© 2013 - 2020, Geopay.me Inc

Everything you think you know about minimalism is wrong

• Everything, Think

6 min. (1131 words)

everything-you-think-you-know-about-minimalism-is-wrong

It wasn’t that long ago that Instagram was flooded with saturated filters and low-resolution photos. But then the gaudy, maximalist look of the 2000s faded out of style and was replaced with an interest in clean lines and mature color palettes. Seemingly overnight, the platform became an ode to minimalism—filled with interior design and lifestyle posts from influencers anchored by organic, nautilus-shaped forms and eggshell-colored walls. Everything on the grid was carefully curated to be monochromatic, uncluttered, and uniform.

[Cover Image: Tree Abraham/courtesy Bloomsbury]

Minimalism has been eagerly adopted as an aesthetic by Instagram users and pretty much everyone else not on the social media application, too. Marie Kondo teaches us that minimalism is getting rid of anything that does not spark joy. Other influencers (and brands) suggest that it’s having a hyper-curated closet of a few basics, or a simple skincare routine featuring only three all-natural products. Minimalism has become a visual manifestation of “wellness”—a lifestyle trend rooted in conspicuous consumption.

But this loose misinterpretation belies its roots as a decades-old architecture and design philosophy. In his new book, The Longing for Less: Living with Minimalism, out from Bloomsbury January 21, culture critic Kyle Chayka investigates how we’ve veered away from minimalism’s true origins, and converted it into—what can be reduced to—a “look.” Here, Chayka helps dispel the four biggest myths of minimalism.

Minimalism has deeper roots than you think

Minimalism’s recurrence as an idea, in both society and art, reveals the philosophy’s central paradox: It is a quiet celebration of space, but bold in the way its simplicity overwhelms. “In the time right after World War II, minimalism was a popular aesthetic because it’s a perfect, utopian style that everyone can access,” Chayka says in a phone interview. Soon after, in the 1970s, the idea of “simple living” began to take hold, which is the last time eco-conscious consumer practices (less consumption, more self-reliance) were as in vogue as they are today. “I think the internet and social media and the financial crisis is what really caused the super popularity of minimalism this time around,” Chayka says.

Minimalism is not just a trendy style

It’s not difficult to imagine why we, as a society, long for less. Our lives are dominated by dizzying screens, which have forced us to prioritize images over the humanness of real life. “So much of our visual experience is on the internet now. That’s the container of our experience,” Chayka says. “And so it makes sense that the spaces we occupy would be very simple because we spend so much time on our phones.”

In an attempt to counteract the harm technology has done to our ability to focus, rest, and enjoy experiences, people have adopted minimalism as a visual aesthetic. It’s blank, inoffensive, natural. It’s even been marketed as a form of self-help.

Donald Judd, 15 Untitled Works in Concrete, 1980-1984. [Photo: Flickr user Nan Palmero]

But according to Chayka, “minimalism is about experiencing the world directly and engaging with your surroundings.” Consider Agnes Martin’s austere canvases or Donald Judd’s spacious constructions in Marfa, Texas. In architecture, minimalism has roots in Japan, where “there’s a real interest in very refined textures and creating experiences with light and shadow—an architecture of ephemerality that modernism doesn’t really have,” Chayka says. In short, there was once a spirituality to minimalism that has been lost in its current expression. “The style now seems more like numbing yourself and creating a protective environment,” Chayka says.

Minimalism is not morally superior

Minimalism these days has an aura of moral superiority. “Minimalism has always been associated with moral purity or a sense of existing outside of society, whether that’s during the midcentury modern movement or the Voluntary Simplicity Movement of the ’70s,” Chayka says. “The problem with luxury minimalism today is that the style is associated with moral purity and outsiderness but it’s being adopted by the most insider people possible—wealthy women and tech billionaires. The style of minimalism [we see today] is a reality that’s not very minimal at all.” Clearing out one’s home for the sake of more space is not radical if there’s a financial safety net in place to buy it all back again, if one should so choose. (Steve Jobs’s uniform of black turtlenecks and jeans was not minimalist as much as it was a decision to not be burdened with variety.) So the suggestion that someone owning fewer objects is healthier and more put-together overlooks the fact that participating in the trend is less about the inward journey than it is about appearances. Nothing morally superior about that.

