Simplified spaces?

[Ultralight]

Hey, a gal I met on a dating site asked me "How 'minimalist' are you?"
So I took some photos of my place. And when I saw them through the camera lens, I thought: "Hey, I am doing pretty dang good at minimalism!"

So I am going to post a handful of pics of my "simplified spaces."

Jane and Yppej, feel free to take pot shots. Everyone else, I am open to constructive criticism or ideas for improvement.

But more so, what I am really interested is any photo you might want to share of your simplified spaces ("simplified" by your definition and standard, not mine).

So please feel free to share!

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Living room.

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Kitchen.

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Clothes closet.

[bae]

Initial comments:

1) Love the dog, you got me there. Everything else is gravy. The skewed lamp is bad feng shui.

2) I'd keep the spices and oils away from the heat and light if possible.

3) Too many hangers

[Ultralight]

Initial comments:

1) Love the dog, you got me there. Everything else is gravy. The skewed lamp is bad feng shui.

2) I'd keep the spices and oils away from the heat and light if possible.

3) Too many hangers

All duly noted! Especially the hangers... I get them from getting my dry cleaning done. I should toss the dang things. :)

Yeah, Harlan just had to get in the photo by "his" couch. haha

[SteveinMN]

Is that the "closet" kitchen?

[Ultralight]

Is that the "closet" kitchen?
That is indeed the very one I referred to.

[Geila]

Sorry UL, but your living room looks so depressing to me.* I couldn't live in space like that. My living room is pretty sparse too but I have colorful pillows and fleece blankets on the couch, art on the walls, and a couple of side tables with plants, lamps and pictures on them. I like having a simplified but homey space. I don't like to share pics online, otherwise I would share so you can see what I mean.

My question would be: does this space bring you pleasure or contentment? If yes, then good for you. If not, is there anything that you can add that would make it a comfortable or pleasant?

*I truly don't mean for my comment to come across as judgmental or critical. It's just an honest response to seeing the space. I suspect that my dh would find your space perfectly acceptable!

[Ultralight]

Sorry UL, but your living room looks so depressing to me.* I couldn't live in space like that. My living room is pretty sparse too but I have colorful pillows and fleece blankets on the couch, art on the walls, and a couple of side tables with plants, lamps and pictures on them. I like having a simplified but homey space. I don't like to share pics online, otherwise I would share so you can see what I mean.

My question would be: does this space bring you pleasure or contentment? If yes, then good for you. If not, is there anything that you can add that would make it a comfortable or pleasant?

*I truly don't mean for my comment to come across as judgmental or critical. It's just an honest response to seeing the space. I suspect that my dh would find your space perfectly acceptable!

The living room is essentially Harlan's domain. He seems to like it, with a blanket on the floor, his pup tent beside it, and a couch all his own from which is his perch to look out the windows.

I use the empty space in the living room to exercise M, W, and F mornings.

[Geila]

What about when you bring a hot date home? Some cozy ambiance might help with that endeavor. ;)

[Ultralight]

What about when you bring a hot date home? Some cozy ambiance might help with that endeavor. ;)

Got it covered!

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[Teacher Terry]

Not!

[Ultralight]

Not!
Come on!

[Geila]

Yeah, I agree with TT. That ain't no cozy ambiance there. And having a transitional space would be really nice for a date situation. A teenage guy isn't going to care about ambiance and romance. But a mature woman? I think so.

[iris lilies]

Why are you still doing dry cleaning? You dont need that! We told you ages ago to stop it!

Harlan is cute. He is more delicately boned than I imagined.

You kitchen is big enough for most all things.

[Zoe Girl]

I think it is very clean, and the kitchen is actually really nice and has space according to my standards. I have a very small shared kitchen in a house from the 50's, Thanksgiving here was interesting.

And some warm and fuzzy stuff would be more to my liking as well. When I visit a friend I want a couple options of where to sit possibly, an afgan if I feel chilly, a place to set a drink or snack, maybe even something to look at on the wall or a book on a shelf. I know it can get out of hand easily, however the Buddhist monastics I know have more than what you have! Like others said, if this is a space that makes you really happy then you should simply enjoy it.

[bae]

Got it covered!

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Dude. No.

I have been having about a 200% success rate (counting repeat visitors) with the following approach:

- pretty much everyone here, unless they are local, if they come by for dinner, are committed t staying here overnight because of the ferry schedule, even if from an adjacent island.

- at the end of the evening, without presumption, I simply offer them the upstairs guest room, which can be too warm this time of year, the downstairs bedroom, which can be too cold, the nice day bed on the main floor by the fire, which can be just right, or the master bedroom with me, either in a platonic way (the bed is huge and comfie) or a not-platonic way, their choice, no assumptions.

I think the many options, lack of any pressure, and clean linen have been doing the trick,

[happystuff]

It seems as though you are quite comfortable with it (or without more "it" as the case may be ;)) and that is what counts. The only thing that jumps out at me is the bed. While I've done my share of sleeping on the floor, at this age of my life I need to be up a little bit - simply to aide in the getting in and out of the bed. lol.

Thanks for sharing!

[Ultralight]

The only thing that jumps out at me is the bed.
If I got a life parter you better believe I would get a real, big bed. :devil:


Thanks for sharing! No problem; fun so far! :cool:

[Ultralight]

Dude. No.

