Why a Minimalist House Design May Be Right For You

For some, the word “minimalism” may hold negative connotations. Yet a minimalist lifestyle offers many benefits. Imagine de-cluttering your life. What would it be like to refocus your energy on what you truly need rather than all the things you think you want. For many, having less can lead to more. More time, more energy, and more inspiration. Here’s an overview of what minimalism has to offer you, the homeowner.

Minimalism

The minimalist movement is gaining momentum. Sometimes referred to as slow, small, or simple living, minimalism is catching on. Some minimalists will tell you that your first step has nothing to do with your house. It’s a state of mind, not a set of principles. That no matter what your living situation, you can begin right away. Some will say all that’s required is self-awareness and focus. It’s about decluttering your life, removing the things that don’t matter. Refocusing on the things that do. Valuing yourself over material objects. Streamlining down to the essential. Keeping only the people and things that enrich you most. If you’re curious, pick-up The Minimalist Home, by Joshua Becker, for an inspirational read.

Smaller House – Better Life

Over the past 50 years, the size of American homes has more than doubled. Today our homes are among the world’s largest in per capita floor space. It’s no wonder homeowners’ have begun to ask – “What’s really necessary?”. Compact, tiny, and not-so-big houses are popping up everywhere. The owners’ of these homes are discovering that smaller offers more. More time to connect with family, friends, and nature. More energy to enjoy life. And, more money to spend on the things that matter most.

The minimalist aesthetic vs. minimalist design

Our world today is full of luxury products with clean, sleek lines. This fact trips many people up in their understanding of minimalism. In consumer product design, the minimalist aesthetic is often applied in a superficial, stylistic way. This results in alluring products evocative of simplicity, that won’t necessarily simplify anything. Yet, it’s also possible to apply minimalism to the design process in a more meaningful way. Minimalist designers place emphasis on the essential. Their goal is functional form. They achieve it by stripping away the superfluous to reveal an object’s true essence. In residential architecture, this type of thinking can help simplify your house and your life.

Consider this residence in Burke, Vermont whose owners’ hold a deep passion for mountain biking and skiing. The Kingdom Mountain Bike Trails are yards from the owners’ door and Burke Mountain Ski Resort is a mile up the road. So the location is paradise for this family of four who spend most of their free time outdoors and life in this cozy 1,700 s.f. net-zero house is simple. Low-maintenance exterior materials withstand Vermont’s harsh climate. A small solar array provides electricity including heating and cooling. Except for the stone-bordered terraces on each side of the home, the house leaves the hilly, woody surroundings untouched. This simple landscaping scheme allows the homeowners to spend more time doing what they love and less time maintaining their home.

Minimalist house design leads to homes that offer an invitation to slow down, relax, and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Homes designed to respect, appreciate and sustain the landscape. And reflect a love of place. Homes that are clean, bright, and timeless. Life today is complex. Let your house envelop you in a refuge of simplicity.

posted by Carol Miklos on 21.06.20

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