Tag: minimalism

An Exhibition in Paris Reconsiders Minimalism for a Hyper-Mediated Age

“Minimal” is on view at La Bourse de Commerce — Pinault Collection through January 19, 2025. Courtesy Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection

Minimalism emerged as both an act of resistance and a direct response to the exuberance of mass media and mass production—forces celebrated as progress that fundamentally reshaped how we relate to objects and to material reality itself. Seen from today’s vantage point, works made during the height of the movement in the 1960s and ’70s reveal a radical and strikingly timely philosophical and political interrogation of our modern sense of reality that feels particularly urgent in an era defined by the mediatization and spectacularization of the digital sphere.

Against the promise of endless availability and the relentless cycles of production, circulation and consumption—including the infinite reproducibility of the digital image—Minimalism’s artists embraced an ascetic discipline of reduction, stripping the artwork to its essential terms and events while intensifying its effects. In doing so, they underscored how an object, through restraint, can shape perception and reconfigure the very space and architecture that contain it.

“Minimal,” a major exhibition that opened at La Bourse de Commerce in October, brings together over 100 works, including a core group drawn from François Pinault’s collection, alongside international loans from the Dia Foundation in New York and other institutions. Curated by Dia director Jessica Morgan, it traces, likely for the first time, both the diversity and the global reach of the movement launched by a generation of artists who initiated a radical approach to art that later took on different forms around the world.

The exhibition unfolds as a journey that allows for multiple discoveries and rediscoveries, showcasing how artists from diverse cultural backgrounds across Asia, Europe, and North and South America similarly challenged traditional methods of art production and display. At its core is a fundamental reconsideration of the artwork’s placement in relation to the viewer and within the cyclical flow of energy and matter that underpins the cosmos itself.

Lygia Pape’s Weaving Space. Photo: Nicolas Brasseur/Pinault Collection | Courtesy Projeto Lygia Pape

The works in the show were born out of a shared attempt to stage raw encounters with matter and to engage the most primordial and authentic structures of human experience. Conceived with both conceptual and spiritual rigor, they privilege presence and perception over form, becoming experiential sites of “lived perception”—embodying an entire mode of thinking in an art object that places the physical self at the center of understanding the world.

Philosophically, Minimalist artworks foreground a mature awareness of reality as inherently interrelational, something that arises only in the encounter between object, viewer and environment. A radical manifestation of this interdependence appears in the central installations by American artist Meg Webster, which dominate the Bourse’s scenic, frescoed rotunda. Conceived and realized in collaboration with natural processes, their final form stages a tense resistance to entropy, which inevitably alters their shape and appearance over time beyond any claim to human formal control or perfection. Natural processes are embedded within these seemingly simple structures, which ultimately draw an entire ecosystem into Tadao Ando’s spare architecture. Here, the total choreography matters as much as its individual components, as Webster constructs an interior landscape at the building’s core.

Merging nature and culture, matter and energy, Webster’s process-based sculpture is infused with a prescient ecological consciousness. Poised between the elemental and the formal, between human-shaped material and natural transformation, her work prompts reflection on sustainability and our relationship to the earth—particularly resonant today as she receives long-overdue international attention through this presentation, which runs in conjunction with her year-long exhibition at Dia Beacon.

Meg Webster works at Bourse de Commerce. Photo : Florent Michel / 11h45 / Pinault Collection

If Minimalism has long been interpreted as an aesthetic reaction to the subjective overflow of Abstract Expressionism and the figuration of Pop Art, the global perspective and breadth of this exhibition make clear that the approach often extended far beyond a purely aesthetic exercise. In doing so, it prepared the conceptual ground for a substantial share of contemporary sculpture and Conceptual Art, pushing the logic of economy of means to the point of privileging the idea over its realization. This shift opened up possibilities for many contemporary artistic practices that operate beyond, or are no longer confined to, fixed traditional media.

The exhibition is organized into seven thematic sections: Light, Mono-ha, Balance, Surface, Grid, Monochrome and Materialism. The titles signal the core elements these artists investigated in their inquiry into the most radical ways of translating reality through art reduced to its most essential components. Unadorned by any pretense of figuration or narrative and detached from the biographical identity of its maker, each work functions simultaneously as proposition and question.

Underlying the pieces on view is a shared desire to situate the audience within the same perceptual field, calling for a bodily correspondence between artwork and viewer through scale and proximity. In many parts of the world, this reconceptualization of three-dimensional form and perception led to a dialogue with performance, whether through process-based making, choreographic collaboration or direct physical interaction with the work.

The exhibition naturally includes the early generation of American artists most closely associated with the movement, including Donald Judd, Carl Andre and Dan Flavin, though they do not occupy center stage, reflecting an effort to decentralize and broaden the narrative. As at Dia, the show presents artists from the 1960s who pursued a similarly radical engagement with the canvas, exploring austerity and mathematical rigor through monochrome and grid-based structures. Figures such as Robert Ryman and Agnes Martin are represented by some of the most significant works drawn from Pinault’s collection.

Particularly compelling is the dialogue established with parallel aesthetics emerging from markedly different cultural, philosophical and spiritual contexts outside the United States. Among these, the Japanese Mono-ha group offers one of the exhibition’s most resonant contributions. Pinault’s holdings include one of the most substantial collections of Mono-ha works outside Japan. Artists such as Lee Ufan, Kishio Suga, Koji Enokura, Susumu Koshimizu, Nobuo Sekine and Jiro Takamatsu foreground the interrelation of object, space and viewer, staging “things” together in their natural or industrially fabricated states. By embracing the delicate balance and tension produced by their transitory condition, these artists investigated a form of material intelligence, examining how matter retains identity even as form shifts, prioritizing material presence over sculptural expression and over any symbolic or linguistic framing.

In Japan, the Mono-ha movement focused on bringing objects together in their natural, unaltered states and the interdependence of object, space and viewer. © Tadao Ando Architect & Associates, Niney et Marca Architectes, agence Pierre-Antoine Gatier. Photo: Nicolas Brasseur/Pinault Collection

Another compelling perspective included in the exhibition is the organic and participatory reinterpretation of geometric abstraction developed in Brazil through the Neo-Concrete movement, exemplified by Lygia Pape, Lygia Clark and Hélio Oiticica. A capsule exhibition dedicated to Pape, “Weaving Space,” which opened a month earlier and runs concurrently, served as a prelude to “Minimal.” It traces key moments in her oeuvre, from Max Bill-inspired geometries to an increasingly organic and participatory use of abstraction, presenting works that range from her first abstract engravings to her monumental Livro Noite e Dia III (Book of Night and Day III) from 1963-76, alongside experimental films that emerged in response to Brazil’s sociopolitical context at the time. At the heart of the presentation is her poetic, full-room installation Ttéia 1, C (2003-2017), in which she literally weaves space into a new architectural structure using delicate gold threads, transforming the environment into a luminous and diaphanous site of exchange between physical presence and imagination, light and darkness.