I have been having about a 200% success rate (counting repeat visitors) with the following approach:

- pretty much everyone here, unless they are local, if they come by for dinner, are committed t staying here overnight because of the ferry schedule, even if from an adjacent island.

- at the end of the evening, without presumption, I simply offer them the upstairs guest room, which can be too warm this time of year, the downstairs bedroom, which can be too cold, the nice day bed on the main floor by the fire, which can be just right, or the master bedroom with me, either in a platonic way (the bed is huge and comfie) or a not-platonic way, their choice, no assumptions.

I think the many options, lack of any pressure, and clean linen have been doing the trick,

I am just a workin' man. I don't have a mansion on an island. So just don't have those kinds of options.

[Ultralight]

...the Buddhist monastics I know have more than what you have!Yes! Excellent! Have you told them about me?
I love feeling superior to others! ;)

[Ultralight]

Harlan is cute. He is more delicately boned than I imagined.

Thanks! He is slim and trim.

[catherine]

Your room reminds me of Peter Lawrence's place ("The Happy Minimalist")


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw4E8nXcrTk

I personally find your apartment to be a little stark, but I'm not sure if it's because there are so few pieces or because it's trying to be a drastically minimalist version of our culture's aesthetic. To bae's point, it may simply lack a little feng shui. Rooms that I absolutely find peaceful in their simplicity tend to be Japanese-style--with very calculated use of natural elements, light and architectural detail to bring balance and harmony to a minimalist room.

But, you have a right to be proud! You are living your values and truly walking your talk. I'm impressed!

[SteveinMN]

Originally Posted by SteveinMN
Is that the "closet" kitchen?
That is indeed the very one I referred to.
That, my friend, is substantially bigger than a closet. It's still worth considering how to use the space more efficiently, but if the refrigerator is in the same room as the kitchen, you've got some space.


If I got a life parter you better believe I would get a real, big bed.
My personal experience tells me that the real, big bed precedes partners, "life" or otherwise.

If nothing else, buying a real, big bed will show you have some money and doesn't make it look like you're ready to pack up and leave in the middle of the night...

[herbgeek]

I'm glad your space works for you, but for me, it's missing a few key things: a place with a good lamp for reading or craft work, a place to view the outside world, some warm cozy blanket/afghan to snuggle under, a place to have a meal with someone else (you may have a table you just didn't show). The bed on the floor would be tough for me at my age- I sometimes use a rolling start to launch myself in the morning. :D I do love the lack of tscotchkeys or any clutter.

[Ultralight]

My personal experience tells me that the real, big bed precedes partners, "life" or otherwise.

If nothing else, buying a real, big bed will show you have some money and doesn't make it look like you're ready to pack up and leave in the middle of the night...

I would rather fund my emergency fund now than buy a big status symbol bed. But your point is well-taken. Even if I can't afford multiple bedrooms with their own micro-climates like bae, I can put together a cozy-looking sin-bin in my bedroom. haha So perhaps a real, big bed should be on my list of near future expenses.

[Ultralight]

Your room reminds me of Peter Lawrence's place ("The Happy Minimalist")


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw4E8nXcrTk

I personally find your apartment to be a little stark, but I'm not sure if it's because there are so few pieces or because it's trying to be a drastically minimalist version of our culture's aesthetic. To bae's point, it may simply lack a little feng shui. Rooms that I absolutely find peaceful in their simplicity tend to be Japanese-style--with very calculated use of natural elements, light and architectural detail to bring balance and harmony to a minimalist room.

But, you have a right to be proud! You are living your values and truly walking your talk. I'm impressed!

I watched that video a loooooong time ago. I was inspired by it!

[catherine]

I would rather fund my emergency fund now than buy a big status symbol bed. But your point is well-taken. Even if I can't afford multiple bedrooms with their own micro-climates like bae, I can put together a cozy-looking sin-bin in my bedroom. haha So perhaps a real, big bed should be on my list of near future expenses.

I'm kind of on your side, UL. Why should you modify a space that you find perfectly adequate to suit other people?

OTOH, even Thoreau said one should have 3 chairs: one for solitude, one for friendship, and one for society. In other words, unless you are a hermit, you might consider conceding some decorating/minimalist choices to the desire for your guests to feel comfortable. You could perhaps get a carefully chosen used full or queen mattress on freecycle. (I know many people will not use used mattresses, but I've been discerning about the ones I've gotten and it's all turned out OK).

[rosarugosa]

Your kitchen is positively luxurious and well-appointed compared to my own.
I agree that the bedroom and living room are too stark for my personal taste, but I'm sure mine would be too cluttered for your taste. I do have some single male friends whose apartments are in a constant state of cluttered squalor. I definitely prefer starkness to that.

[Ultralight]

I'm glad your space works for you, but for me, it's missing a few key things: a place with a good lamp for reading or craft work, a place to view the outside world, some warm cozy blanket/afghan to snuggle under, a place to have a meal with someone else (you may have a table you just didn't show). The bed on the floor would be tough for me at my age- I sometimes use a rolling start to launch myself in the morning. :D I do love the lack of tscotchkeys or any clutter.

Table. At the moment I took the photo I was doing some internetting and was about to return my library books/DVDs.

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[Ultralight]

OTOH, even Thoreau said one should have 3 chairs: one for solitude, one for friendship, and one for society.

Oh, Hank and his strange wisdom!

[rosarugosa]

Well it looks like you have 4 chairs, so the party is at your house!