Eames House interior, 1952. [Photo: © Eames Office LLC/courtesy Bloomsbury]

Minimalism is not a commodity

Today’s Instagram-ready minimalism couldn’t have been born anywhere other than in the United States. “I think the commodification of minimalism has been very American,” Chayka says. “The idea of an entirely minimalist lifestyle is deeply American . . . we consume everything to excess, even minimalism.” Home organization entrepreneur Marie Kondo seems to have tapped into this American Achilles’ heel; her pivot to selling home goods reflects a genius awareness that consumers are eager to buy objects that represent an ideology, even though they are a shallow appropriation of it. This makes minimalism’s success on Instagram plain, too; it is now an element deeply embedded into a platform that has become synonymous with a certain brand of conspicuous consumption.

Inside a room at Yumiya Komachi in Kyoto. [Photo: Kyle Chayka/courtesy Bloomsbury]

What’s next

Sometime soon, the minimalism trend will likely slip out of the mainstream consciousness again, just as it has in the past. “I think we’ve hit peak minimalism and [are now moving] past it . . . minimalism is a trend and a style and it comes and goes in waves. We start obsessing over it and then find out that it doesn’t solve our problems,” Chayka says. For most people, minimalism is simply not a realistic lifestyle, because the very structure of our capitalist society relies on constant consumption and an attitude of overindulgence. To put it simply, minimalism—as it exists in the culture today—is a privilege. “It’s the difference between an Apple Store and a Zen temple,” Chayka says. “The Apple Store never changes—there’s perfectly clean glass and steel and empty space. But if you think of the rock garden in the Zen temple, it’s always changing and moving with time . . . it’s more interesting and sustainable than creating something that never changes.”

Buy The Longing for Less: Living with Minimalism, by Kyle Chayka, designed by Tree Abraham, Elizabeth Van Itallie, Mia Kwon, and Patti Ratchford for Bloomsbury on Amazon.

169 comments

  2. Thanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your further write ups thanks once again.

  4. I loved up to you’ll receive carried out proper here. The caricature is
    attractive, your authored material stylish. however, you
    command get bought an shakiness over that you
    would like be delivering the following. in poor health
    for sure come further before once more since precisely the similar nearly a lot incessantly inside
    of case you protect this hike.

    My website; Ardent Male Enhancement Review

  8. Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff
    previous to and you’re just too wonderful. I actually like
    what you’ve acquired here, certainly like
    what you are saying and the way in which you say it.
    You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart.
    I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a terrific website.

    Here is my page Erorectin Ingredients

  12. hello there and thank you for your information ?
    I have definitely picked up anything new from right here.

    I did however expertise a few technical issues using this website, since I experienced to reload the site a lot of times previous to I could get it to load properly.
    I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement
    in google and can damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and can look out for a lot more of your respective
    interesting content. Make sure you update
    this again very soon..

    Also visit my blog post … Summer Valley CBD Gummies

  13. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research
    on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but
    I think I learned more clear from this post.
    I’m very glad to see such fantastic info being shared freely out there.

    Look into my web site – Testo Bull Ingredients

  20. Hi there! Quick question that’s completely
    off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My website looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone.

    I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem.
    If you have any recommendations, please share.

    Appreciate it!

    my web blog :: forum.adm-tolka.ru

  25. Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many
    of us have developed some nice procedures and we are looking
    to exchange strategies with other folks, please shoot me an e-mail if
    interested.

    My blog post; Keto Fat Burn Review

  31. Thanks so much for giving everyone an extraordinarily splendid opportunity to read in detail
    from this website. It’s usually so lovely and jam-packed with
    a good time for me and my office co-workers to search your blog at
    least 3 times per week to learn the latest items you have got.
    Of course, I am just always motivated with your
    wonderful things you give. Selected 3 areas in this article are surely
    the most effective I have had.

    Here is my page: Maximum Recall Review

  40. Good day! I know this is kind of off topic
    but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this
    website? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had
    problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of
    a good platform.

    Also visit my homepage: Slimy Vita Reviews

  50. Hi there everyone, it’s my first go to see at this website,
    and article is really fruitful designed for me, keep up posting these
    content.

    My web page: Josef

  54. Good web site! I really love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are
    well written. I am wondering how I could be notified when a new post has been made.
    I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick!
    Have a nice day!

