Minimalist Living - A Smart Approach to Space...

Architect, artist and furniture designer Matt Reynolds designed and self built most of the interior of his compact and tranquil seaside apartment, aptly named beâCHâlet. Inspired by caravans and yachts, the design maximises every inch with clever features like a false plywood ceiling for adaptable lighting, hidden skirting board drawers, and multi-functional furniture on wheels for flexibility. Sliding screens and ceiling-mounted curtains transform the living area into a home gym or private space for guests, while an elevated platform bed creates a cosy nook with storage underneath. The result is a thoughtfully crafted home that seamlessly blends efficiency, functionality, and a warm, personal touch.

It all started with curiosity – can one really live comfortably and functionally in a small space? Bryce traveled the world, meeting people who had turned their dreams into reality and documenting their stories. From charming wooden cabins in the forest to futuristic tiny houses on wheels, each home he visited had its own soul and unique story.

Minimalism is not just about having fewer things but about choosing the right things. Furniture and decor should be functional, aesthetically appealing, and tailored to individual needs. Over decades, IKEA has developed a product range that reflects these principles, where smart solutions and a clean aesthetic create the perfect foundation for a minimalist home.

Living in a tiny house is not just an architectural solution or a trend; it is a lifestyle that requires a completely new way of thinking. For Boisen, the decision to move into a minimal home was a conscious choice to reduce his environmental impact, save money, and live more harmoniously with nature.

Kirsten Dirksen is a documentary filmmaker and journalist known for her extensive work in the field of sustainable living, tiny homes, and alternative housing solutions. She is the co-founder of Fair Companies, a platform that explores innovative architecture, minimalism, and self-sufficient lifestyles. Through her YouTube channel, she has documented countless stories of individuals and communities embracing eco-friendly living, offering inspiration and insights into sustainable housing projects worldwide. Her work has been instrumental in highlighting the possibilities of alternative housing solutions and promoting a shift towards a more environmentally conscious way of living.

When you live on a boat, there is no room for unnecessary items. Every object must serve a purpose—often multiple. There were no wardrobes filled with clothes I never wore, no kitchen gadgets collecting dust. Instead, I only had what I truly needed: weather-appropriate clothing, tools for maintaining the boat, and a kitchen equipped with the essentials for cooking.

The lifeboat, built in 1997 by Norsafe, previously served as a rescue vessel on the CalMac ferry MV Clansman, operating off Scotland’s west coast. Though structurally sound when Guylee and David purchased it in early 2018, it was far from habitable.

Living at sea is a dream for many. The ocean represents endless possibilities, freedom from societal expectations, and a life where each day is a new challenge. For Paul Johnson, this was not just a dream but a reality he actively chose. From a young age, he was drawn to the sea, and it became his home, his refuge, and his life’s purpose.

Sol Projex was founded with a vision to create self-sustaining living environments through natural design and eco-sensitive construction solutions. Their goal is not just to build sustainable homes but also to educate future generations on how to create and maintain a more balanced world.

The idea for The Cabanon was born when Ramo and Upmeyer discovered that a 74-square-foot (approximately 6.9 square meters) storage room had become available in their apartment building. Instead of dismissing the space as unusable, the couple saw an opportunity to create something unique. They asked themselves: Can we create a fully functional apartment in this minimal space? The answer became The Cabanon.

The film Reflections of Life presents Theo, a man who has chosen to live his life in an unconventional way. In 2021, his story was first shared in "Being Simply Beautiful," a video that has been viewed nearly two million times and inspired countless comments and questions. Many wanted to know more about how he sustains himself and what motivates him to continue living life on his own terms.

The film highlights a fundamental insight: our world is out of balance because we, as individuals, are out of balance. Stress, consumerism, and the constant pursuit of more have led to a deep disconnection from nature and ourselves. We live in an era where we are bombarded with external ideals and expectations that shape a false self-image. Instead of looking inward, we lose ourselves in the noise of modern life.

The core message of the video revolves around the idea that living with fewer things does not merely mean clearing out physical clutter—it also means freeing ourselves from mental and emotional burdens. By decluttering both our physical and mental spaces, we create room for what truly enriches our lives: relationships, experiences, creativity, and personal growth.