[Tammy]

That video - a lot of space but few things - at first I’m thinking he needs to move to smaller place. Then I saw how he uses the space and it seems just right. Not all space needs to be filled with stuff. It can be used for people. Nice concept.

[Ultralight]

That video - a lot of space but few things - at first I’m thinking he needs to move to smaller place. Then I saw how he uses the space and it seems just right. Not all space needs to be filled with stuff. It can be used for people. Nice concept.

I totally agree! My apartment could be 1/3 smaller with no issues. Maybe even half the size. But I like space enough to move around in. If I lived in a warm climate though, I could live very tiny and just go outside most of the time.

[iris lilies]

This is my minimalist dream—rooms with fabulous architectural features. Little to no furniture needed.

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[Ultralight]

This is my minimalist dream—rooms with fabulous architectural features. Little to no furniture needed.

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That is minimalist!

[Zoe Girl]

Do you have Ikea? I love their beds, I have one, my son has one and I just bought one for my daughter. We tend to move a lot and they are easy to take apart and put back together often. Otherwise bed frames are on next door and craigslist all the time, if they are not fabric in any way I would not worry about getting one used.

If you want to add a few cozy items it could be a minimalist game. Give yourself a list to stick to (one coffee or side table, one afgan, etc) and then see how creatively you can find the item. If it gets to be taking up a lot of time then you can stop because you were fine before you had all that stuff.

[Ultralight]

Do you have Ikea? I love their beds, I have one, my son has one and I just bought one for my daughter. We tend to move a lot and they are easy to take apart and put back together often. Otherwise bed frames are on next door and craigslist all the time, if they are not fabric in any way I would not worry about getting one used.

If you want to add a few cozy items it could be a minimalist game. Give yourself a list to stick to (one coffee or side table, one afgan, etc) and then see how creatively you can find the item. If it gets to be taking up a lot of time then you can stop because you were fine before you had all that stuff.

I got Harlan's couch at Ike's!
But I really got it for the woman I was seeing at the time. She wanted me to have a couch. I did not need it, so when we split I just gave it to Harlan.

[SteveinMN]

I would rather fund my emergency fund now than buy a big status symbol bed.
I definitely agree the emergency fund should come first. But the bed doesn't have to be any kind of big status symbol. Just a frame and a mattress big enough for however many living things you want on it (we never allowed our dog to sleep with us but I know other people do); maybe a nightstand (because the floor is a long reach away from current-day mattresses). Go trompe l'oeil with the headboard (someone with your drawing skills would do a great job!) and that's one fewer possession to care for or move.

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(image courtesy of Apartment Therapy (https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/east-11-skloses-trompe-loeil-h-41512))

[Zoe Girl]

Oh I have painted on the walk before, I really like it. I did it in California because I didn't want a heavy thing hanging over my couch. The headboard looks fun.

The most important thing is to have fun and be comfortable in your space.

[jp1]

Another thing that goes a long way towards hominess are window treatments. Even something as simple as a valance along the top to hide the blinds would go a long way towards cheering the space. And something, anything, somewhere on the wall to give guests something to look at while they sit on harlan's couch.

[Teacher Terry]

I need pictures, curtains, etc to make my home feel inviting. My house is very important to me as I spend a lot of time there. If a house is too stark I don’t feel comfortable. Same as being too messy.

[SteveinMN]

I need pictures, curtains, etc to make my home feel inviting. My house is very important to me as I spend a lot of time there. If a house is too stark I don’t feel comfortable. Same as being too messy.
On the other hand, I would sign up for this (Poggenpohl) kitchen in a New York minute. I find the simple clean lines and monochromatic scheme very soothing:
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[Gardenarian]

Well, I love your place!

It looks super easy to maintain, and I like that you have a big dedicated space for exercise.
It reflects your priorities.

If it were mine, I would probably have something to keep the bed off the floor (its warmer and helps keep bedding clean) and probably curtains to keep out drafts. I get cold easily, though.

I'm trying to downsize my wardrobe - yours is inspiring! I could fill that closet with just my t-shirts.

Thanks for posting :)

[bae]

A bed doesn't have to be a fancy status-symbol bed.

Until just this year, I used a simple bed frame with a mattress on it, no headboard/footboard, just something to elevate the mattress off the floor. Before that, I slept on a futon on the floor, but when my wife got further along in her pregnancy, she decided elevating the sleeping surface to keep our Basset Hounds from pushing us off the bed was essential.

A mattress just thrown on the floor in an empty room however looks like a drug den,and may limit entertainment options :-)


(The reason my "mansion" has microclimates is that it has basically no useful heating system other than the wood stove, and not the best design for air circulation, so you get a choice of too cold, too warm, or just right, and no real way to alter the situation other than blankets.)

[rosarugosa]

Our bed is just a basic metal frame with no headboard or foot board, although we do have a good quality mattress and box spring on top of it.

[pony mom]

A mattress on the floor may develop mold over time. Be sure to pick it up and air out the floor and bottom of the mattress quite often.

https://www.nestbedding.com/blogs/news/7457574-can-i-put-my-mattress-on-the-floor

Myself, I do sleep on the floor on a traditional Japanese shikifuton. Aired out several times a week and folded daily; when unfolded it is on interlocking foam mats. And no, I don't have any plans of entertaining anyone. My bed is mine and mine alone!

[ToomuchStuff]

Got it covered!

