002: The meaning of space
Beyond minimalism and emptiness
Space is more than the absence of things. It is more than a void to be filled or an area to be designed. It is an extension of our minds, a silent force that shapes our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. In the pursuit of minimalism, many believe that reducing possessions will lead to clarity, that an empty room will provide peace. But a minimalist space can still feel cluttered, and an empty room can feel oppressive rather than calming. The philosophy of space is not just about what we remove but about what we allow to remain—intentionally, thoughtfully, and in alignment with our inner selves.
The illusion of minimalism: A cluttered space without clutter
Minimalism is, at its core, about intentionality. However, its visual appeal—sleek furniture, neutral palettes, and sparsely decorated rooms—has sometimes reduced it to merely an aesthetic rather than a way of living. But minimalism is not just about having less; it’s about creating harmony, function, and purpose within a space. A nearly empty room can still feel chaotic if it lacks these essential elements.
Clutter is not always physical. Even a minimalist space can feel overwhelming if it lacks warmth and emotional resonance. Imagine a living room with only a couch and a coffee table—if the lighting is too harsh or the arrangement feels cold, the space may not provide comfort or peace. Stripping a room of personal elements doesn’t necessarily make it calming; instead, it can feel impersonal and uninviting.
Minimalism is not about deprivation but about balance. A truly minimalist space serves its inhabitants rather than simply looking clean. The absence of clutter alone does not create serenity, just as the presence of objects does not always create chaos. Ultimately, a space should reflect the life within it, not simply react to a fear of excess.
The weight of an empty room
Many people assume that an empty room—a blank slate—will create a sense of peace. But space without meaning can feel heavy, void of warmth and energy. The human mind seeks stimulation, even in stillness. A room with no focal point, no personal elements, and no sense of flow can feel incomplete rather than freeing.
This is why people sometimes walk into an empty house and feel a sense of unease rather than calm. It is not just the absence of furniture; it is the absence of life. An empty space can feel like an unfinished sentence, a thought left incomplete.
Peace is not found in emptiness itself but in the way space is used. A well-designed space does not overwhelm or underwhelm—it supports. It breathes. It allows for movement, for rest, for inspiration. This is why some people feel at ease in a room filled with books, art, or carefully chosen objects, while others may feel lost in a sterile, white-walled space with nothing to connect to.