One of her most radical works, Divisor (1968), was restaged during the show’s opening weeks. As in its original enactment in Rio de Janeiro, a hundred participants moved as one beneath an immense perforated white sheet, forming a living metaphor for a shared social fabric. In this gentle merging of forms, hierarchy is suspended, and the work invites a collective, participatory meditation on equality, employing abstraction as a universal language that transcends individuality and binds participants within a shared structure.

Kawara’s austere date paintings reflect Minimalism’s drive toward precision and restraint, inviting viewers to confront the passage of time. © Tadao Ando Architect & Associates, Niney et Marca Architectes, agence Pierre-Antoine Gatier. Photo : Nicolas Brasseur / Pinault Collection

Occupying the entirety of the rotunda is On Kawara’s Minimal Chronology of Dated Paintings, forming a minimalist diary and record of personal and collective time. By painting the numbers that denote each passing day, Kawara creates a fragment of space and materiality in which the durational act of painting absorbs the multiplicity of events and meanings implied within a single date, set against the relentless flow of time. By confronting the idea that linear time itself is a conventional and ultimately arbitrary human construction, Kawara’s date paintings distill life to its most essential marker—time alone—aligning with Minimalism’s drive toward radical reduction through their emphasis on the viewer’s direct encounter with the present. Meanwhile, in Europe, movements such as Zero in Germany and Arte Povera in Italy pushed the boundaries of sculpture through minimalist vocabularies and a direct engagement with space as a hybrid, active presence.

The additional perspectives and less expected figures presented in the Light section offer a fresh reading of how Minimalism enabled artists to investigate one of the most phenomenologically charged elements through which we access physical reality. In the 1960s and ’70s, light became a primary material. Artists including Dan Flavin, Nancy Holt, François Morellet, Robert Irwin, Mary Corse, Keith Sonnier and Chryssa worked with fluorescent tubes, neon, black light, projected light and natural illumination, driven by a broader inquiry into perception and immateriality as artificial and industrial lighting came to dominate the urban environment. Flavin’s fluorescent structures redefined spatial boundaries and architectural features, while Holt and Irwin explored the relational, phenomenological nature of light, focusing on how it organizes perception and bodily movement. Corse, meanwhile, experimented with Tesla coils and argon gas, producing works that appear to capture and hold light itself.

Organized into seven thematic sections—Light, Mono-ha, Balance, Surface, Grid, Monochrome and Materialism—the exhibition foregrounds these distinct yet interconnected artistic developments. © Tadao Ando Architect & Associates, Niney et Marca Architectes, agence Pierre-Antoine Gatier. Photo: Nicolas Brasseur/Pinault Collection

It is in these perspectives that we gain further evidence of how, through a minimalist language, these artists were already posing urgent questions that remain, or have become even more timely today. Ultimately, Minimal art, in its various declinations, was already probing the dynamics and structures that shape our relationship to reality and our physical position within a world of things transformed into products and meaning through human-made symbols and systems that often attempt to contain or neutralize, through illusion, the entropic nature of reality beyond human cognitive and sensory grasp.

The emphasis in these works rests on the moment of encounter itself: the phenomenology of seeing before and beyond any process of signification. Form becomes secondary to process, presence and the inherent agency of materials. Through deconstruction and reduction, these works introduce profound existential doubts rather than offering closed propositions, redirecting attention to a pre-linguistic register of experience—the first contact with reality, which already carries its own phenomenological truth. What they propose is an epistemology grounded in dynamic, open-ended relationships with matter. In doing so, the works cultivate a heightened awareness of the sensory core of our experience of the world, our only access within the limits of embodied perception.

In a culture saturated with mediated images and, increasingly, with algorithmic simulations and machine-generated forms, Minimalism restores the body as the primary filter and medium through which the world is apprehended—an insistence on embodied perception that feels newly urgent in a desensitized and increasingly alienated society, where digital mediation and elaboration govern, or can potentially substitute for, much of our experience of reality.

The show’s intergenerational and cross-cultural perspectives challenge the American-dominated narrative of Minimalism. © Tadao Ando Architect & Associates, Niney et Marca Architectes, agence Pierre-Antoine Gatier. Photo: Nicolas Brasseur/Pinault Collection

More exhibition reviews

Elisa Carollo

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January 2, 2026
7 design tips to prevent a minimalist space from looking boring – Growing Family

Collaborative post

The minimalist aesthetic continues to be a popular choice among homeowners due to its simplicity and clutter-free look. There are also those who believe that “less is more” when it comes to decorating one’s space, and as such see minimalist designs as the perfect solution. However, a common worry about minimalist design is that it may end up looking boring and devoid of character.

So, how do you achieve that clean minimalist look while still letting your personal style shine through? The following design tips will help you get the best of both worlds.

Choose elements that brighten your space

Minimalism is often associated with neutral and muted tones, which can be pleasing to the eye but also prone to looking flat or even uninspired. To avoid this, choose elements that can add a touch of brightness to a space. For example, white tiles or light-coloured hardwood can make a room appear brighter.

To prevent whites, greys, and browns from looking monotonous, you can pick other colours as accents. For example, yellow lighting can add warmth to an area, while accessories with cool colours can provide subtle contrast to warmer neutrals.

Don’t be afraid to accessorise

The terms “accessories” and “minimalism” may not seem like they go together, but accessorising wisely can actually spruce up your minimalist design.

Obviously, you don’t have to fill your home with knick-knacks, because that will defeat the purpose of wanting a clutter-free space. That being said, your home doesn’t have to be bare either. The trick is to maximise your use of free space with designs that are striking enough without looking too busy.

For example, you can hang some typography posters on a blank spot on your wall. The lines, curves, and basic shapes of these pieces of wall art may be simple, but they can also be visually striking in the right combinations. You could also use flower vases or even textiles draped over furniture to enhance your home without overpowering the minimal vibe.

Maximise use of shape and texture

Playing with shapes and textures can be a fun way to add more character to a minimalist space. For example, a fluffy wool rug can be a great visual contrast to your smooth hardwood floor. Other textures you may want to experiment with include woven material, wicker, velvet, and corduroy.

Likewise, using shapes – whether in contrast with each other or as patterns – can add another focal point to your home. Angled shapes such as triangles can make a room feel energising, while curved shapes such as circles can have a calming effect. Just be careful not to overdo it as too many shapes and patterns can overwhelm the eyes.

Add plants to your rooms

Plants can lend a softer, more natural touch to your minimalist space, so don’t be afraid to use greenery as part of your home design.

Flowers, succulents, or even hanging houseplants can add more character to your home and keep it from looking lifeless. This “back to nature” feel also provides a touch of warmth which can offset the rigidity that some minimalist designs tend to give off. Plants are also a great way to add shape and texture to your living space. Common indoor plants include philodendron, spider plant, jade plant, rubber plant, and pothos.

Experiment with scale

Different sizes of fixtures or decorations can also prove to be eye-catching when implemented in a minimalist space.

Contrasting size or highlighting the progression of it – such as in a set of nesting dolls, just to give one example – draws the eyes of anyone entering the room and can even prove to be an interesting conversation piece.

Choose pieces that feel personal

Minimalism is mostly concerned with getting rid of clutter to showcase only choice pieces. This means you need to make sure that the pieces you do choose are ones that are close to your heart.

Select items that either spark joy in you, or suit your visual taste the most. That way, even if there aren’t many elements in your space, you will be surrounded by things that truly appeal to you.

Blend various styles

At the end of the day, you don’t have to stick to a purely minimalist style. Instead, you can combine it with other design inspirations to create a whole new look that suits your tastes.

For instance, you can keep most of your furniture in a simplistic style while using an ornate centrepiece. You may even find the unique look you create to be more reflective of your personal style.

The minimalist style doesn’t have to mean basic to the point of being boring. With the design tips above, you can breathe new life into your minimalist home and enhance what you love about the style while keeping it uniquely yours.

Catherine

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May 14, 2024
20 Best Books on Minimalism and Simplifying for 2024
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

Looking for the best
books on minimalism?

You may have heard that
minimalism changes life for the better, especially these days, when many of us
are obsessed with consumerism and the drive to have more (earn more, spend
more, achieve more, etc.).

Perhaps you’re already
worn out from the aimlessness of it all, and simply want a life filled with
meaning and purpose, but are at a loss as to where to start.

Today’s post features
the best minimalist books to help you start simplifying your life.

Perhaps you’re wondering:
What exactly is minimalism?

How will minimalism affect my relationships?

What will I gain from becoming a minimalist?

Is minimalism the way to go for my family?

How can my kids manage without their toys?
The books featured today
provide the answers to these questions (and more) about minimalism and the
minimalist lifestyle.

Let’s get started!

Best Books on Minimalism and
Simplifying

1. Essentialism by Greg McKeown

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Takeaways:
- Essentialism advocates for the disciplined pursuit of less, encouraging individuals to focus on what truly matters and eliminate non-essential activities and commitments.
- The book highlights the significance of discernment and saying no to distractions in order to channel energy and resources towards the most meaningful endeavors.
- McKeown emphasizes the value of prioritization and trade-offs, illustrating how making deliberate choices can lead to greater effectiveness and fulfillment.
- Essentialism explores the concept of “less but better,” promoting the idea of quality over quantity and the benefits of simplifying one’s life and work.
- The book underscores the transformative impact of embracing essentialism, from enhancing productivity and creativity to fostering a sense of purpose and well-being.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less teaches you how to make the right choices when it comes to spending your time, effort, and other resources. Through the practice of essentialism, Greg McKeown believes that each of us can make a positive contribution to create a richer and more meaningful life. (Read our review of Essentialism here.)

Essentialism is choosing
only what really matters.

These are some of the
takeaway statements from the book:
“If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.”

“We can’t have it or do it all.”

“Don’t be tricked by the trivial.”
The book is a must-read
for those who may be feeling stretched thin with all the demands of work and
personal life—especially those in leadership or managerial positions.

2. The Year of Less by Cait Flanders

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Takeaways:
- The Year of Less chronicles Flanders’ personal journey of embracing minimalism and intentional living, showcasing the transformative power of consuming less and simplifying one’s life.
- Flanders shares practical insights into decluttering, mindful spending, and breaking free from the cycle of overconsumption, offering inspiration for those seeking a more purposeful and sustainable lifestyle.
- The book delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of decluttering and letting go of excess possessions, highlighting the liberating effects of releasing attachments to material goods.
- Flanders explores the connection between mindful consumption and overall well-being, illustrating how conscious choices around spending and possessions can lead to greater contentment and fulfillment.
- The Year of Less underscores the value of self-reflection and self-discovery in the pursuit of a simpler, more meaningful life, inspiring readers to reevaluate their priorities and embrace a lifestyle aligned with their values.
We live in an age of mass consumerism. The jobs we work endless hours at help us earn more so we can spend more. But there comes a time when we wonder what lies beyond this seemingly senseless cycle of earning and spending.

The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store is a perfect guide for starting to cut back on consumerism.

In her book, millennial
blogger Cait Flanders shares her experience of imposing a shopping ban on
herself for a period of 12 months.

The book details this
year-long journey towards a richer and more meaningful life. Flanders’
experiences will help you focus on what you truly value. Hopefully, you will
find your own path full of purpose, too.

3. Minimalism by Joshua Fields Milburn and Ryan Nicodemus

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Takeaways:
- Minimalism advocates for intentional living and the pursuit of less material possessions, promoting the idea that true fulfillment comes from experiences and meaningful relationships rather than belongings.
- The book explores the transformative effects of decluttering and simplifying one’s life, emphasizing the mental and emotional benefits of letting go of excess and focusing on what truly matters.
- Milburn and Nicodemus share practical strategies for embracing minimalism, from reevaluating consumption habits to redefining success and happiness on one’s own terms.
- Minimalism delves into the environmental impact of consumerism and the potential for reducing waste and living more sustainably through mindful consumption.
- The book underscores the link between minimalism and mental clarity, illustrating how simplifying one’s surroundings and commitments can lead to greater peace of mind and a sense of purpose.
Do you ever wonder how minimalists live their lives? Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life showcases how two guys live as minimalists in the midst of a world obsessed with consumerism.

First published in 2016,
this book by Joshua Fields Milburn and Ryan Nicodemus isn’t a how-to for going
minimalist. Instead, it showcases what it really means to embrace a life of
minimalism.

Readers are introduced
to the “Five Values” that define what minimalism is for the authors.
Interestingly, these values do not discuss how to get rid of stuff. Rather,
they teach you how you can live meaningfully.

These values aim to
refocus your attention on things that truly matter. For the authors, this
means:
Being the healthiest version of you

Assessing the quality of all your relationships

Identifying your true passions

Striving to constantly learn new things

Making a concrete, positive contribution in the name of personal growth.
4. The More of Less by Joshua Becker

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Takeaways:
- The More of Less advocates for embracing minimalism as a means to find more fulfillment and freedom by owning less and focusing on what truly matters in life.
- Becker emphasizes the transformative power of decluttering and simplifying, highlighting the positive impact it can have on mental well-being and overall quality of life.
- The book provides practical guidance on how to adopt a minimalist lifestyle, from reevaluating consumption habits to decluttering living spaces and redefining priorities.
- Becker explores the environmental benefits of minimalism, shedding light on how reducing consumption and waste can contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
- The More of Less underscores the connection between minimalism and personal growth, illustrating how letting go of excess possessions and distractions can lead to greater clarity, purpose, and contentment.
By now, you probably
realize that having more stuff does not necessarily make us happier. In fact,
the clutter can cause us to become more agitated. Our possessions distract us
from working on achieving what truly matters in our lives.

The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own gives you a chance to make room for the things you really want in life.