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ROTFLMAO.
You have a life partner now, and you don't share a bed with them. (Harlan) I find it shocking you expect another one to share that twin bed with you.


A bed doesn't have to be a fancy status-symbol bed.


A mattress just thrown on the floor in an empty room however looks like a drug den,and may limit entertainment options :-)



Well, a homeless drug addict, might be what he is looking for, as they don't have a lot of possessions they care about, other then the substance/delivery system. That bed might look inviting.:laff:

[Chicken lady]

The dry cleaner will take the hangers back. If you insist on dry cleaning, just thing of the hangers like library books - they belong to the dry cleaner and you return them when you get more.

Chiming in on the “ambience” your apartment says a lot of things. “minimalist” is not the first thing because it doesn’t look curated. It looks:
“broke”
”might have to disappear on a moment’s notice”
”my wife threw me out”
”my wife won’t let me have a dog”
“just got out of prison”

Besides the bed,
“Decorating for company”:
do you buy fruit? Do you own a bowl? Put the fruit in the bowl on the table or on the kitchen counter and get the spices put away out of the light. Return the hangers. Straighten up your clothes. buy a blanket and turn the heat in your apartment down a couple of degrees - cheaper. Pull Harlan’s couch out from the wall, maybe at an angle. Put the lamp next to harlan’s couch as if someone might read there. Move the table out into the room a little and put the chairs around it.

[Ultralight]

Well, I love your place!

Thanks!



I'm trying to downsize my wardrobe - yours is inspiring! I could fill that closet with just my t-shirts.


I can only speak for myself on this, but downsizing my clothing has been perhaps the most freeing part of living simply for me. Not that I had a lot, but I had enough for it to require quite a bit of annoying little decisions that chipped away and my mind.

A colleague of mine at work has been semi-jokingly suggesting we have uniforms at work. That would really simplify! haha

[Ultralight]

ROTFLMAO.
You have a life partner now, and you don't share a bed with them. (Harlan) I find it shocking you expect another one to share that twin bed with you.

If you had actually done your due diligence and read the entire thread you would know that I was joking when I said "Got it covered." I also said previously in this thread that if I got a life partner I would buy a big, real bed. I have even told women I have dated this. Like, "If you are really good and play your cards right I will commit to you AND buy a real bed. So mind your Ps and Qs." hahaha




Well, a homeless drug addict, might be what he is looking for, as they don't have a lot of possessions they care about, other then the substance/delivery system. That bed might look inviting.:laff:

I am straight edge and teetotal as they get. So no junkies allowed!

[Ultralight]

The dry cleaner will take the hangers back. If you insist on dry cleaning, just thing of the hangers like library books - they belong to the dry cleaner and you return them when you get more.

Good idea! I bet they would take them back. But I am actually donated the shirts that needed dry cleaning. I have shirts that are wrinkle-free now, mostly polos.


Chiming in on the “ambience” your apartment says a lot of things. “minimalist” is not the first thing because it doesn’t look curated. It looks:
“broke”
”might have to disappear on a moment’s notice”
”my wife threw me out”
”my wife won’t let me have a dog”
“just got out of prison”



I LOLe so damn hard about this! My neighbors probably heard me!


Besides the bed,
“Decorating for company”:
do you buy fruit? Do you own a bowl? Put the fruit in the bowl on the table or on the kitchen counter and get the spices put away out of the light. Return the hangers. Straighten up your clothes. buy a blanket and turn the heat in your apartment down a couple of degrees - cheaper. Pull Harlan’s couch out from the wall, maybe at an angle. Put the lamp next to harlan’s couch as if someone might read there. Move the table out into the room a little and put the chairs around it.

You are hired as my interior decorator!

[Chicken lady]

Also, you and my Dd may need to get together and trade social tips. She is living in Columbus and would like to meet some non-religious non partying guys in their early to mid twenties. She went line dancing and apparently chose YOUR venue because “it was all middle-aged black women. They were nice to me, but not helping.” (Apparently nobody offered to introduce her to their son)

[Ultralight]

Also, you and my Dd may need to get together and trade social tips. She is living in Columbus and would like to meet some non-religious non partying guys in their early to mid twenties. She went line dancing and apparently chose YOUR venue because “it was all middle-aged black women. They were nice to me, but not helping.” (Apparently nobody offered to introduce her to their son)

I would suggest:

https://www.meetup.com/HumanistOhio/?_cookie-check=SxQgS48pK9K5eJxG

And...

https://www.meetup.com/Central-Ohio-United-Non-Theists-COUNT/

[iris lilies]

For decor, and this isnt your area of interest so you probably wont do it but I want to plant a seed in your head:
Think about fresh plant material, what you can get for free from around your neighborhood, and how you can use it in your space.

The great thing about fresh stuff is that you can compost it when its useful life is over.

My Christmas decor changes every year because I get bored doing the same thing year after year. Yesterday I set out to buy a small Christmas tree, but after going to three places and finding nothing. I came home, raided my basement, raided my neighborhood, and came up with this:



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Only the lights cost something years ago. That big wreath made of twigs cost someone something along time ago but it didn’t cost me a dime because DH pull that out of the dumpster for me. I have been storing it in the basement for a while but this year I want to use it. I think it will become a permanent item above my fireplace mantle with seasonal trims.

On the mantle piece are all kinds of greens I trimmed from our community garden yesterday: Bluespruce, Magnolia, lavender. The smell is heavenly.


