The Confusion Surrounding Minimalism: Why I’m a #hyggeminimalist.

When you think of minimalism, do you immediately think of empty show home-type rooms? Or clinical white walls? That is what I thought, too!! There is a misconception that you can’t own anything extra and call yourself a minimalist. That you can’t own collections, your room can’t be comfortable, and you can’t have anything on your shelves.

Arrange mindfully. Let each piece have room to breathe and shine. Create a shelf where the mind is calm but the eye lingers on each part separately and lovingly.

THAT’S NOT IT AT ALL.

Hygge and minimalism don’t have to be mutually exclusive. You can have a cozy, homey, minimalist room full of comforts without feeling crowded. It just means that you have to hone in on those one or two of those special things that bring you ultimate joy and happiness.

Instead of having a room filled with: pieces of scrap paper thrown on a desk, a bunch of throw blankets you never use in your cupboard or kitchens filled with gadgets you don’t touch- figure out what is really important to you. Is it your collection of books? Your gathering of scarves to dress up any outfit? The collectible Funko POP dolls  that make you smile every time you see them? Your antique tea sets?

Hygge and minimalism don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Now take that collection that is special to you and make it shine! Pick out anything from that group that isn’t making you smile anymore and create a curated set. For instance, I love teacups. Every time I saw one, I would have to buy it. Suddenly, I had this out of control collection. When we bought this place, we downsized and “lost” 800 square feet of space- stuff had to go! I was forced to decide which pieces I really loved and which could go. Obviously, my grandmother’s antique set stayed, but the rest? I went from 18 cups to 6 cups. I cherish those to this day.

Yes, cherish your collection. Don’t shove it on a shelf with some pieces hidden behind other stuff. (Organized clutter is still clutter!). Minimalism should inspire you to cut so much excess that you’re wondering why those empty shelves are revealing the wall that you forgot was painted blue.

Now- this is where the fun starts! Take that collection, of teacups, say, and arrange it beautifully on that shelf. Make each piece sing. Take it out of the cupboard, drawer or back of the closet. That’s where some paperwork should go (And don’t let paperwork pile up, either! But that’s another post). Declutter that drawer, which will make you feel good, and then pretty up that bookshelf, which will also make you feel good. This is very important- don’t make my mistake and shove 30 teacups on a shelf handle-to-handle. Arrange mindfully. Let each piece have room to breathe and shine. Create a shelf where the mind is calm but the eye lingers on each part separately and lovingly.

An empty room isn’t minimalism. Having a room that lets you breathe and relax, but which also feels comfortable and inspires Hygge is ideal.

Minimalism should inspire you to cut so much excess that you’re wondering why those empty shelves are revealing the wall that you forgot was painted blue.

Having said that, I am currently struggling with this on my bookshelf. I don’t want my family to use it as a dumping spot for THEIR clutter, so I have put my collections there. Now, it feels too crowded. I can’t decide whether I need to style it better or suck it up and donate some of it….wish me luck!

I am going to leave you with some eye candy. My favourite #hyggeminimalist  rooms on the internet! (I made up that hashtag! Think it will catch on or is it a “Quit trying to make fetch happen, Gretchen!” moment? *haha*).

Here are some of my favourite rooms: