Why Less is More

19 Dec Why Less is More

Less is more — you’ve probably heard the expression numerous times. It refers to the concept that having a few essential things is often better than having too much stuff you don’t really need. If thoughts of Marie Kondo spring to mind, you may be surprised to learn that the quote and the idea it represents aren’t new but have their roots in ancient Greece. Keep reading to learn more about this timeless advice and how it can improve your life in the present day.

Ancient Greece

Chilon of Sparta was a poet and philosopher in the sixth century BC and is considered one of the seven sages of Greece. Many scholars believe that he coined the phrase “less is more” to represent the Spartan attitude toward life. Chilon’s view was that by saying less, a person gave more weight or emphasis to the few words spoken.

20th Century

Along with Frank Lloyd Wright and several others, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (commonly known as Mies) was one of the founders of modernist architecture. He was well known for repeating the expression “less is more,” and his application of the principle is obvious in the clarity and simplicity of his minimalist style. He loved free-flowing, multifunctional spaces that took advantage of their outdoor surroundings.

Modern Day

While Marie Kondo introduced a new generation to minimalism several years ago, the current stars of the movement are Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. Their 2021 documentary “The Minimalists: Less Is Now” was nominated for a Daytime Emmy and has been viewed by millions. In it, the two friends explore why people hold on to junk, explain how intentional living can transform lives, and suggest a 30-day declutter routine.

Creating a Less-Is-More Home

To create a minimalist home, you must be like Chilon and focus on the things that are important. For instance, if you’ve spent tons of time and money building your wardrobe, you don’t want to shove your favorite pieces into a closet crammed with items you never wear. After getting rid of the clothes and shoes you no longer want, you must decide how to arrange what’s left in a simple and efficient way. This is the perfect time to contact the organization experts at Closets by Design. Whether you have a walk-in or reach-in closet, our designers can make the most of your space by combining adjustable shelving, hanging bars, shoe racks, jewelry drawers, and more. Everything in your wardrobe will have a place, so you can easily locate and put away each item.

You might also choose to be like Mies and focus on creating a free-flowing multifunctional space by putting a wall bed in your guest room or home office. Closets by Design has a variety of wall beds in single, double, and queen sizes that can be paired with shelves, desks, cabinets, and more. Because the beds fold up into the wall when not in use, you can transform any room into a multipurpose space. Best of all, our products are fresh and modern with sleek lines and beautiful, functional design features.

Perhaps you’d prefer to emulate the Minimalists and begin living more intentionally by decluttering your kitchen and getting rid of all the junk and unused appliances that are taking up space. Again, Closets by Design can help you create a more pleasant kitchen environment with a custom pantry. With the right combination of drawers, shelving, cubbies, and other design elements, your pantry will provide easy access to the food and equipment you need to make preparing meals less stressful. Having an organized pantry also saves you time and money since you can quickly see which items you need. That way, you don’t run out of your favorite foods or buy duplicates.

Schedule Your Free In-Home Consultation

If you’re ready to simplify your life, Closets by Design offers stylish organization systems that enable you to maximize your home storage without detracting from the beauty of your interior. Contact us today to set up your free consultation and let us help you discover why less is more.