I think Chicken Lady’s idea about fruit in a bowl is it is a good one. I completely understand if this crafting-with-plants has no Interest to you at all, but if you think of it as an artistic endeavor to develop, It might give you another hobby.


But I also understand that if you like the completely spare look of your space that is fine too.

[rosarugosa]

"If you are really good and play your cards right I will commit to you AND buy a real bed. So mind your Ps and Qs." hahaha

Wow, with lines like this I would expect you to have hordes of women lined up to move in with you! :laff:

[Ultralight]

Wow, with lines like this I would expect you to have hordes of women lined up to move in with you! :laff:

That was a joke! haha

I do tell women I sleep on a futon, but if I partnered up I would buy a big, real bed. I am forthright and honest in my dealings with women.

[ToomuchStuff]

If you had actually done your due diligence and read the entire thread you would know that I was joking when I said "Got it covered." I also said previously in this thread that if I got a life partner I would buy a big, real bed. I have even told women I have dated this. Like, "If you are really good and play your cards right I will commit to you AND buy a real bed. So mind your Ps and Qs." hahaha





I am straight edge and teetotal as they get. So no junkies allowed!


That was a joke! haha

I do tell women I sleep on a futon, but if I partnered up I would buy a big, real bed. I am forthright and honest in my dealings with women.


No way to tell your joking here. There are several valid points here, and viewpoints I would agree with (get the bed first, stop looking like your just to the left of homeless in the bedroom).
I read the thread, your as clear as mud and it comes across as better then tho attitude.

[catherine]

For decor, and this isnt your area of interest so you probably wont do it but I want to plant a seed in your head:
Think about fresh plant material, what you can get for free from around your neighborhood, and how you can use it in your space.

The great thing about fresh stuff is that you can compost it when its useful life is over.

My Christmas decor changes every year because I get bored doing the same thing year after year. Yesterday I set out to buy a small Christmas tree, but after going to three places and finding nothing. I came home, raided my basement, raided my neighborhood, and came up with this:



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Only the lights cost something years ago. That big wreath made of twigs cost someone something along time ago but it didn’t cost me a dime because DH pull that out of the dumpster for me. I have been storing it in the basement for a while but this year I want to use it. I think it will become a permanent item above my fireplace mantle with seasonal trims.

On the mantle piece are all kinds of greens I trimmed from our community garden yesterday: Bluespruce, Magnolia, lavender. The smell is heavenly.


I think Chicken Lady’s idea about fruit in a bowl is it is a good one. I completely understand if this crafting-with-plants has no Interest to you at all, but if you think of it as an artistic endeavor to develop, It might give you another hobby.


But I also understand that if you like the completely spare look of your space that is fine too.

Beautiful, IL!! Off topic, but I love that color green on the walls--do you remember what it is?

I personally don't see UL decorating with greenery, although I think it's a great idea. There's no function for it other than aesthetics, which doesn't seem to be a need in this case. Also, if it's a live, potted plant, you have to care for it.

[iris lilies]

Beautiful, IL!! Off topic, but I love that color green on the walls--do you remember what it is?

I personally don't see UL decorating with greenery, although I think it's a great idea. There's no function for it other than aesthetics, which doesn't seem to be a need in this case. Also, if it's a live, potted plant, you have to care for it.

sorry, I dont know the name if this paint color.

agreed that UL wouldnt become Martha Stewepart, it was pretty sill py on my part to suggest this.It is just so foreign to me to live without plant materials all around, and believe me, I dont do houseplants! dH has all of our indoor plants as his responsibility.

[Ultralight]

sorry, I dont know the name if this paint color.

agreed that UL wouldnt become Martha Stewepart, it was pretty sill py on my part to suggest this.It is just so foreign to me to live without plant materials all around, and believe me, I dont do houseplants! dH has all of our indoor plants as his responsibility.

There are lots of plants outside. I just go outside to enjoy the greenery. Though this time of year it is all grey, black, and brown.

[Miss Cellaneous]

Your dog is cute.

Your apartment says "keep away."

There is no place for a visitor, apparently, except a hard dining chair, if the couch can't be sat on by the humans. And I agree, your bed does not say, "I want company in this bed,' but rather, "I prefer to sleep alone."

Just looking at the pictures, the place looks all hard edges, somber and bleak. That may or may not be a reflection of your personality, but that's the signal it is sending out.

Okay, so I was in a long-term relationship with a guy who was very minimalist. He had an airy studio apartment which had been the living room of an old Boston townhouse. So there were some huge floor to ceiling windows, with curtains, that let in lots of light. There was a fireplace and crown molding, which gave the place some character. He slept on a futon on the floor, which he folded up to make a sitting area during the day. He had a table and two chairs that his mother gave him, because she was worried about him. He used the empty floor space for his daily workouts.

But there was a row of books on the mantle of the fireplace. A few plants which he carefully tended, some cascading over the windows. The curtains were colorful. He was a writer as a side job, so he had copies of things he'd written that he loved to show off. There were family photos on one wall. Some sports equipment neatly stacked in one out of the way corner. A special bowl for his daily ice cream that his niece had made him. He might have had less stuff that you do--his kitchen was a quarter the size of yours--but his home was warm and welcoming.

When you entered his apartment, you got a sense of his personality, who he was, what was important to him. The only thing I get from looking at your pictures is that you care for your dog, and your kitchen counters are really full of stuff, so maybe you like to cook. That's it.