The text in the film clip reminds us that, just like physical injuries, our emotional wounds require active care. We often choose to deny the feelings that hurt us—we hide them, hoping they will vanish on their own. But just as an untreated physical injury can lead to serious complications, unresolved emotional wounds lead to deepening inner pain. It is a paradox: the more we try to hide our emotions, the greater the opportunity for them to grow.

As more people search for a balanced life in tune with nature, the interest in alternative forms of housing has grown. A yurt, with its circular shape and open space, symbolizes a return to a simpler lifestyle where what truly matters is inner community, self-awareness, and the power of nature. Many who have chosen this path—like Lucy and her family—have dared to leave everything behind: jobs, large homes, and material comforts—in order to focus on living in the moment and learning from nature’s rhythms.

One of the primary reasons I have embraced minimalism is the desire to have full control over my life and resources. By forgoing unnecessary consumption and avoiding debt, I free myself from the financial chains that often restrict our choices. It is not about living ascetically; it is about making deliberate priorities that favor quality over quantity. When you no longer have to worry about repaying needless loans or managing a constant stream of purchases, you can direct your energy toward personal development, creative projects, and authentic experiences.

One of the most fascinating aspects of “Ida” is undoubtedly the clever and well-planned kitchen. Despite the small footprint, Taylor and Teddy have managed to maximize functionality with a series of thoughtful design choices. In their galley-style kitchen, they combine a large farmhouse sink with an efficient propane stove, enabling quick and smooth cooking. They opted for open shelving instead of heavy cabinets, which not only gives the space a modern feel but also makes it easier to keep track of utensils and supplies. In addition, the small but well-organized pantry stands as a clear example of how limited space can be used to create a kitchen that is both practical and stylish.

Guy has challenged conventional ideas of what a mobile home can be with his project. The concept behind this "chalet on wheels" is simple yet ingenious: to create a fully functional, luxurious dwelling that can take you anywhere—from remote mountain cabins to lively ski resorts. This creative construction offers a range of amenities typically found only in five-star hotels. By making optimal use of every inch of space, Guy has seamlessly integrated practical solutions with aesthetic details that transform each journey into an extraordinary experience.

Minimalism can be described as a philosophy or an approach to life that aims to remove all excess, focusing instead on what’s essential. By deliberately choosing to remove unnecessary information, possessions, activities, and commitments, we create space for more meaningful experiences and relationships. While minimalism is sometimes associated with a strict, almost ascetic lifestyle, it doesn’t have to mean living without comforts or personal belongings. Rather, it’s about asking in every situation: “What value does this item, activity, or relationship bring to my life?”

When Berlin, a city shaped by division and the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War, sought to establish itself as an international hub for trade and culture, the idea of ICC Berlin was born. Planning for the building began in the 1960s, and it was completed in 1979. It was an era when the Western world wanted to showcase strength through monumental structures, and ICC Berlin became one of the most ambitious creations in that spirit.

Decluttering and organizing isn’t just about having a tidier home—it’s also a mental process that structures our lives and creates a more liberated day-to-day routine. Clutter in your living space can lead to increased stress, as the brain subconsciously registers every item out of place or without a designated spot. When we remove belongings we don’t truly need, it becomes easier to maintain order and find what we actually use.

By thinking carefully about the room’s function, maintaining a light and airy design, and organizing your belongings, you can transform even the tightest quarters into a harmonious home.

Living simply does not necessarily mean living cheaply. Ironically, it can often become more expensive than the life one tries to leave behind. Building an alternative lifestyle requires investments – a van, a tiny house, a boat, or a cabin in the woods all cost money to acquire and even more to adapt to one’s needs.

The Echo of the Lone Wanderer

Just like quitting smoking or changing dietary habits, adopting a minimalist lifestyle can feel challenging initially. Many fail because they focus too heavily on external changes and too little on internal shifts. They mistakenly believe that simply moving into a tiny house or van automatically makes life easier. However, unless fundamental thoughts and habits change, old patterns will soon resurface.

To understand why IKEA suits minimalism so well, we need to understand its soul. The company was founded by Ingvar Kamprad, a man from Småland known for his thriftiness, innovative thinking, and his steadfast belief that “good design should be for everyone.” IKEA’s original business idea was to provide affordable furniture for ordinary people. But it was also something more – a form of democratic thinking. Everyone deserves a beautiful home.