Minimalism | Graphic by Bethany Althauser | The Wright State Guardian
The aesthetic of modern-day minimalism has brought many to adopt the practice, purely for the look. The practice is being taken advantage of, without respecting the intentions associated with minimalism.
What is it?
The practice of minimalism aims for a lifestyle guided by simplicity and freedom from excess possessions. The ideas behind minimalism have been practiced for centuries, but the term was coined in the 1900s.
Those who practice minimalism can be assumed to own only a few items, straying away from items that do not serve an everyday purpose.
Minimalism, which is commonly associated with the color white and little-to-no decor, has become a trend where the originality is purposely taken out of one’s lifestyle rather than adopting the values of the practice.
The imposters!
Minimalism is victim to several imposters, taking the title and aesthetic of the practice without truly performing the values.
Kim Kardashian, A-list celebrity and mother of four children, is known for her minimalistic style, which is displayed throughout the mother’s $60 million Los Angeles mansion.
The star’s house is pictured with rooms containing a few items, with little to no color throughout the home. Many may describe the house as sterile and unwelcoming. Kardashian managed to take the simplistic look associated with minimalism, while disregarding the true intention of the practice.
The white theme of the home would make the average person assume that Kim practices minimalism, but the celebrity continues to prove otherwise. Kardashian’s extravagant Christmas decorations are quite the opposite of minimalism, including a hallway decorated with many snowy Christmas trees.
Kardashian’s house is described as being a “minimalist style,” yet it goes against a lot of the core values of minimalism.
This is the case for many who use the term “minimalist:” to describe oneself. A true minimalist would not be so focused on creating an aesthetic but rather focused on maintaining a sustainable and practical lifestyle.
Proper practice
When executed correctly, minimalism can be a very respectable practice. Minimalism is an homage to simple living, making an effort to live without an excess of unnecessary items.
The problem with the practice, however, is the practicality, which minimalism seemingly lacks. The concept of minimalism takes away from one’s individuality, creating a space with the intention of simplicity that is not practical for the everyday person.
Arguably, the everyday person would have trouble successfully practicing the concept. Incorporating aspects of minimalism into everyday life is respectable, as it promotes sustainability and it discourages unnecessary purchasing.
However, fully adopting a minimalist lifestyle would prove to be quite difficult. Being a parent to children, for example, makes minimalism seemingly impossible.
Children require excessive possessions like games and toys. A household with children typically will not look empty and clean but will look lived in.
To those seen practicing minimalism to the fullest extent, others cannot help but assume that wealth is involved. Minimalism is extremely intentional, as an excess of time must be devoted to proper practice for successful execution.
It is no coincidence that the “trend” of minimalism became popular among celebrities and wealthy people.
The top 1% have more time and money to focus on what items serve the most purpose in a home and create a clear home aesthetic. Those with a higher socioeconomic status have the luxury to worry about the minimalist lifestyle, while everyday people are too busy trying to get by.
The concept itself is somewhat ironic when viewed through the lens of the impoverished. Many have the goal of making more money to live comfortably enough to afford items that bring joy to them.
It almost appears that wealthy people have simply grown bored of being able to afford such items and have done a full 180.
There is no doubt that the proper practice of the concept can be respectable, but minimalism lacks practicality.
The death of interesting design
From a more biased standpoint, the style of minimalism is simply dull. After hundreds of years of decorating, people seem to have lost a sense of individuality in styling.
Lovers of home decoration, old design practices and maximalism would be disappointed in the modern style.
The look of minimalist homes lack the personality of the owner. Many take a sense of pride in the way that a home is a reflection of oneself, but these copy-and-paste designs cannot be associated with a specific person.
The modern style discourages style altogether. There is no ability to create a cozy and livable environment with so few items.
Modern society needs to stray away from absolutes. It is possible to not practice maximalism to the fullest extent while staying sustainable and staying away from excess purchasing.
This is true for minimalism as well. Minimalism can be practiced in a respectable manner, without convincing others that enjoying items and purchasing is wrong.
Everything is good in moderation. Adopting aspects of minimalism into everyday life can be very beneficial to the quality of life. Admiring the aesthetic that is associated with minimalism is fine as well, as long as one is not confusing the practice with the style and spreading misinformation.
