I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not your typical minimalist.
In fact, if I use Gretchen Rubin’s categories of over buyer vs. under buyer, I definitely fall into the over buyer camp, which is a far cry from the standard minimalist protocol.
As an over buyer, when I run out of toothpaste, I don’t just buy one new tube the next time I’m at the store. Instead, I buy three tubes so I know I’m set for a while.
Similarly, if I find a shirt that I absolutely love, I’ll buy it in a few different colors; I’m picky about my clothing, so when I finally find that “perfect something,” I want to wear it all the time!
Again, not super minimalist on the surface…
Where my minimalist lifestyle does come in to play, however, is with clutter.
I despise clutter.
But wait, how can my loathing of clutter possibly align with my over buyer tendency, you ask? Great question.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago in my capsule wardrobe post, if I purchase a two new shirts and a pair of shoes, I know that I have to donate two old shirts and a pair of shoes when I get home. And the same goes for kitchen utensils, beauty products, etc.
My mantra is: one comes in, one goes out.
Essentially, I surround myself with things that bring me comfort and contentment, but I don’t let them pile up. For me, clutter often leads to a feeling of chaos and overwhelm.
By being mindful of my purchases and how I decorate my home, however, I strive to ensure that everything is either functional, brings me joy, or – best case scenario – BOTH!
As I reflected on this lifestyle, I realized that I’ve essentially combined the practices of both hygge and minimalism.
It’s hygge minimalist living, if you will. (Have NO idea what hygge is? I have you covered, check out my post on hygge here.)
So if cozy simplicity sounds like your cup of tea, then you’re in luck. Today’s post shares my top five tips for hygge minimalist living. Check them out now!
Top Five Tips for Hygge Minimalist Living
Open Up The Space
A big part of minimalism is embracing open space rather than stuff.
But remember, we are celebrating the hygge minimalist lifestyle. And this means that open space doesn’t necessarily equate to the classic minimalist aesthetic of cold, stark interiors, and sterile white walls.
Instead, open space simply means getting rid of the extra stuff that does not meet our two criteria: it is functional, and/or it brings you joy.
So YES, you can keep your child’s drawings hanging on the refrigerator. But those coupons that expired six months ago? Yeah…it’s time for them to go.
Keep The Personal Touches
As you embark on the decluttering process, set aside the items that provide you with special meaning.
Perhaps it is a handmade quilt that your grandmother made you as a child. Maybe it is a framed photo of your family Christmas card from 10 ago. Or maybe it is a set of embroidered dish towels you received for your wedding. Whatever speaks to you is perfect.
These are the important things you want to keep. These are the things that bring you joy.
Pictures of pictures…we’re getting meta here. My bookshelf is the first thing you see when you in my office, and it’s filled with pictures of those I love.
Choose a Focal Point for your room.
Once you’ve highlighted those special items, take some time to incorporate them throughout your home. If possible, make them the focal point.
Every time you walk into a room, the centerpiece is where your eyes first look. By making these special pieces the centerpiece, you create a special reminder for yourself. You establish an environment of warmth, comfort, contentment, and love.
Essentially, by sharing your personality through your decor, you bring your home to life.
[bctt tweet=”Share your personality through your decor and bring your home to life. #hygge #minimalist #homedecor ” username=”BusyBeingPaula”]
Decorate With Pieces You Love
Along a similar vein, if you decide to redecorate a room, or you’re on the hunt for a new piece of furniture, don’t just buy whatever’s the most convenient. Instead, look for special items that speak directly to you.
This might mean going to a high-end shop near your home. Perhaps it means ordering a unique piece online from a store like Modern Digs (www.moderndigsfurniture.com). Or maybe you’re like me, and you love scouting out thrift shops and garage sales for that perfect one-of-a-kind item. Any of these options are great.
The important thing is surrounding yourself with things that have meaning to you.
Use Light as Decor
I
n the world of hygge, light is one of the most important elements. As Meik Wiking explains in his captivating book, The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Secret to Happy Living, “Danes are obsessed by lighting in general.” And I’m talking any kind of light, whether it’s electric, natural, or candle lit.
Wiking notes, “Danes select lamps carefully and place them strategically to create soothing pools of light. It is an art form, a science, and an industry…The rule of thumb is: the lower the temperature of the light the more hygge.” (If you want to learn more, I highly recommend checking out Wiking’s book.)
Since we are embracing hygge minimalist living, we clearly can’t overlook the role of light.
So as you declutter, rearrange, and highlight your favorite pieces of decor, keep the lighting in mind as well. Open up the shades and let in the natural daylight. Swap your standard light switch for one with a dimmer, which allows you to control the soft pools of light all around you. And of course, don’t forget the candles.
So, there you have it, friends. It is possible to embrace both hygge and minimalism with a hygge minimalist lifestyle. Want to learn more? Download my free workbook, which walks you through the process step-by-step, and start living a cozy, simplified life today!
Question:
Do you practice hygge or minimalism? What do you think about creating a hygge minimalist lifestyle? What are some of your favorite items in your home? Do you decorate with light? Let me know below!
