day 143: minimalism

I heard a quote yesterday that I have been thinking and thinking about.

"Less space.  Fewer things.  More life."

This was spoken by a Danish man that was explaining his sparsley decorated home he shared with his wife and three children.  It was a lovely place with straight lines and clean surfaces and lots of windows overlooking Copenhagen.  And when I finished watching this show I immediately wanted to take a blow torch to my master bedroom, which for some reason is the only room in my house that ends up feeling like a repository of clothes, bags, laundry, and books.

When so many people are "moving up" and building bigger homes with great rooms the size of warehouses I really am satisfied with the size of my home.  Satisfied enough to not want to move, even though I wouldn't mind tweaking things here and there.  And the "fewer things" issue, not even a real issue for me.  I seriously dislike knickknacks of any kind.  Clutter makes me jittery.  I throw things out too quickly sometimes, as a matter of fact.  Just ask my husband.  We have nothing in our attic and do not have a garage.  Now the issue of "more life"... who couldn't use a little improvement on this one?  It is a general statement, but so appealing.  Yup, this is one I can be working on.

4 comments

Luann | January 9, 2010 at 9:32 AM

Ooo, I like that quote. It sounds like an equation. Less + Fewer = More.

Perhaps counter intuitive, but I think it's often true. Giving up the unnecessary leaves more room for the good stuff.

wendy | January 9, 2010 at 5:13 PM

Hmmmm, very good thoughts indeed. Have you ever watched the tv show Hoarders-------frightening.
too much stuff ----is well, too much.
I think life can be more full with less distractions, whether it be things, or media, or whatever.

Connie | January 9, 2010 at 11:19 PM

I have been thinking that I'm a real slacker because I don't have tons of beautiful things in my home. But the truth is, I like things simple.
I feel better about myself now. Thanks for the post and the quote!

Leanne | January 12, 2010 at 1:45 PM

This is also why the Dane's are rated the happiest people on earth. They have smaller homes, focus on family and do a lot with their time. Everyone is also considered middle income, not too many low or high. It is truly and enjoyable country.