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Less is more - 15th July 2020
This is a well worn phrase, often bandied about. I'll be considering how you can apply it to your living space.
I researched the origin of the phrase and it's attributed to the poet Robert Browning. He first used it in 'The faultless painter'. Later it was picked up by the Minimalist Movement and in 1947 Ludwig Mies van der Rohe the architect used it as a mantra for architecture, design, and art.
When might this phrase pop into your mind?
If you know someone whose mode of dress is very chic and stylish then you might consider their look to be 'less is more'. They would never over accessorise or have lots of fussy details on their clothing. Imagine looking at that person. What effect would they have on you? I think they would make quite an impact because their few stylish details would be very striking. There would be nothing chaotic or visually challenging about how they are dressed. No clashing patterns or over busy detail. Your eyes could rest on this person and whilst admiring their look you would also feel quite relaxed, I think.
What about the written word? Have you ever read something (such as this blog!!) and thought the writer could have conveyed their message using far less words? The art of being concise is definitely a 'less is more' activity. It would also apply to the spoken word. How many friends do you have who insist on telling you their whole story when actually they could have just told you a few key points and conveyed the same message?
The attraction of 'less is more'
For anyone who readily succumbs to overwhelm such as myself, it really is far better to have a simple approach to life. Equally I find I get bogged down by too much detail so sometimes 'concise' is very appealing. Especially when it comes to conversation. Have you ever been overwhelmed by someone who just can't stop talking and doesn't let you get a word in edgeways? It seems to me that less is more because when something is pared down to its essence it means that all the superfluous stuff has been removed. The distractions have gone. The white noise has gone. All you see is the original concept or design, or meaning. You can appreciate beauty more easily when it is unencumbered. The photo of hyacinths I chose to illustrate this blog is a case in point. Two flowers in a simple jar. Beautiful! Would more flowers in an opulent vase look any better? I doubt it.
'Less is more' at home
If you can follow the logic of the above benefits then imagine how it would feel if you could apply this to the contents of your home. Could you perhaps be tempted into some decluttering in a quest for more simplicity in your life? Do you ever feel completely burdened by your stuff? Simplicity would look different for everyone but basically it would involve removing those items that are not serving you at any level but are just in your space. Also, anything that is too fussy, too complicated and causes you stress by just thinking about it - that needs to go too. Ultimately what remained would be greatly enhanced by virtue of being surrounded by space. Also by the fact that you have chosen it as being something of value.
I really hope you have found this blog post to be thought provoking and would love to hear from you. If my words have sown seeds of change, then do get in touch to find out how I can support you on your quest for 'less is more'.
Keywords: overwhelm, self-care
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