Form as foundation
Exploring minimalism as a framework for inner structure
“Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins.” —Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Designing the self
Just as architecture gives form to space, design gives form to our inner lives. It’s not only about shaping objects or systems—it’s about shaping perception, behaviour, and identity. As AG Fronzoni once said, “The deepest meaning of design is to build ourselves.”
When we pare back, when we arrange, when we choose what stays and what goes—we’re not simply refining our surroundings. We’re expressing who we are, or who we’re trying to become. The spaces we create, inhabit, and return to often reflect the state of our attention, our priorities, our sense of self. In that way, minimalism becomes more than an aesthetic—it becomes a practice of self-architecture.
To design with intention is to live with intention. A quiet room, a well-used object, an empty morning—these can be more than preferences. They can be principles. They can shape us in return.
Words by Carl Barenbrug
00: What remains unspoken
Minimalism Life’s premium edition continues with a quiet reflection on the spaces between us—the ones that hold what we cannot say. This isn’t an essay about communication or clarity, but about presence. In our next issue, we explore how minimalism can help us honor silence, make space for the unspoken, and find connection beyond words.
Support and subscribe for $5/month or $50/year to read the full essay when it lands on July 16. Plus, unlock our growing archive of reflections on simplicity, intention, and what it means to live with less.
01: Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
I left everything behind: discarding my old sense of self
Words by Angie Davila
My ikigai: finding peace in climbing
Words by Carl Barenbrug
Hard choices: on the power of letting go
Words by Carl Phillips
Share your story
Do you have an interesting story you would like to share on minimalism.com? We want to read about it. You have the opportunity write about your experience of how minimalism has impacted your life and get your words published in our community journal.
02: Minimal art
From our curated gallery
03: Minimal design
Explore our list of curated design resources
In residence: Sophie Hicks (video/architecture)
04: Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
05: Shop
Discover our hand-picked minimalist products in the Minimalism Life® shop
06: Brands anchored by simplicity and sustainability
Minimalism can mean frugality and owning less, but it can also mean supporting ethical brands with sustainability at their core. Here are a few you might find interesting—just remember, clothes are not an investment.
Clae: Minimalist footwear from LA
Stiksen: Premium caps from Sweden
Nordic Knots: Rugs inspired by the beauty of the Nordic light
Collars & Co: Minimalist polo shirts
Dalgado: Timeless accessories made to last
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
Steele & Borough: Vegan, lightweight and water repellant bags
Void Watches: Simple Swedish timepieces
Meller: Minimal shades
Wahts: Minimal monochromatic menswear
Floyd: Unique and distinctive travel cases
Mismo: Bags and accessories from natural materials
Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com
This is a very nice thought. I never quite considered it that way, kudos for pointing it out. The big word I took away from this is 'deliberate.' Deliberate, but not obsessive or over-control. I suppose we benefit from that cleanness and cleaning out... the removal of excess.