That may be what you want. But is it getting you the other things in life that you want?

[Ultralight]

Your dog is cute.

Thanks! :cool:


Your apartment says "keep away."

Why? I don't feel that way.


There is no place for a visitor, apparently, except a hard dining chair, if the couch can't be sat on by the humans. And I agree, your bed does not say, "I want company in this bed,' but rather, "I prefer to sleep alone."

There is not much of a place for a visitor. I don't really like house guests, to be honest.


Just looking at the pictures, the place looks all hard edges, somber and bleak. That may or may not be a reflection of your personality, but that's the signal it is sending out.

Bleak! Wow! lol


Okay, so I was in a long-term relationship with a guy who was very minimalist. He had an airy studio apartment which had been the living room of an old Boston townhouse. So there were some huge floor to ceiling windows, with curtains, that let in lots of light. There was a fireplace and crown molding, which gave the place some character. He slept on a futon on the floor, which he folded up to make a sitting area during the day. He had a table and two chairs that his mother gave him, because she was worried about him. He used the empty floor space for his daily workouts.

Sounds like a cool dude!


But there was a row of books on the mantle of the fireplace. A few plants which he carefully tended, some cascading over the windows. The curtains were colorful. He was a writer as a side job, so he had copies of things he'd written that he loved to show off. There were family photos on one wall. Some sports equipment neatly stacked in one out of the way corner. A special bowl for his daily ice cream that his niece had made him. He might have had less stuff that you do--his kitchen was a quarter the size of yours--but his home was warm and welcoming.

Yeah, I do need to clean up this kitchen!


When you entered his apartment, you got a sense of his personality, who he was, what was important to him. The only thing I get from looking at your pictures is that you care for your dog, and your kitchen counters are really full of stuff, so maybe you like to cook. That's it.

Perhaps if someone came into my apartment they might think: "Nothing is important to him except his dog."


That may be what you want. But is it getting you the other things in life that you want?

Who knows... who knows...

[bae]

But there was a row of books on the mantle of the fireplace.

I have noticed that visitors I have invited over of recent have taken some care to examine the titles of books in various rooms.

That may be because I've only had folks over who are into reading, among other things.

Several have recommended to me other authors, and in some cases made a point to meet me to loan me a book, and then to discuss it later, which has been great.

This has however forced me to think about reorganizing the books a bit....

[Miss Cellaneous]

There is not much of a place for a visitor. I don't really like house guests, to be honest.


There is also not much space for a girlfriend. You have written often here about your search for a girlfriend.

Your living space says there is no room for one. Where would she put her belongings? She might have a favorite chair, a desk, a nightstand, that she would want to continue to use. She might have clothing that would not fit in the same closet with yours.

Your living space signals that anyone living with you would have to meet *your* standards of minimalism. I think there are many minimalist women out there, but not a whole lot who would be willing to let someone else determine what they can or can't own.

You say you want a girlfriend. But your apartment sends a different message. Your very bed sends a different message. Your unwillingness to bend the slightest bit from your list of "must haves" in a potential partner sends a different message. You have, consciously or not, created many barriers to getting what you claim to want.

[Teacher Terry]

MC, I totally agree with you.

[Ultralight]

There is also not much space for a girlfriend. You have written often here about your search for a girlfriend.

Your living space says there is no room for one. Where would she put her belongings? She might have a favorite chair, a desk, a nightstand, that she would want to continue to use. She might have clothing that would not fit in the same closet with yours.

Your living space signals that anyone living with you would have to meet *your* standards of minimalism. I think there are many minimalist women out there, but not a whole lot who would be willing to let someone else determine what they can or can't own.

You say you want a girlfriend. But your apartment sends a different message. Your very bed sends a different message. Your unwillingness to bend the slightest bit from your list of "must haves" in a potential partner sends a different message. You have, consciously or not, created many barriers to getting what you claim to want.

What are your ideas for a solution? I am listening.

[Teacher Terry]

Furniture, artwork and curtains for a start.

[Ultralight]

Furniture, artwork and curtains for a start.

How about two wooden rocking chairs?

Could I use my own artwork?

I don't really know how to put curtains up.

[Teacher Terry]

Your own artwork would be great. If your sister has any decorating experience maybe ask her for help. Hanging curtains is easy. I have done it many times. Your apartment doesn’t feel homey. It should feel inviting and comfortable. The 2 rocking chairs could work. You want to create a conversation area.

[Ultralight]

You say you want a girlfriend.

I want a gal like her:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flm61-wHIMc

[Ultralight]

Or like this gal!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RVgLlrI4U4

[catherine]

I want a gal like her:

If you wind up with two, could you send one to my son? I think he's in the same market.

[Ultralight]

If you wind up with two, could you send one to my son? I think he's in the same market.

He must be a cool dude! :cool:

[Chicken lady]

I don’t have curtains.

or floors in some areas.

One armchair to go with the couch beats two rockers.
maybe Harlan could get a throw rug.

[Ultralight]

I don’t have curtains.

or floors in some areas.

One armchair to go with the couch beats two rockers.
maybe Harlan could get a throw rug.

I like rocking chairs though.

Harlan has his own couch, a blanket, and a tent. He is doing fine!