    Look at my site … NeoPodz Review

  58. Great ? I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site.
    I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related
    information ended up being truly simple to do to
    access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know
    it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme .
    a tones way for your customer to communicate.
    Nice task.

    Look into my web-site Libido Boost Male Enhancement Review

  59. My developer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on various
    websites for about a year and am worried about switching to
    another platform. I have heard good things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it?
    Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

    My blog post :: Alpha Edge Male Enhancement

  62. I almost never comment, but I browsed a few responses here Everything you think you know about minimalism is wrong – Pavvy Designs.
    I actually do have some questions for you if it’s allright.

    Is it just me or does it look as if like some of the comments come across like they are written by brain dead folks?
    😛 And, if you are posting at additional social sites, I would like to follow anything
    new you have to post. Would you list of the complete urls of your shared pages like your Facebook
    page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?

    Feel free to visit my homepage – Moscatcher Reviews

  63. Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?

    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
    Appreciate it

    Also visit my webpage; Hydrofirm Review

  66. I must voice my gratitude for your generosity supporting men who should have help on this important area.
    Your very own commitment to getting the message along appears to be extremely significant and has in every case permitted girls much like me
    to attain their aims. Your entire valuable facts signifies a
    great deal a person like me and much more to my peers.
    Thank you; from each one of us.

    My page http://forum.adm-tolka.ru

  70. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of
    any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my
    newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like
    this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with
    something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

    Check out my blog Evo Naturals CBD Gummies

  71. I wanted to follow up and let you know how really
    I cherished discovering your website today. We would consider it
    the honor to work at my place of work and be able to make real use of the tips
    shared on your web page and also be a part of visitors’ reviews like this.
    Should a position involving guest publisher become
    available at your end, i highly recommend you let me know.

    my web site :: NatureFused Anti Aging Cream

  72. Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what
    I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too
    am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the
    whole thing. Do you have any tips and hints for newbie blog writers?
    I’d really appreciate it.

    Check out my site: http://www.volleyball.com.hk

  74. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you
    know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not
    sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried
    it in two different internet browsers and both
    show the same outcome.

    Feel free to visit my web blog – http://www.1stanapa.ru/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=McEacharnSabrina

  75. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit
    my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

    my web-site; Cristine

  78. I’m not sure exactly why but this site is loading incredibly slow for me.
    Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end?

    I’ll check back later on and see if the problem
    still exists.

  79. I have been surfing on-line greater than three hours these days,
    but I by no means found any fascinating article like yours.
    It is lovely value enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made just
    right content material as you probably did, the web will probably be a lot more useful
    than ever before.

    Also visit my web-site … Strawberry CBD Gummies Price

  80. You actually make it seem so easy together with your presentation however I find this matter to be actually one thing that I think I might never understand.
    It sort of feels too complex and very large
    for me. I am looking forward on your next post, I will try
    to get the hold of it!

    Look into my web site WifiLift Wifi Extender

  85. What’s up, yup this paragraph is actually good and I have learned lot of things from it
    about blogging. thanks.

  86. Hi! I know this is kind of off-topic however
    I had to ask. Does building a well-established blog like yours require a massive amount work?
    I am completely new to writing a blog but I
    do write in my diary on a daily basis. I’d like to start
    a blog so I will be able to share my experience and views online.
    Please let me know if you have any recommendations or
    tips for new aspiring blog owners. Thankyou!

    Also visit my web page; Imarais Beauty Reviews

  87. Hello there I am so happy I found your site, I really found you by accident,
    while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Anyways I am here now and would
    just like to say cheers for a tremendous post
    and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don?t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to
    read more, Please do keep up the superb b.

    my blog; Vigalix Pills

  89. Hi this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or
    if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog
    soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to
    get guidance from someone with experience. Any
    help would be greatly appreciated!

    my website: Vigalix Review

  90. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google,
    and found that it’s really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.

    I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous
    people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    Feel free to surf to my web page :: Bellueur Cream

  91. I think the admin of this site is truly working hard in favor of
    his site, for the reason that here every data is quality based data.

  92. Somebody necessarily assist to make critically articles I’d state.
    This is the very first time I frequented your website page and so far?
    I amazed with the analysis you made to make this actual publish incredible.
    Excellent job!

