Unpacking minimalist aesthetic sense: The ‘less is more’ lifestyle.
By Slavica Zlatar-Banika
Table of contents
Unpacking minimalist ‘aesthetic sense’:
The ‘less is more’ lifestyle.
→ Introduction
→ What is a ‘minimalist lifestyle’?
→ The benefits of a minimalist lifestyle.
→ A day in the life of a minimalist.
→ Simple tools to help you get there.
→ Action items.
→ Conclusion
Introduction
Whoever told you that you ‘have time’ was wrong.
Ask anyone above 40, and they will tell you that 20 years go by in the blink of an eye.
So we don’t have time to mess around.
And too many details can distract you from the big picture.
This can cause you to take actions that do not align with your life goals. That takes you off course.
Not good.
That’s where a minimalist lifestyle and aesthetic sense can help.
Now, let’s get to it!
What is a ‘minimalist lifestyle’?
Here are the top 5 things that define a minimalist lifestyle.
1. Simplicity.
This means keeping things simple — from possessions to routines.
2. Less clutter. Less stuff.
Decluttering both physical and mental spaces.
3. Experiences. Moments.
Finding fulfillment in life’s ‘moments’ — valuing experiences over material possessions.
4. Quality over quantity.
Investing in quality items, experiences, and relationships.
5. Focus.
Striving for balance and mindfulness.
The benefits of a minimalist lifestyle.
Less noise! You’ll have more time for your thoughts and to design your life.
You’ll have clarity — more energy, more time + money, more space, and fewer distractions.
You’ll spend strategically — leading to a better quality of life with less stress and confusion. You’ll enjoy life’s moments.
So, what might a day in the life of a minimalist look like?
A day in the life of a minimalist.
Of course, there are so many variations you can try here.
The point is to focus on the big picture. It is how all good design starts.
What are your goals for the year?
Reverse engineer the top goals to month, week, and day.
What needs to get done? Make time for work + play.
Envision the big, broad ‘brushstrokes’ of your ideal day.
Then, map it out — preferably the day before.
As a thought-starter, I’ll share a day in the life of a blossoming minimalist I know (me) :
6:00 am
Wake up early to start the day with intention. Because, like a good minimalist, you went to bed early and planned your day the previous evening.
No devices. No noise.
Pray. It’s time to bring this back. Believing in a God — a higher power — empowers you.
And it helps you get over yourself.
Quiet your mind and get ready for the day. Focus.
Skip breakfast. Have an espresso. Black. No sugar.
7:30 am
Morning time is golden. Your mind is at its best after the restart. So, focus on the most meaningful work or projects you have.
Work in blocks or chunks of time. Avoid distractions.
Your workspace should be clean and clutter-free — with only the essentials.
Beautiful, fresh flowers or art is encouraged — they qualify as essential :)
Your best work should be done by noon. Plus, this will keep you motivated for round two.
11:30 am
Take a break. Get out in the sun. Walk for at least an hour. Nature is a great — a design masterpiece — and it’s free.
Stay hydrated with water — preferably sparkling.
Lunch
Consider an intermittent fast and skip lunch. You’ll stay more focused and productive. Sip bone broth instead.
But, if you insist, go for a simple recipe like chicken thighs sautéd with butter, organic mushrooms, sea salt and any herbs you have on hand.
Pair with a fresh kale salad, garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and slivers of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Savour your meal.
Afternoon
Proceed with round two of your day.
Complete all the tasks you planned. Don’t procrastinate.
Better to do it today than tomorrow.
Evening
Wind down with another walk or a calming evening routine, such as reading or journaling.
Prepare for the next day by setting intentions and tidying up your space.
Limit screen time and scrolling — choose real-life interactions. Don’t let tech take you off track. Spend time with people you care about and have fun with.
Enjoy dinner or a live show with family and friends.
Reflect on the day with gratitude.
Next, slip into those quality silk pyjamas and have an amazing sleep.
Simple tools to help you get there.
1. A journal. One with helpful prompts and a calendar — with monthly views. Some prefer digital versions, but I love the tactility of paper — it makes it more real. I see each year as a chapter of life.
2. Quality pen. Why keep purchasing bad pens when you can invest in a good one that works?
3. iPhone. Nothing says minimalism like it. Though tech has its dark side, the beauty of having one item that can do so many things is amazing. Nikola Tesla, the great Serbian inventor, envisioned such a device way ahead of his time. Leverage it.
4. White paint. Paint your space white — with pops of colourful, oversized art. This sets the mood and reminds you daily of your minimalist mission. Looks good, too.
5. Less, not more, storage. Storing things you don’t use — or love — is a bit counter-productive to the minimalist lifestyle. And being a hoarder isn’t attractive. Homes built in the 50s had small closets. How did people live with so much less stuff?
6. Less packaged — anything. Especially food. Salad in acetate plastic, really? Good food already comes in its own perfect enviro package.
7. Small handbags. If you have a bigger bag, you’ll haul around more stuff. Small space encourages you to pack and think efficiently. The same goes for luggage. Packing smart is the way to go.
Action items.
1. Have a belief system.
Why? Because a belief system fulfills you. You won’t have a need to fill that ‘void’ with more stuff. Believing in God helps give your life structure, purpose, and acceptance. And strength when you need it.
You’ll realize life can be simple. Unimportant details won’t take you away from the big picture — or life’s precious moments.
2. Edit your space. Keep it clean. Give items away.
Remove clutter from your life. Keep only the things that serve a purpose or bring you joy. You’ll create space this way for new things and experiences.
3. Simplify your wardrobe.
Create a capsule wardrobe with high-quality pieces that you can mix and match.
Go for neutrals — you’ll look more put-together.
4. Reduce digital clutter.
Organize and streamline your digital life. Organize your files and create a system. Curate social media.
5. Stay fit. Limit and curate what you take in.
Don’t consume junk. Be mindful of what you bring into your life.
Before buying anything, consider if it aligns with your overarching goals.
6. Focus on experiences and the beautiful.
Invest in experiences that enrich your life rather than accumulating material possessions.
Quality experiences don’t always have to cost money, either.
7. Choose quality over quantity.
Buy the best quality you can afford. Choose quality items built to last rather than buying cheap, disposable products.
8. Simplify your schedule.
Pare down your commitments and activities to focus on what matters to you.
9. Embrace minimalist design.
Seek out design with modern, clean lines — in a unified colour palette. This will reinforce the lifestyle.
10. Splurge.
Being a minimalist doesn’t mean depriving yourself of things you love – just do it with intention and discipline.
Conclusion.
Of all the lifestyle design personas you can embrace — it is ‘the minimalist’ that can put you on the fast track to reach your goals.
With its laser-like focus on eliminating noise and the unnecessary, it can’t help but enhance the big picture for you.
It is also a base on which to add other lifestyles. You can mix in entrepreneurial, nomadic, traditional, creative and other styles — for a customized blend — true to the brand of you.