Specifically, the book
is your guide for:
Recognizing the benefits of owning less material possessions

Understanding how your possessions are preventing you from reaching your dreams

Realizing that minimalism isn’t just about having an uncluttered house, but also a fuller life

Experiencing a more generous way of living
If you need a book to
walk you through the process of living a minimalist life, this one from Joshua
Becker does the job very well.

5. The Joy of Less, a Minimalist Living Guide by Francine Jay

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Takeaways:
- The Joy of Less advocates for simplifying one’s living space and possessions to cultivate a more intentional and fulfilling lifestyle, focusing on quality over quantity.
- Jay provides practical advice on decluttering and organizing, offering a step-by-step approach to minimizing possessions and creating a harmonious living environment.
- The book emphasizes the mental and emotional benefits of minimalism, illustrating how letting go of excess can lead to reduced stress, increased clarity, and a greater sense of well-being.
- Jay explores the concept of mindful consumption and intentional living, highlighting the importance of aligning possessions with personal values and priorities.
- The Joy of Less underscores the transformative nature of minimalism, from freeing up physical space to creating room for personal growth, creativity, and meaningful experiences.
Perhaps one of the most important lessons that the coronavirus pandemic has taught the world is that we have gone overboard without consumerism and it’s time to slow down and focus on living simply yet meaningfully.

If you’re searching for a guide on how to transition from a highly materialistic lifestyle to an uncluttered simple way of life, The Joy of Less, a Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life from Francine Jay might be the right choice.

The book will guide you
on how to categorize every item you own, helping you develop a sense of
detachment from your personal belongings.

You’ll be guided to
STREAMLINE, a system of de-cluttering conceptualized by the author, which
stands for:

S – Start over
T – Trash, treasure, or transfer
R – Reason for each item
E – Everything in its place
A – All surfaces clear
M – Modules
L – Limits
I – If one comes in, one goes out
N – Narrow down
E – Everyday maintenance

A takeaway from the book
that you can apply in your life right now is to act as if you’re permanently
moving overseas. This counsel may help prevent you from accumulating clutter
and, hopefully, keep your home tidy for a longer period of time.

6. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

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Takeaways:
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up introduces the KonMari method, emphasizing the transformative power of decluttering and organizing possessions by category.
- Kondo advocates for keeping only items that spark joy, encouraging readers to evaluate their belongings based on emotional attachment and personal significance.
- The book highlights the connection between tidying and mental well-being, illustrating how a clutter-free environment can lead to a sense of calm and clarity.
- Kondo provides practical guidance on decluttering and organizing, offering a systematic approach to tidying that focuses on simplicity and mindfulness.
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up underscores the long-term impact of tidying, from creating a more harmonious living space to fostering a mindset of gratitude and appreciation for one’s belongings.
Are you overwhelmed by
the clutter in your home?

Perhaps you’ve already
tried many techniques for de-cluttering, organizing, and storing your stuff,
but none of them have shown permanent results in your fight against clutter.

Marie Kondo gives you a
new perspective on tidying up. She believes that in order to be successful at
it, one has “to tidy everything, all at once.”

Kondo’s technique guarantees that there will be no rebounds. This is because once readers arrange their homes according to Kondo’s technique, they are surrounded only by the things they love.

When it comes to deciding what personal possessions to discard or keep, one simply has to answer the question, “Does it spark joy?”

If you are looking for a guide on organizing with intention, Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, is for you.

7. Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki

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Takeaways:
- Goodbye, Things advocates for the benefits of minimalism, emphasizing the freedom and contentment that come from owning fewer possessions and simplifying one’s life.
- Sasaki shares his personal journey of decluttering and minimizing, offering insights into the mental and emotional transformation that accompanies letting go of excess belongings.
- The book explores the link between minimalism and mindfulness, highlighting how reducing physical clutter can lead to greater mental clarity and a deeper appreciation for the present moment.
- Sasaki provides practical tips for decluttering and reevaluating one’s relationship with material possessions, encouraging readers to prioritize experiences and personal growth over accumulation.
- Goodbye, Things underscores the potential for minimalism to foster a more intentional and fulfilling lifestyle, from reducing stress and decision fatigue to creating space for meaningful pursuits and connections.
If you are continually
stressed out and have fallen into the habit of comparing yourself with others,
you might be interested to know that author Fumio Sasaki felt that way too—until
he decided to make a drastic move that changed his life for the better.

Sasaki decided to say
goodbye to stuff he didn’t need. He went from being a “messy maximalist” to a
minimalist. While doing so, he gained a lot of insight into what makes for a
fulfilling life.

In Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism, he shares his experience of living with less, or what he calls the “new Japanese minimalism.” His credits his minimalist life with helping him keep a tidy apartment, avoid compulsive shopping habits, and even lose weight.

8. A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind by Shoukei Matsumoto

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Takeaways:
- A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind emphasizes the connection between a tidy living environment and mental well-being, offering insights from a monk’s perspective on the transformative power of cleanliness.
- Matsumoto provides practical tips for decluttering and cleaning, drawing parallels between physical tidiness and inner peace, and highlighting the meditative nature of household chores.
- The book delves into the mindfulness and intentionality behind maintaining a clean living space, illustrating how simple acts of tidying can contribute to a sense of harmony and tranquility.
- Matsumoto shares the concept of “shouji,” which means treating objects with respect and gratitude, encouraging readers to cultivate a mindful relationship with their belongings.
- A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind underscores the potential for a clean and organized environment to support mental clarity, emotional balance, and a deeper appreciation for everyday life.
In case you weren’t aware, cleaning well is one of the cardinal skills that Buddhist monks must possess. In A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind, Buddhist monk Shoukei Matsumo provides essential tips for cleaning and tidying up your house as Zen monks would do.

Matsumo’s cleaning tips
include:
Airing the house by opening the windows to let fresh air in

Avoiding procrastination

Cleaning at the right time of the day

Wearing the appropriate attire when you’re cleaning
Matsumo’s aim goes
beyond sharing cleaning and tidying tips. He believes that the act of tidying
up also helps people achieve a more peaceful state of mind and contemplate the
self.

9. 7 by Jen Hatmaker

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Takeaways:
- The book 7 by Jen Hatmaker encourages readers to simplify their lives by focusing on seven areas: food, clothes, possessions, media, waste, spending, and stress.
- Hatmaker shares her personal experiences and challenges readers to consider how consumerism and excess impact their lives and the world around them.
- The book offers practical tips and strategies for decluttering and simplifying in each of the seven areas, helping readers to live more intentionally and in line with their values.
- Through humor and vulnerability, Hatmaker invites readers to reflect on their own habits and attitudes towards consumption and encourages them to make positive changes.
- 7 is a thought-provoking and inspiring read that motivates readers to reevaluate their priorities and embrace a more meaningful and fulfilling way of life.
7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess (Updated and Revised) tells the story of one family’s attempt to go against the culture of overindulgence and excessive consumerism.

