Minimalism the disturbing trend
Minimalism - The social media frenzy of this word has got many stripping back from absolutely everything. The connotation or the impression it gives is that we appear stingy, cheap and not making an effort. If you’re like me, then some of us like expensive things and that is fine within moderation.
The healthy definition of minimalism and my take towards it is that minimalism is to do with a lifestyle that reflects simplicity without taking joys away. It’s also a lifestyle where you eliminate the unnecessary that has a hold on you. To not over complicate in regarding systems and things related to cognitive function. You do not need to accumulate debt to buy things you cannot afford to impress people you don’t like. It’s about keeping life simple yet with a healthy balance. Things do spark joy and you should keep those things by all means. Minimalism is subjective, and it depends on who you are speaking to and the context involved. This lifestyle of being a minimalist does not at all mean you cannot enjoy your life in a shabby apartment that reflects no life, it does not mean you get rid of every possession you have. The difference is, do the possessions hold you down? I want you to understand that there is nothing wrong with enjoying anything within moderation without attachment to those things.
Be intentional focusing on what truly matters to you, keeping your personality and the essence of you in mind. like most things nothing is black and white! and this way of black and white thinking does more harm than good (another topic for another time).
From the design perspective minimalism is the death of detail, stripping away from personality, creativity, fun, colour and almost no identity. what do you reckon that will do to you?
Being surrounded in environments where the connotation of modern or minimalistic buildings/homes that strip back originality and uniqueness what does that say about where we are headed? dull, distant and apathetic.
I know you are now wondering what the balance approach is? is there one? truthfully I don’t know since nuances and contexts are far too much in this regard. What I do know is you need to question the narrative that is being pushed out. Anything that becomes a trend is never healthy. You also need to question why you are taking the approach to minimalism and what minimalism truly means to you wihtout the voices of everyone else. Be intentional and conscious of your choices whilst also being careful to not go into the extremes.