[Chicken lady]

I was kidding about the throw rug.

rocking chairs would be nice. You could even drop down to two straight backed chairs for the little table if it makes you feel better.

i also still think you should get your own blanket. One with some color.

[Tammy]

Van life sounds good - except i’d Want my own bathroom. So tiny RV would be best.

[Teacher Terry]

Tiny RV sucks after a month. Tiny bathroom really sucks.

[Ultralight]

Tiny RV sucks after a month. Tiny bathroom really sucks.

I think a tiny bathroom works fine for tiny people. I would prefer a medium-sized bathroom.

But I think I could be okay with a tiny one for a fairly long time.

[Ultralight]

These two are pretty amazing! And I really like their set-up.
Of course, the woman is totally great! And totally out of my league. haha


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOMvjxuIzgQ

[Miss Cellaneous]

What are your ideas for a solution? I am listening.


Okay. Would you be willing to add 10 things to the apartment?

In the bedroom:

A real bed. Something queen sized and comfortable. I'm cheating a little, because I'm counting the mattress, box spring and bed frame as one thing, because that is how it will read in the room. You could eliminate one piece by getting a platform bed and not getting a box spring.

New bedding. Two pillows, new sheets and comforter to fit the new bed. Two pillows--there's a bit of feng shui that says if you want to attract a partner, have pairs of things in your house. Also, would give someone who spends the night a place to rest her head. Again, a bit of a cheat because I'm counting all the new bedding as one thing. Get sheets and a comforter that coordinate--light gray sheets, dark gray comforter--that sort of thing. If Harlan gets on the bed, maybe a print comforter to hide some of the dog fur.

Two nightstands and a bedside lamp. Gives you a place for the lamp, a glass of water, alarm clock, a book you're reading, etc. And it's another pair--feng shui!

That's five things in the bedroom.

In the rest of the apartment:

One comfortable chair.

One attractive container--bowl, basket, old wooden crate with advertising on it, whatever. Then put something in it. In the kitchen, use for fresh produce. On the coffee table, use for the dog's toys, or a collection of fishing lures, or fruit. It can be both useful and pleasing to look at.

One thing on the walls. Art, if you like. Or a simple corkboard that displays some of your fishing lures, or cute pictures of the dog, or funny sayings you print out from the interwebs. Or fabric art. Even a bike on a wall-mounted bike rack can work as decoration if done right. Just no Indian bedspreads--reads too undergraduate.

Curtains or a rug. Curtains will help with privacy and light and sound control. A rug will help with noise levels and maybe provide better traction for the dog. Don't go too small on the rug. Ideally all furniture would fit completely on the rug, but if that's a problem then the front feet of all chairs/sofas should be on the rug and all 4 feet of the coffee table.

A wild card. Possibly another lamp. Again, think pairs of things. Put a floor lamp at either end of the couch. Now if you want to read there, you have enough light. Or a large plant, something that will add color to the room and a sense of living things. Or a throw on the couch or the new comfortable chair.

That's 10 things, but they would change the appearance of your place completely.

One thing about minimalism is that it allows you to chose the best of everything. If you have one chair, it should be the best chair you can find and afford--comfortable to sit in, a pleasing color/pattern in the fabric, a fabric that is nice to touch. A rocking chair should be well-balanced and easy to rock, comfortable to sit on and pleasing to look at. It takes time and a bit of money to achieve this sort of thing. You might want to thrift some of the furniture, or make it yourself, or find someone to make it for you, to get exactly what you want.

So when you go looking for new sheets, for example, find sheets that not only look good, but feel good. For me, good sheets are made of pima cotton, which is very soft, a thread count between 400 and 600, and a solid color or striped. (Or a solid color with woven in tone on tone stripes--stripes help you get the sheets going the right way on the mattress.) I find these are comfortable and breathable to sleep on, easy to take care of and last a long time. These are not what are considered the "best" sheets out there--those would be 100% Egyptian cotton with a thread count around 1000--but those are wicked expensive and the really high thread count sheets rip very easily because the threads have to be so thin.

It's not about adding useless things to your apartment, really. It's about evaluating the things you have and making sure they work for you, are pleasing to the eye, and add comfort, utility or convenience to your life.

Look at the interior of the vans in the videos you posted. There are colorful prayer flags, colorful bedding and cushions, a colorful rug. None of that is necessary, but they all add life to the spaces they are in.

William Morris, an artist associated with the English Arts & Crafts movement, once said: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.

[iris lilies]

No to the rug idea. How will he clean it? He has a dog. Dog hair comes with that. I assume he has a broom and dust pan for those hard surface floors. A rug means some sort of carpet sweeping device.

I know because I am thrilled that my Hermann house has all hard surface floors and no vacuum sweeper is needed.

Curtains—similar concerns. I do not have conventional curtains in this house, too many pet hairs. In recent years
I added silk saris draped over rods, but that fabric does not attract pet hairs, and besides,they are super easy to wash if I decide to do that. Their ironing is another matter, that would be a half day’s work.

[Teacher Terry]

We have no rugs because of the dogs. However, I only wash our curtains once a year and they never have dog hair on them even though Noki is a shedding machine.

[iris lilies]

We have no rugs because of the dogs. However, I only wash our curtains once a year and they never have dog hair on them even though Noki is a shedding machine. some fabrics attract hair more than others, thats for sure.

[catherine]

Great advice, Miss C.... and I've always loved that William Morris quote.