In the book, Jen
Hatmaker shares how she, her husband, and her children spent seven months
determining areas of their lives where they were prone to excesses, and then
making a conscious effort to fight against these excesses in:
Food

Clothing

Material possessions

Technology

Money

Waste

Stress
Hatmaker describes her
family’s experience as a “spiritual journey” that taught them the value of
simplicity and generosity in creating a richer life.

10. The Minimalist Mindset by Danny Dover

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Takeaways:
- The book explores the principles of minimalism and offers practical strategies for applying them to various aspects of life, including possessions, time, and relationships.
- Dover emphasizes the importance of intentional living and highlights the benefits of decluttering, simplifying, and prioritizing what truly matters to achieve greater fulfillment and freedom.
- The book provides actionable steps for cultivating a minimalist mindset, such as setting clear goals, practicing gratitude, and developing habits that align with minimalist values.
- Dover encourages readers to reevaluate their consumption habits, embrace simplicity, and let go of the excess to create space for what brings genuine joy and purpose.
- The Minimalist Mindset serves as a guide for individuals seeking to break free from the pressures of materialism and busyness, offering a roadmap to a more deliberate and meaningful way of living.
If you are looking for a step-by-step guide to the minimalist lifestyle, The Minimalist Mindset: The Practical Path to Making Your Passions a Priority and to Retaking Your Freedom written by Danny Dover is worth a read.

It isn’t a book about
de-cluttering, nor is it about the philosophical aspects of minimalism.
Instead, this book shares the habits you need to implement in your life so you
can prioritize the things you truly love and enjoy real personal freedom.

Dover describes minimalism
as “the constant art of editing your life.” Within the pages of the book,
you’ll find tips on how to:
Attain more wealth by automating your finances

Spend more time with the people who matter most to you, while still getting to do the activities you love

Work remotely

Take control of your life
11. Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff! by Stacy C. Bauer (author) and Rebecca Sinclair (illustrator)

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Takeaways:
- Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff! is a children’s book that addresses the theme of excess and the importance of decluttering.
- The story follows Cami Kangaroo, who learns valuable lessons about the consequences of having too many possessions and the benefits of letting go of unnecessary stuff.
- Through engaging illustrations and relatable scenarios, the book communicates the idea of simplifying and prioritizing, encouraging young readers to consider the value of experiences over material things.
- Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff! promotes the concept of mindful consumption and the joy of sharing with others, fostering an early understanding of the benefits of living with less.
- The book serves as a lighthearted and impactful tool for starting conversations with children about the significance of managing belongings and appreciating what truly matters.
If you’re a parent of
school-age children, you can most likely relate to the perpetual mess of kids’
rooms and the mountains of stuff they seem to leave all over the house.

Cami Kangaroo Has Too Much Stuff! is a wonderful way to introduce the idea of organizing and owning less to children. The engaging narrative and attractive illustrations help bring the message home to children aged 4 to 8.

Stacy Bauer wrote the story
based on the state of her own daughter’s bedroom.

In the story, the young
kangaroo named Cami loves to collect stuff. However, she does not know how to
organize her personal treasures, and has difficulty finding things because of
the clutter. How will she find the toy she needs to return to her cousin when
she can’t find it under all the mess?

The book has been called
“Marie Kondo for kids.” It is one of the best books for helping children
develop a minimalist mindset.

12. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

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Takeaways:
- Present Over Perfect encourages readers to prioritize presence, connection, and authenticity over the pursuit of perfection and busyness.
- Niequist shares personal anecdotes and reflections on her own journey towards embracing a slower, more intentional way of living, inspiring readers to do the same.
- The book delves into the themes of self-care, setting boundaries, and finding fulfillment in the simple moments, offering a refreshing perspective on living a more meaningful and balanced life.
- Niequist’s writing invites readers to reevaluate their values, relationships, and priorities, nudging them towards a deeper sense of purpose and contentment.Present Over Perfect serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, savor life’s experiences, and cultivate a deeper connection with oneself and others, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and authentic existence.
Is life too hectic right
now? Have you been forced into committing to something that’s against your
personal principles, all in the name of pleasing others?

Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living is an invitation to examine your true priorities. What would life be like if you were striving to be more present instead of being perfect?

Niequist’s message is
presented in a collection of essays that tell of her journey of leaving a
frantic way of life to arrive at a life lived with mindfulness.

The author hopes that
readers will be able to arrive at a life she envisions for everyone—one filled
with grace, moments of rest, simplicity, and true connections.

13. It’s All Too Much by Peter Walsh

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Takeaways:
- It’s All Too Much offers practical advice and strategies for decluttering and organizing living spaces, helping readers to regain control and create a more harmonious environment.
- Walsh emphasizes the emotional and psychological impact of clutter, guiding readers to recognize the connection between their surroundings and their overall well-being.
- The book provides step-by-step instructions for tackling clutter, letting go of unnecessary items, and establishing sustainable organizational systems, empowering readers to transform their living spaces.
- Walsh’s approach focuses on addressing the root causes of clutter and developing a mindset shift towards intentional consumption and mindful living.
- It’s All Too Much equips readers with the tools and motivation to simplify their homes, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
In It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life With Less Stuff, author Peter Walsh shows you how to take control of clutter in order to get more out of life. He introduces a system that helps you achieve what you’ve envisioned your life to be.

This book explains the
underlying reasons why we’re prone to clutter, and the reason for getting rid
of it. Furthermore, it provides tips on how you can go about de-cluttering and
organizing your personal space.

For some readers, this
book gives them permission to finally toss mementos that have been lying around
in their homes for years, accumulating dust and occupying space that could have
been used more meaningfully.

14. The Joy of Missing Out by Tonya Dalton

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Takeaways:
- The Joy of Missing Out advocates for intentional decision-making and prioritizing what truly matters, empowering readers to embrace a more purposeful and fulfilling life.
- Dalton encourages readers to redefine productivity, emphasizing the importance of aligning tasks and commitments with personal values and goals to create a sense of fulfillment.
- The book offers practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing time effectively, and focusing on meaningful experiences, enabling readers to cultivate a healthier relationship with productivity and busyness.
- Dalton’s approach highlights the significance of embracing moments of rest and rejuvenation, promoting the idea that missing out on certain activities can lead to a more balanced and joyful life.
- The Joy of Missing Out serves as a guide for individuals seeking to reevaluate their priorities, reclaim their time, and find contentment in the present moment, ultimately leading to a more intentional and rewarding lifestyle.
The Joy of Missing Out: Live More by Doing Less is the antidote to society’s preoccupation with and fear of missing out (FOMO). Tonya Dalton’s writing style keeps readers engaged as they restructure their lives so that they have more time for the things they love to do, while still remaining highly productive.

The book is divided into
four main sections, namely:
Pursue Discovery

Find Clarity

Create Simplicity

Achieve Harmony
By following Dalton’s
suggestions on how to live a guilt-free, abundant life, you’ll discover that
there can be joy in missing out.

