How can you incorporate minimalist ideas into your lifestyle? Continuing our One In, One Out series on minimalism, we spoke to Anna from Paris With Me about how it influences her day-to-day life and buying habits. What is minimalism living for you? For me, it is about not being afraid to let the old stuff go: donate, sell, recycle. Instead, be mindful of what you are buying.
How does the minimalism trend affect your view of the apartment you live in? I live in Paris where apartments are often really small, so you have to make a choice between overflowing your space with stuff or making careful decisions about new purchases. We try to buy furniture with many compartments; I also have a deal with my boyfriend to keep some surfaces clean with no stuff on it (like our marble chimney that is only allowed a couple of books on it).
Have you changed your shopping habits since discovering minimalism? First, I transformed my lust for buying into an almost obsessive desire to donate or sell and give a new life to my pre-loved items like clothing, jewellery, shoes, books and magazines. I also try to invest into something I really REALLY want; perhaps an expensive piece that will be loved for ages. I save for this item or try to sell my pre-loved stuff for the same amount as the new purchase. Let’s talk about a minimalist home. Give us the “Minimalist design lover 101”.
- Keep your surfaces clean; if your stuff doesn’t fit into any furniture or shelves - then think about what you are ready to let go.
- Invest in solid classic items in neutral colours that will last for a long time.
- Use your furniture with care: for example, don’t put wet glasses on wooden surfaces…
