2019 is our year of less.

Less stuff.
More use, repair or repurposing what we have. 

Less space.
More optimising.

Less commitment.
More saying ‘no’ to leave room for ourselves and the things we hold dear.

Why not have it all? Mnmlist puts it well, ‘our lives are filled with things we need to do. Until we look a little more closely at those needs.’

Whether the perceived need is large or small - a new pair of shoes, checking emails incessantly or undertaking a renovation – each need is a product of societal pressures or is self-induced to meet personal constructs of what we should be doing... and it all accumulates. 

Again, from Mnmlist, ‘we want to create a list of goals in life or for the year and achieve every one of them, even if nothing bad will happen if we don’t achieve most of them.’ 

Ask yourself, are these needs really necessary? Will we be satisfied (or even better off) without them? Can we eliminate unnecessary needs need and live with less after all?

Imagine all of that additional headspace we could have if Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays weren’t burdened with cleaning, work overflow, weekend sports, a trip to Bunnings, doing the gardening, coffee with A, lunch with B and dinner with C. 

Yes, some of these things may be the highlight of the week but they often become burdensome when they’re just one in a long list of things to do.

This year, we’re living with less to make room for the things we love.

Our first port of call – the home. 

Living with Less as inspired by Micro Architecture and Cabin Design.

+ Modern Bedroom Storage and Minimalist Furniture to simplify your everyday.

We share some of our favourite micro homes and small-spaces that have inspired us to live with less and our picks of modern minimalist furniture and modern storage pieces to help you simplify your everyday – leaving space for the important things.

Slate Cabin by TRIAS

Slate Cabin by TRIAS is a micro writer’s retreat amidst a lush valley and grazing pastures in Mid Wales. An exercise in simplicity and reductionism, the off-grid space comprises of a single room in which all activity takes place.

According to TRIAS ‘Every millimetre of the cabin is meticulously designed and put to use. Stairs to the bed platform become a space to store books and shoes, while a shelf above the bathroom acts as a slot for stashing hiking packs. The space is a continuous balance of efficiency and comfort….

The main room is designed as a crafted piece of joinery. Subtle shifts and steps are used to differentiate between functions, creating rooms within a larger volume.’ 

Just as cabinetry and storage is employed in Slate Cabin to distinguish functions and rooms within the space, the Shibui collection – an exemplar of minimalist furniture design – can be used to partition a small space whilst offering storage to organise your belongings.

Photography by TRIAS via Deezen.

Mews House in London by Russell Jones 

At 68sqm, this compact 2-bedroom house is intentionally simple in palette and design, evoking a sense of calm and spaciousness despite its small footprint. Storage is critical in this build, with custom cabinetry and built in storage evident in the bedroom, kitchen and living spaces. Ample storage allows for the organisation and concealment of belongings. In effect storage should encourage you to prioritise and live with less, whilst also concealing unavoidable clutter.

This is especially important in the bedroom where a sense of peace is essential for moments of rest and good night’s sleep.

Some of our favourite pieces of modern bedroom furniture include the Cabine Storage Cabinet, Bellantonio Rotating Drawers, Oh Side Table and Hang On Piccolo Coat Rack.

Photography by Rory Gardiner via Yellow Trace.

Small Apartment in Buenos Aires by IR arquitectura

At 18sqm, Small Apartment in Buenos Aires is as tiny as the come and a great illustration of living with less. When working with small spaces or maximising your existing space storage and multi-functionality are critical. Every piece of our minimalist furniture is designed for practicality and versatility – either allowing for multiple uses or application in any room of the house.

According to Yellow Trace, ‘Storage is king in small apartments, and this one doesn’t let down. Every square inch of space is accounted for, from overhead cupboards to false ceilings converting coveted overhead areas into storage.’

Whether it’s a modern bed with storage, a seat with hidden storage or movable planter which doubles as a laundry basket each piece of minimalist furniture and modern bedroom storage is designed with a small space in mind - allowing you to live with less.

Photography by Fernando Schapochnik via YellowTrace.