    Also visit my blog post – Alisa

  95. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in web explorer, would
    test this? IE nonetheless is the market chief and a big component
    of other people will pass over your wonderful writing because
    of this problem.

  99. Just want to say your article is as amazing. The
    clearness in your post is simply great and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject.
    Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
    Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.

  102. Hi there this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs
    use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
    I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.

    Any help would be enormously appreciated!

  108. Hiya very nice site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing ..
    I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also?I’m satisfied
    to search out numerous useful information here within the submit, we want develop more techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing.

    Also visit my homepage :: Cut Slim Keto Pills

  114. Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you
    been blogging for? you made blogging look easy.
    The overall look of your website is wonderful, let alone the content!

    Feel free to surf to my blog … Ketokor

  118. Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I
    guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing.
    Do you have any points for beginner blog writers?
    I’d genuinely appreciate it.

    Take a look at my web page; 23.95.102.216

  119. My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from
    PHP. I have always disliked the idea because
    of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on a number
    of websites for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform.
    I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it?
    Any help would be really appreciated!

    my blog; CutSlim Keto Review

  123. My partner and I absolutely love your blog
    and find almost all of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for.
    Do you offer guest writers to write content for you?
    I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write related
    to here. Again, awesome web log!

    My site :: Semzia

  127. Purely to follow up on the up-date of this subject
    matter on your blog and want to let you know how much I liked the time you took to put together this valuable post.
    Within the post, you actually spoke on how to truly
    handle this issue with all convenience. It would be my own pleasure to accumulate some more concepts from your web-site
    and come up to offer other folks what I have benefited from you.
    I appreciate your usual fantastic effort.

    Here is my web blog :: http://forum.m2clasic.ro

  128. I am really inspired along with your writing talents
    as smartly as with the layout in your weblog. Is this a paid subject
    matter or did you customize it your self? Anyway stay up
    the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to peer a nice blog like this one these days..

    Here is my site; frilans.su

  133. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after
    I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr…
    well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say superb blog!

    Feel free to visit my blog post – Vicky

  135. Whoah this weblog is great i like reading your posts. Keep up the good paintings!
    You understand, lots of individuals are looking around for this
    information, you can aid them greatly.

    Here is my web site five diets

  136. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of
    your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which
    makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you
    hire out a developer to create your theme? Excellent work!

    Also visit my blog: diet solution

  148. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this.

    We got a grab a book from our area library but I think
    I learned more clear from this post. I am very glad to see
    such magnificent info being shared freely out there.

    My website hemp crop

  151. I wanted to follow up and let you know how much I valued discovering this blog today.
    I will consider it a good honor to operate at my company and be able to make use of the
    tips shared on your web page and also get involved in visitors’ comments like this.
    Should a position connected with guest publisher become offered at your end,
    make sure you let me know.

    My homepage Juanita

  155. Great work! This is the kind of info that are meant to be shared around the net.
    Disgrace on the search engines for not positioning this post upper!

    Come on over and visit my site . Thank you =)

    Stop by my web blog growing weed

  156. My partner and I stumbled over here from a different page and thought I might check things out.

    I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to finding out about your web page repeatedly.

    Feel free to visit my page :: ac units

  157. I loved up to you’ll obtain performed proper here.
    The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
    however, you command get bought an impatience over that you want
    be handing over the following. ill no doubt come more until now again as precisely the same nearly a lot frequently inside case you protect this increase.

    Here is my web-site Larue

  161. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google,
    and found that it’s truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I will appreciate if you continue this in future.
    Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    my web-site dhea testosterone

  162. Great website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about here?
    I’d really like to be a part of online community where I can get feedback from other experienced people that share
    the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let
    me know. Bless you!

    Also visit my web page audio quality

  165. It is perfect time to make a few plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
    I’ve read this publish and if I could I desire to recommend you few fascinating things or suggestions.
    Perhaps you can write subsequent articles regarding this article.
    I wish to read more issues about it!

    Feel free to visit my web-site :: Mitchell

  166. We are a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.
    Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable process
    and our entire neighborhood will be thankful to you.

    Look into my web page: Caitlin

  168. Hi there would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I
    must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
    Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a
    reasonable price? Many thanks, I appreciate
    it!

    Feel free to visit my web page :: natural treatment for eczema

  169. Pingback: keto crotch article

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.