Opinion: Rise of minimalist living
Minimalism doesn’t have to mean an absence of things, it can simply mean being more selective about things one chooses to keep
By Viiveck Verma
Amid a culture fixated on accumulation and excess, a quiet rebellion is gaining momentum: the call for minimalist living. From blogs and social media to interior design philosophies, advocates of ‘less is more’ champion the benefits of decluttering and simplifying. But does embracing minimalism genuinely lead to a richer, more purposeful life, or is it merely another fleeting trend, celebrated for its visual appeal rather than its deeper significance?
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Quality over Quantity
At its core, minimalism is not just a design trend, it’s a lifestyle philosophy. It advocates for stripping away the non-essential to focus on what truly adds value to one’s life. While minimalism as a concept has existed for centuries, it gained significant traction in the 1960s through art and design movements and has since evolved into a cultural phenomenon, particularly in the realm of interior design, fashion, and even personal finance.
The appeal is undeniable. A minimalist home, characterised by clean lines, neutral tones and the absence of clutter, has a calming, almost meditative quality. The minimalist movement promises more than just a visually tidy space. Proponents argue that living with less allows individuals to focus on experiences rather than material possessions, fostering a life that prioritises quality over quantity.
Research also supports the psychological benefits of minimalist living. Studies have proven that clutter can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. A cluttered environment can overwhelm our cognitive capacity, reducing our ability to focus and making us feel mentally fatigued. Minimalism, in contrast, aims to cultivate tranquillity by creating a harmonious space that allows individuals to thrive. By intentionally limiting possessions, people are better able to focus on what brings them joy and fulfilment.
Different for Everyone
However, like any growing trend, minimalism comes with its fair share of detractors. Some critics argue that it oversimplifies the human experience. It may be easy to romanticise the idea of a perfectly curated, serene home until you realise the emotional attachment one may have to objects that hold sentimental value. Is it really practical to discard family heirlooms or meaningful gifts for the sake of simplicity? And what about the joy that can come from surrounding yourself with things that inspire or comfort you?
Furthermore, minimalism can be seen as exclusionary. While it’s often championed by those with disposable incomes or access to design resources, the emphasis on expensive, curated aesthetics can alienate those who do not have the means to invest in a minimalist lifestyle. The ‘Instagram-perfect’ version of minimalism, with its sleek Scandinavian furniture and crisp white walls, may feel out of reach for many.
For some, the pressure to achieve the ideal of minimalism can be just as overwhelming as the clutter it seeks to eliminate. Perhaps the most contentious issue surrounding minimalist living is the idea of it being a one-size-fits-all solution. In reality, minimalism looks different for everyone. Some may thrive in a spartan, pared-down environment, while others might find fulfilment in a home filled with books, plants, and personal mementoes. For some, minimalism is about reducing the material load, but for others, it may mean cultivating a more thoughtful, intentional approach to how they spend their time, money, and energy. The truth is that minimalism doesn’t have to mean an absence of things, it can simply mean being more selective about the things one chooses to keep.
Relationship with Consumerism
On a deeper level, minimalism raises questions about our relationship with consumerism. At its best, the minimalist movement challenges us to question why we accumulate things in the first place. It pushes us to examine our motivations behind the items we buy and to question if they truly contribute to our happiness or whether we’re simply filling a void created by external pressures and expectations.
As the author Joshua Becker points out in his book The More of Less, “The goal of minimalism is not to have less stuff; the goal is to make room for more of the things that matter.” For some, that might mean cultivating meaningful relationships, pursuing creative passions, or investing time in self-care.
Still, as with any cultural shift, minimalism is not without its risks. The push to simplify and declutter can sometimes feel like a mandate, a judgment on those who choose a different path. There’s a fine line between choosing less and shaming others for their choices. Not everyone has the desire or inclination to live in a pristine, monochromatic home devoid of personality. For many, accumulating objects, whether it’s books, art or family keepsakes, is an integral part of their identity and well-being.
So, is less really more? The answer is not as clear-cut as some would like to believe. For some, minimalist living offers clarity, peace and a sense of purpose. For others, it’s a restrictive ideal that fails to accommodate the complexities of life. Ultimately, the key is not in adopting an idealised version of minimalism, but in cultivating a lifestyle that reflects our unique needs, desires and values. In a world that constantly pushes us toward more, sometimes the best answer might just be to focus on what truly matters—and that, of course, is a deeply personal decision.
(The author is founder & CEO, Upsurge Global, co-founder, Global Carbon Warriors, and Adjunct Professor, EThames College)
