This week we’re taking a break from our “How to Think Better” series. You can catch up on those posts here and here.
I’m sitting here on a rainy day, and all I want to do is curl up with a good book and warm blanket.
I’m a fan of Hygge, the Danish concept that was all the rage a couple of years ago. It’s basically the word for coziness, comfort, and wellness. Those all sound nice, right?
But here’s the thing:
I’m also a minimalist.
And the image that comes to mind for most people when I say that word is an empty room of stark, white walls and sharp edges.
There’s nothing cozy about that.
So the question is, how do we can we have a minimalist, cozy home? Check out these tips to bring the best of both of these worlds into your home:
1. Use natural woods and warm colors.
Remember about 10 years ago when everyone decided to paint all the walls gray?
Now, I’m not knocking gray. I don’t have anything against gray.
But maybe we should dial it down a bit. Like 100 notches or so.
Using warm neutrals and natural wood is a great way to bring some warmth into your space.
2. Incorporate small touches.
Plants. Books. A throw blanket. A couple of pillows. A little goes a long way.
The key, though, is to keep it limited. This is difficult because we can easily justify just one more pillow/blanket/plant, etc. It’s only a few dollars and it’s so cute. Right?
It’s all fun and games until your house looks like a picked over thrift store.
In order for an item to get inside the house, it has to meet some criteria. Is it comfortable or useful? Is it in line with the aesthetic I want to achieve? Will it last? Can I swap something else out for it?
Using these guidelines can help add comfort while avoiding unnecessary clutter.
3. Have a very select few conversation pieces.
You don’t need your life history to vomit itself all over your walls, but a few pieces can help.
Keyword is few. If you want to see walls plastered with memorabilia, go to Cracker Barrel.
If you have a photo from one of your favorite trips, you might choose that. If you have a funky piece of art that someone gave you, you might display it.
For instance, my sister has a giant wooden fork and spoon on her kitchen wall. It’s a set my mother had for years, and she was all to happy to give them a new home. Now my sister has a conversation piece that reminds her of our amazing mother.
Bonus? She also has utensils ready if a giant comes to visit.
4. Be someone who others want to be around.
Will you do a thought experiment with me?
Think back to your fondest memories as a child. Think about the places and homes you were so excited to visit. Think about what you were doing in those homes.
What made those memories special? Was it because the house was decorated so beautifully or had the most expensive furniture? Was it because of all the things in the house?
Or was it because of the people?
When I think back to my fondest memories as a child, they are special because of WHO is in them, not WHAT is in them.
I remember playing games with friends and family in hot, cramped, outdated living rooms.
I remember sitting around a kitchen table with a card table shoved up against it so everyone could sit.
I remember shag carpets and ugly furniture and wood paneling and pitiful fake florals.
And it was the best.
You see, if you really want people to feel comfortable in your home, you don’t need the nicest stuff. Because stuff doesn’t make up memories, anyway. People do.
Focus on the people, and the rest will take care of itself.