15. When Less Becomes More by Emily Ley

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Takeaways:
- When Less Becomes More encourages readers to simplify their lives and focus on what truly matters, emphasizing the value of embracing simplicity and letting go of excess.
- Ley shares personal anecdotes and practical insights, guiding readers to declutter their physical and mental spaces to create room for joy and fulfillment.
- The book offers actionable steps for streamlining daily routines, setting boundaries, and cultivating a more intentional and balanced lifestyle, empowering readers to prioritize their well-being and relationships.
- Ley’s approach centers on the principles of grace, gratitude, and mindfulness, encouraging readers to release the pressure of perfection and find contentment in the present moment.
- When Less Becomes More serves as a gentle and inspiring reminder to slow down, savor life’s simple pleasures, and embrace a more meaningful and authentic way of living, ultimately leading to greater joy and peace.
Busy moms, here is a book written especially for you. On any given day, if you are a mother with kids (especially if you’re a single mom), there are so many things that demand your attention. Life can get overwhelming at times. Fortunately, Emily Ley’s book has the answers you are looking for.

Some insights you’ll
find in the book include:
Less noise, more calm

Less chasing, more cherishing

Less rush, more rhythm

Less distraction, more connection
Emily Ley shares helpful tips that fill your personal well to prevent you from constantly running on empty. When Less Becomes More: Making Space for Slow, Simple, and Good provides insight into what you need in order to build a life that upholds your personal core values and brings you joy.

16. Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross

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Takeaways:
- Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross advocates for a more intentional and balanced approach to raising children, focusing on the benefits of simplifying their environment and daily routines.
- The book emphasizes the impact of a clutter-free and predictable home environment on children’s well-being, behavior, and overall development.
- Payne and Ross provide practical strategies for reducing the overwhelming stimuli in children’s lives, promoting the importance of unstructured play, and fostering deeper connections within the family.
- The authors highlight the significance of creating calm and nurturing spaces for children, encouraging parents to prioritize quality time and meaningful experiences over material possessions and overscheduling.
- Simplicity Parenting serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking to create a more peaceful and supportive upbringing for their children, offering insights and tools to help families thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
Raising a family today
has become more challenging, considering we live in a culture of accumulating
too much stuff and being distracted by gadgets and the media.

If you need something to guide your family in your journey towards a simpler life, Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids is for you.

It provides a detailed
description of the process of transitioning to minimalism. Some of the lessons
covered in the book include:
Streamlining your home by getting rid of causes for sensory overload (e.g., toys, lighting, and sound)

Establishing rhythms and rituals

Scaling back on media

Establishing calm intervals in the family’s daily activities
This book is an inspiration for families looking for ways to support their children as they grow up, and who want to achieve family harmony.

17. Minimalista by Shira Gill

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Takeaways:
- Minimalista: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life offers practical guidance for embracing a minimalist lifestyle, focusing on decluttering, organizing, and simplifying living spaces.
- Gill provides actionable steps for curating a purposeful and intentional home environment, emphasizing the benefits of letting go of excess and prioritizing what brings joy and functionality.
- The book advocates for mindful consumption and intentional living, guiding readers to create spaces that reflect their values and support their well-being.
- Gill’s approach centers on creating a sense of ease and harmony in the home, encouraging readers to streamline their belongings and daily routines to foster a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
- Minimalista serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking to cultivate a simpler, more organized, and aesthetically pleasing living space, ultimately leading to a greater sense of peace and contentment.
18. Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

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Takeaways:
- Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World advocates for a mindful approach to technology use, encouraging readers to declutter their digital lives and prioritize meaningful offline activities.
- Newport emphasizes the importance of intentional use of digital tools, promoting the idea of curating a technology environment that aligns with personal values and goals.
- The book offers practical strategies for reducing digital distractions, reclaiming leisure time, and cultivating deeper connections, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
- Newport’s approach centers on the benefits of solitude, contemplation, and real-world experiences, highlighting the value of embracing a minimalist approach to digital technology.
- Digital Minimalism serves as a guide for individuals seeking to regain control over their digital habits, fostering a healthier relationship with technology and enhancing overall well-being.
19. Messy Minimalism by Rachelle Crawford

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Takeaways:
- Messy Minimalism: Realistic Strategies for the Rest of Us challenges the traditional idea of minimalism by embracing imperfection and individuality in creating a clutter-free space.
- The book emphasizes the importance of mindful consumption and encourages readers to focus on the things that truly bring them joy and purpose.
- Crawford introduces the concept of “organized chaos” to illustrate how a space can appear messy yet still be organized and functional.
- The author shares practical tips for decluttering and organizing, while also advocating for sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
- Messy Minimalism promotes the idea that minimalism is not about deprivation, but rather about creating a balanced and intentional lifestyle.
20. Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver

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Takeaways:
- Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More emphasizes the importance of decluttering not only physical possessions but also mental and emotional clutter to create a more meaningful life.
- Carver advocates for embracing simplicity as a means to reduce stress, increase happiness, and focus on what truly matters in life.
- The book encourages readers to prioritize their well-being by cultivating mindfulness, gratitude, and self-care practices.
- Carver shares her personal journey towards a simpler life and provides practical advice on simplifying various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and daily routines.
- Soulful Simplicity inspires readers to let go of the pressure to constantly strive for more and instead find contentment and fulfillment in living with less.
Final Thoughts on the Best Books on Minimalism

A life of minimalism
shifts the focus from materialism to what is truly important: strengthening our
relationships with people we care about and spending time doing the activities
we love.

Most of the best books
on minimalism featured today show us how to apply minimalism in our lives.
Others provide the benchmarks to see if you’re on the right track on your own
journey as a minimalist.

We hope you find a book
that suits your needs from the ones featured in this post.

Need more resources for
minimalism, de-cluttering, and achieving a happier life? You might be
interested in visiting the following posts:
Michal Feyoh

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March 6, 2024
COS Just Opened in My Neighborhood—Here's What I'm Very Tempted to Buy

As anyone who lives in New York will tell you, Williamsburg is the new SoHo. For better or worse, North 6th Street, in particular—just a couple of blocks from my apartment—has transformed into a bona fide shopping destination, home to the likes of Glossier, Byredo, and Chanel Beauty, not to mention Hermès, Reformation, and Madewell.

My newest neighbor is COS, which is equal parts excellent and dangerous. I used to *innocently* walk my dog past every day, but now that Ruby knows the lovely staff have treats for her behind the counter, I’ve been forced to go inside more than once. In the name of research, I’ve been taking mental note of the rich-looking styles that are giving the most quiet luxury energy. Here’s what’s at the top of my wish list, including picks from in-store, some online exclusives, and the one chic item I couldn’t not buy.

Natalie Cantell

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December 25, 2023
I Love The Row, But I’m on a Budget—These Chic Under-$200 Finds Fit the Bill

Having run the Olsen twins–dedicated blog Olsens Anonymous for over a decade, I am well-versed in their style evolution. For some years now, both Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been donning outfits almost exclusively with pieces from their own line, The Row. It’s no surprise that the brand has a cult following—the minimal pieces are all painfully chic and can easily be mixed and matched, making for a practical, understated wardrobe. The only issue is The Row is purely aspirational for most due to the hefty price tags on all the pieces.