I do agree that the rug adds a level of complexity to a minimalist lifestyle. If UL weren't in an apartment it might be different. I have a few area rugs in Grand Isle, but I simply shake them out on the porch.

[rosarugosa]

I agree - excellent and well-considered advice, Miss C. I'm also not a fan of rugs, especially with pets. We only have a small rug/mat at the front and back doors for function rather than aesthetics.

[Ultralight]

No to the rug idea. How will he clean it? He has a dog. Dog hair comes with that. I assume he has a broom and dust pan for those hard surface floors. A rug means some sort of carpet sweeping device.

I know because I am thrilled that my Hermann house has all hard surface floors and no vacuum sweeper is needed.

Curtains—similar concerns. I do not have conventional curtains in this house, too many pet hairs. In recent years
I added silk saris draped over rods, but that fabric does not attract pet hairs, and besides,they are super easy to wash if I decide to do that. Their ironing is another matter, that would be a half day’s work.

I have an Oreck vacuum. I use it to deal with Harlan's insane levels of shedding.

[iris lilies]

I have an Oreck vacuum. I use it to deal with Harlan's insane levels of shedding.
Ok, then, if you already vacuum, then you have my permission to get a rug. Haha. I see that you have carpet in your bedroom, anyway.

I am vacuum free so far in Hermann, although we do have a shop vac in the basement of sucrion is needed.

[Ultralight]

Okay. Would you be willing to add 10 things to the apartment?

I am not opposed to ten things. I can also toss a few things from somewhere else, perhaps.



A real bed.

I have one on the way.


New bedding. Two pillows, new sheets and comforter to fit the new bed.

I am going to get these for the new bed.


Two nightstands and a bedside lamp.

I have a bedside lamp. I use it when I am reading or sketching. As for the nightstands... That is a lot of stuff. Maybe...




One comfortable chair.

I would really prefer two rocking chairs. I like rocking chairs. So I would probably use them. I could get them with a padded seat. Thoughts?


One attractive container--bowl, basket, old wooden crate with advertising on it, whatever. Then put something in it. In the kitchen, use for fresh produce.

So a frickin' fruit bowl? I mean, I can do that, I think.


One thing on the walls. Art, if you like.
Movie or band posters are off limits? haha



Curtains or a rug.

What about a welcome mat outside my door?


Or a large plant...

Aloe plants? What are those?




Look at the interior of the vans in the videos you posted. There are colorful prayer flags, colorful bedding and cushions, a colorful rug. None of that is necessary, but they all add life to the spaces they are in.

I noticed this too. I had not noticed this before this thread though. Interesting...


William Morris, an artist associated with the English Arts & Crafts movement, once said: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.

This is something to consider...

[Teacher Terry]

Send pictures UL once you get your new things.

[Chicken lady]

I am far too excited that ultralight is getting a big boy bed.

i think padded rockers would be nice. But no posters.

also, yes, a fruit bowl. Practical and attractive. If you don’t have a nice bowl, find a real potter and buy one - get rid of some other bowl.

is your bedside lamp tall enough for your real bed without a nightstand? You don’t have to have a night stand, but here is the question: imagine that you have a wonderful new lady friend and she is staying over. She wears very strong glasses. When the two of you turn in for the night, where is she going to put her glasses? Because the answer is not the bed or the floor, and she can’t walk around without them. Doesn’t have to be a nightstand, but you need a raised surface within arms reach of the bed.

also, please buy a pretty rug or blanket to put inside your home. Or curtains if you want curtains. Fabric. With color. You need some soft and bright (the rocking chairs might do that too)

i kill all house plants.

[Teacher Terry]

I second the curtains, blanket and fruit bowl. Yes a woman needs a nightstand or end table they can reach from bed. Your apartment is going to feel a thousand times better.

[herbgeek]

A shelf mounted on the wall can serve the same function, just need a place for eye glasses, tissues and a glass of water.

[Ultralight]

A shelf mounted on the wall can serve the same function, just need a place for eye glasses, tissues and a glass of water.
I don't think I can mount stuff on the wall in my apartment.

[Ultralight]

Send pictures UL once you get your new things.

Well, it is going to be a while. I am first going to downsize things to make room. Then I will buy things as my finances allow.

[Chicken lady]

A thought on the “nightstand”

google “bamboo folding stool”. something like that would be ok. It is small, reasonably attractive, easily moveable, and could add an extra seat at your table, serve as a nightstand, give you another work surface, or be put away in a closet depending on your needs. Do not get a plastic or metal tube legged one.

and a stool, with a solid top. Do not put a folding chair (with a back) next to your bed.

[catherine]

A thought on the “nightstand”

google “bamboo folding stool”. something like that would be ok. It is small, reasonably attractive, easily moveable, and could add an extra seat at your table, serve as a nightstand, give you another work surface, or be put away in a closet depending on your needs. Do not get a plastic or metal tube legged one.

and a stool, with a solid top. Do not put a folding chair (with a back) next to your bed.

Yes, I think that's a great idea. I would think that a key principle of minimalist decor is multi-functional furniture. I actually used this technique in the summer this year: we bought 4 stools for our butcher block table, but only two are needed 80% of the time. So one goes in DH's workshop and one went next to DH's side of the bed to hold his cpap.

[herbgeek]

I don't think I can mount stuff on the wall in my apartment.

https://www.command.com/3M/en_US/command/projects/all-projects/bedside-table-hack/