Contemporary clean design reflects an inner desire for more space, more visual calm, more time for the important things.
But do we need to overhaul to get closer to that feeling?
No, of course not. French author Dominique Loro, who lived for many years in Japan, has systematized a few simple rules for minimalist living.
Thanks to them, we can come one step closer to that calm and skillful enjoyment of the moment that Zen monks live in.
And that, peace, is infinitely needed in a time when "more" is being proclaimed everywhere - more stuff, more work, more money to buy more stuff.
A mad and pointless race with ourselves, from which we never emerge winners, only tired losers.
Here are Dominic's tips that are easy to apply and will help you enjoy life more:
Own less
Zen monks only own what they carry on their backs. We don't need to go to such extremes, but if we only owned one thing of a kind, like just one nail file, it would make our lives easier and lighter. Because if you only have one nail file, you'll always know where it is, right?
Don't pile up junk
Minimalism doesn't accept frills. The little "dust collectors" we love to decorate our shelves with actually take away from the air in the room and pollute the space visually.
Box up all the mementos, figurines, tickets to past events and faux bouquets from weddings.
This doesn't mean you'll be depriving yourself of your memories of these events, just a handful of completely unnecessary items.
After all, "to live only with your memories is to ignore the present and close the door on the future."
Keep order in your home
Keeping your house in order consistently is much easier and enjoyable than leaving it messy all week and trying to tidy up on one day of the week.
Keeping your home in order instills the harmony we all really need.
Just put things back in their places as soon as you use them.
"There has to be a place for everything and every thing has to be in its place," says Loro.
If it's broken, fix it
A burnt-out light bulb or leaky canteen create an imperceptible but constant strain. When things don't work the way we expect, it prevents us from devoting ourselves to more important, or more relaxing, activities.
So take some time, put the house in order and relax.
Choose living materials
Wood, wool and cotton are 'living', breathable materials that come from nature. The feeling of using such things is much better than using low-quality artificial imitations.
A good wool blanket, for example, is much better than several artificial and electrifying blankets.
And quality materials last longer without needing to be replaced.
No extra clothes
Women especially have a habit of keeping their old and faded clothes in the closet for years. "I'll use it for sports" or "It might come back into fashion someday" are among the usual excuses.
However, the time of these clothes never comes, they are only present in the wardrobe and take up space.
Loro advises to gather courage and throw out everything you haven't worn in the last 3 years.
In the space freed up, put clothes in line with her "rule of the week" - 7 outerwear pieces for the different seasons (jacket, coat, jacket, etc.), 7 tops, 7 bottoms (pants, skirts, dresses go here too), 7 pairs of shoes for the different seasons and a few accessories that go with everything.
If you choose classic pieces, you'll have a timeless wardrobe that doesn't take up as much space.
Think positive
Get rid of fear. A clear mind brings calmness in its wake. If you feel anxious, bring in new energy - take a walk or do yoga. If you have a problem to solve, don't indulge in self-pity but get down to the practical solution to the problem.
The more we focus on a feeling, the stronger it becomes. So don't let fear overwhelm you, but focus on the good things of life.
Rest
Simple living doesn't involve constantly competing with something or someone. Enjoying life involves a lot of free time to do just that - to enjoy, and that means contemplating, feeling, enjoying life as a spectator enjoys a good theatrical play.
SlowLife - the life of dynamic people!