Thankfully, re-creating the look and vibe of the popular collections can be done in a much more affordable way. While the same luxe fabrics and tailoring may be hard to acquire without the budget, it is easy to find elevated basics and sleek shoes and bags that are in the same vein. Not to mention, we have been graced with nearly identical dupes of some of The Row’s trendiest pieces. Think chic button-down shirts, smart trousers, classic heels, oversize sweaters, luxe-looking shoes, and much more. Keep scrolling to shop 30 pieces inspired by The Row that are under $200.

Jennifer Camp Forbes

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October 25, 2023
My Everyday Fall Uniform Is Made Up of These 16 Transitional Staples

Fall can be a tricky time of the year to dress for—at least in New York. The past month has been so unpredictable. One day it was a sweltering 90°, and the next it was gloomy and wet. I quickly realized that I don’t have the right transitional pieces in my closet, but EmRata’s collaboration with AG has been the perfect solution. Her collection has these universally flattering pieces that you can wear everywhere from the office to running errands to date night. The best part? They mix and match effortlessly with each other, so you can tailor your look for the weather and your personal style. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with any of these pieces. Keep scrolling to see the minimalist staples your fall wardrobe needs no matter the occasion.

Emma Walsh

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October 11, 2023
Chic New Yorkers Love These 16 Minimalist, Quiet-Luxury Essentials

If there’s one aesthetic that I keep coming back to, it’s quiet luxury. I see it all over Manhattan, and I think it really reflects the effortless sophistication of the city’s stylish residents. So it should be no surprise that I’m living for the new AG collab with the iconic and inimitable Emily Ratajkowski, who’s an expert in the quiet-luxury space. She’s an OG New Yorker known for her classic, elevated sense of style, and that’s exactly what this capsule collection embodies. The pieces are made with an array of luxurious fabrics such as wool twill, vegan leather, buttery-soft jersey, and classic denim. (The Alexxis jeans are so good they actually made me want to wear jeans again.) Keep scrolling to see my favorite pieces from this collection.

Emma Walsh

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October 5, 2023
I Might Look Calm, But I’m Screaming Inside About These 32 Anti-Trend Fall Finds

It’s practically essential for my job that I have high standards. I can’t just recommend anything—it has to be good, or why bother listening to me or shopping my endorsements? So when I say that I like something, you can trust that it’s been properly vetted and ticks off a bevy of boxes in my head. When I love something, well, that’s a level of approval in an entirely different universe. And love is what I feel when it comes to the 32 anti-trend items found below. You can’t tell because I’m hiding behind my computer screen, but I’m actually kind of freaking out over them.

From the perfect baby-pink button-down shirt (a wardrobe staple that I’ve been after for months) to the dreamiest scarf-coat that’s selling fast from Helsa, the list ahead houses one of everything a minimalist with an affinity for non-trendy but incredibly stylish wardrobe items could ever ask for. You’ll also find lady jackets, LBDs, quiet-luxury handbags, and perfect-on-the-butt denim. But I won’t give it all away. Scroll down to shop my meticulously crafted list of timeless fall staples.

Eliza Huber

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August 30, 2023
IYKYK: 9 Understated Brands That Are Defining the Anti-Trend Aesthetic

When I’m getting dressed, I tend to gravitate to clean lines and modern tailoring—aka minimalist clothing. While I don’t always dress in minimal pieces, they definitely make up a big part of my closet. That being said, I always have my eye out for cool minimalist clothing brands to add to my wardrobe and have a short list of favorites that are standing out to me right now.

These pieces range from affordable on-the-rise brands that have gained cult status on the street style scene to heritage brands with investment pieces that are worth every penny. Ahead, I’m sharing the 9 minimalist clothing brands I always wear and simply can’t get enough of. If you similarly like to line your closet with versatile neutrals and sleek staples, I guarantee you’ll find some items here to add to your shopping cart for the season ahead.

Anna LaPlaca

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June 24, 2023
29 J.Crew Finds You Have to See If You’re After That Quiet Luxury Look

Quiet luxury is all anyone can talk about right now, and for good reason. The rising aesthetic is all about a chic and understated vibe that exudes a kind of quiet confidence. It’s elevated but totally effortless and hinges on a few key buys that are timeless, well-tailored, and versatile—but perhaps most importantly, devoid of any obvious logos or brand identification. It’s anti-viral fashion at its core.

But just because the phrase includes the term luxury, doesn’t mean that tapping into the look requires a luxury budget. In fact, some of our favorite affordable and contemporary retailers are home to a trove of quiet-luxury staples and J.Crew is chief among them right now. Since it’s already everyone’s favorite source for high-quality wardrobe basics, it makes sense that some of J.Crew’s best-sellers like their tailored trousers, leather belts, structured jackets, and pretty flats add up to the ultimate quiet luxury wardrobe.

Here, discover the chic and timeless J.Crew shopping finds if you’re after the timeless anti-trend aesthetic.

Anna LaPlaca

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April 20, 2023
41 Nordstrom, Zara, and H&M Items That Look Like Luxury (Without the Price Tag)

The days of layering on as many fashion items as you possibly can in the name of maximalism are officially over. Instead, I’ve been noticing a slow but significant shift toward a quieter, more luxurious method of dressing. Think soft, neutral-colored sweaters; exquisite tailoring; pretty, timeless dresses; and accessories you’ll own and cherish forever. The only downfall is that with simpler, higher-quality pieces, the prices also tend to rise.

That’s where I come in. Rather than diving head first into this inherently expensive trend without any sort of budget, I’m suggesting the 41 items from Zara, Nordstrom, and H&M that are listed out below. Not only are they all $150 or less, making them far easier to justify during the approaching tax season, but they also look shockingly pricey, easily giving you the quiet-luxury look without the strain on your wallet.

Keep scrolling to shop the anti-maximalism trend that’s taking over fashion ATM on a $150 budget at Nordstrom, Zara, and H&M.

Eliza Huber

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February 2, 2023
How Knowing Your “Organizing Personality” Will Help You At Home

We might think an organizational system of boxes and bins will be the answer. It’s true that labeling and categorizing might give you a sense of control for a little while, but making peace with what it is you’re holding on to is how you’ll empower yourself in the long run. Essentially, organizing should not be about making quick decisions about what to do with the “stuff.”

Instead, it’s better to focus on confronting your relationship with things you own. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist. In the end, your goal is to live in peace, harmony, and balance with everything you own, and that looks different for everyone.

To start, let’s look at some of the organizing personalities.

Anita Yokota

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December 12, 2022
Meghan Markle Wore a Thing: Custom Louis Vuitton by Nicolas Ghesquière Edition

Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Ever since announcing her engagement to Prince Harry, the world’s eyes have been fixed on Meghan Markle — and her style. We’ll be following the Meghan Markle Effect™ with our column, “Meghan Markle Wore a Thing.”

