread: Mindfully sourced garments
Pini: Italian clothing for the modern man
Luca Faloni: Luxury Italian men's clothing
CLAE: Minimalist footwear from LA
Collars&Co: Minimalist polo shirts
ODA: The modular everyday bag and essentials
Cariuma: Sustainable sneakers
Crown Northampton: High quality minimal footwear
Oliver Cabell: Minimalist Italian footwear and accessories
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
Wahts: Minimal monochromatic menswear
North-89: Shoemakers designing for Scandinavian weather conditions
Steele & Borough: Vegan, lightweight bags
Floyd: Unique and distinctive travel cases
Selfmade: Handmade eyewear
Void Watches: Simple Swedish timepieces
Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com