Living with less creates more space, freedom and peace of mind.
With our move to Austin, we wanted to create a new lifestyle and decided to outfit our apartment in Japanese Minimalist style. We sit on the floor, eat meals from a low table, and sleep on a futon. It took some getting used to, but I’ve really started to embrace this new way of living “low to the ground.”
I was a bit skeptical at first, but after a few months without a traditional sofa, bed or dining set, I am living more easily and comfortably than I ever have. We own 4 major pieces of furniture: our bed, a floor lounger, this console desk, and a low dining table we built with prefab pieces from Lowe’s. Add in a few floor pillows and our trusty exercise ball and we have everything we need.
Here are some perks of floor living:
* Without heavy furniture, it’s a breeze to clean. All our pieces are light and portable, making them easy for one person to lift and vacuum.
* Everything is mobile. We can sit by the fireplace or lounge by the record player. We just pick up the pieces and put them where we want.
* More breathing room. I can do yoga in the center of our living room. My boyfriend can do his fancy yo-yo-tricks without breaking anything. We even have space for impromptu dance parties.
* Health benefits. Sitting on the floor is great for the body. Muscles are engaged; hips and legs get a nice stretch; not to mention the constant workout of getting up and down. No wonder the Japanese are in such great shape!
* More money in my pocket. Whole paychecks that might have gone to dining chairs and a bed frame, can now happily be spent on lemon drop martinis and a new hybrid bike.
The greatest benefit of this minimalist approach is the peace of mind that comes with it. I no longer feel overwhelmed by my things and finally feel like I have room to breathe.
How do you create space in your home?
The Well 