Meghan Markle put a new spin on evening elegance with her latest red carpet appearance in custom Louis Vuitton, designed by the house’s creative director Nicolas Ghesquière.

She and Prince Harry attended the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award Gala in New York City, where the couple received an award for their charitable work through the Archwell foundation. For the occasion, Ghesquière designed a minimalist, ivory-colored off-the-shoulder dress with a tapered tulip skirt and gentle draping. To accompany the look, Markle also wore a shoulder-grazing pair of earrings by CH Carolina Herrera and black pumps.

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Meghan Markle Wore a Thing: Custom Louis Vuitton by Nicolas Ghesquière Edition

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Markle also went minimalist on the beauty front, pulling her hair into a sleek, low bun — which has become one of the Duchess’ signature looks — embracing her naturally glow-y skin and enhancing her eyes with a subtly smoky effect.

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Andrea Bossi

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December 7, 2022
Nine Interior Design Trends Going Away In 2023

These trends are over

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While your home should reflect your personal style, it may also reflect the current trends. However, according to interior designer and star of HGTV’s Unfinished Business, Shay Holland, trends shouldn’t be the dominating influence over your home’s aesthetic. “Trends are a great way to glean inspiration and information; not to dictate your home’s design,” she tells me.

Furthermore, choosing the latest trends can be a bad move in the long run. “Trend forecasting is largely geared to motivate people to buy more stuff and I’m very sensitive to the fact that many families are facing tough times in this challenging economy,” the designer explains. “I encourage people to play with trends if they want to, but resist feeling like they have to go out and buy a million things to stay in style.”

Whether you are renovating your current home or simply refreshing a room, it’s best to have a space that won’t already look dated by the time it’s finished. Here are nine interior design trends going away in 2023.

Design Contrary To Location

A downtown Los Angeles loft isn’t an English cottage no matter how many Liberty Of London prints you can stuff into one space. “Modern Farmhouse in Manhattan? Coastal Grandma in Anchorage? You get the picture. I think we’re finally over copying design that has no relation to where we live,” says Holland.

Modern famhouse only makes sense if you live on a farm

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Holland recently moved into a chic tiny house in Los Angeles after years of living in the Pacific Northwest mountains. “I found that the county club grandpa aesthetic I brought with me no longer felt natural in the sunny new environment. I still love worn-in leather, rustic hardware, and anything Jake Arnold—just not all at once in my tiny beach home.”

More Isn’t More—Maximalism Is Out

Maximalism has maxed out its moment and people are finally starting to realize that less can be more. After all, the fewer objects there are in a room, the less there is to maintain.

Maximalism can be dizzying

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“Who has time to vacuum layered rugs or arrange multiple comforters just to make the bed?” says Holland. “Most people want to simplify life—not in a severe minimalistic approach but in ways that bring ease to the simple, daily rituals—like being able to sit on the sofa without first having to remove half a dozen throw pillows.”

Bid Adieu To Minimalism

“The untextured, minimalist look is definitely on the decline as people are drawn to spaces with more depth and dimension. We are seeing more texture in hard finishes such as stone and tile as people are craving more color and energy,” says Audrey Scheck of Audrey Scheck Design.

Less is less

getty

“This explains why wallpaper is so prevalent right now—it’s an easy way to bring interest into your space without having to bring in large artwork.”

Open Concept Living Is Officially Closed

After years of the open concept being incredibly popular, people are wanting more privacy.“The pandemic really changed how people utilize their homes, and there is now a strong desire for more privacy and quiet time,” says Scheck.

This isn’t ideal for privacy

getty

“While open plan living provides ample space, the communal space is often being shared by multiple family members for different reasons simultaneously. Next year, we expect to see even more intentional spaces mapped out for specific needs in each home.”

Only Using Lighter Wood Tones

Lighter-colored wood has been incredibly popular in recent years, but Scheck sees more dark and mixed tones falling back into favor in 2023.

It’s time to get dark in 2023

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“We love mixing wood tones in our design plans, and we are noticing more and more clients leaning into deeper wood variations than ever before. Mixing wood tones may seem intimidating, but it’s actually one of the easiest ways to create a space that feels intentional and collected. Only using one wood tone throughout your home can make the space feel more sterile and less inviting.”

Rattan Everything

From sofas to chairs and even beds, rattan has had a major resurrection in recent years. But the popularity of this material may have finally reached its peak.

Too much rattan

Photo by Labskiii

“Rattan has become too ubiquitous,” says interior designer says Nicole Salceda of Eye For Pretty. “While I love to combine it with other contrasting elements, it’s now in every product category and too much of it ends up in the same space. Going forward, it will become more of an accent and less of a focal point.”

White And Gray Monochromatic Color Schemes

Monochromatic neutral color schemes such as white and grey have been in style for a long time, but Scheck believes this era has come to an end. “The trend of utilizing white or gray as a way to make a space feel airy and open is shifting as more designers are incorporating creamier neutrals into spaces,” she explains. “Layers and textures are being used to warm spaces up and make them feel more inviting as people are gravitating away from whites.”

More color please

getty

This especially applies to white kitchens. Many designers believe it’s time to integrate more color into these spaces. “I get the sense that many homeowners are tired of all-white kitchens and will either use color when renovating or make small updates to existing kitchens with colorful backsplashes,” says Tara McCauley, designer and an Ambassador of The New York Design Center’s What’s New, What’s Next.

This also applies to white ceilings. Truly a design opportunity, ceilings are often a neglected element of a space. “White ceilings will go away in 2023. Unless your walls are also white, white ceilings, especially in dark or colorful rooms, feels lazy and like it was forgotten about. Your eye is drawn to white so if the room is colorful or dark, your eye will immediately move to the ceiling. Instead, you will see a lot more rooms fully enveloped in color, including the ceilings, says Sarah Stacey of Sarah Stacey Interior Design.

Fast Furniture Is On Its Way Out

While it’s a great way to save money, fast furniture doesn’t last and creates unnecessary waste, negatively impacting the environment. Because sustainability has become a priority for many, people are gravitating away from cheap furniture in favor of vintage or used pieces.

Fast furniture is fast becoming over

Jeffrey Greenberg/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

“I feel as though this has been fading out for a while now, but the fast furniture days are gone. People are getting more in tune with the pieces they are bringing into their homes, whether it’s vintage or has meaning from sourcing,” says Tatiana Seikaly of Studio Seikaly.

Arched And Curved Furniture

From sofas to chairs, we’ve been seeing curved and arched furniture for the past few years, but this often impractical look is something we will end up seeing less of in 2023, according to Chelsea Marks, founder of online furniture boutique Paynes Gray.

An uncomfortable place to sit

Max Vakhtbovych

“It’s been trendy for a while now, especially the curved sofa but it is indeed a trend and not here to stay. Unless you’re designing a corporate lobby or commercial space—major furniture curves just don’t fit in traditional home spaces. A rounded swivel chair or bar stool sure—but don’t put down $3000 on that curved sofa.”

Amanda Lauren, Contributor

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November 11, 2022