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Minimalism isn’t just about clean surfaces and empty rooms. It’s about finding balance between what we need for life and what brings us joy and expresses our personality. How can you create a home where energy flows freely and that recharges you every day?
When we let go of unnecessary things, organize our space well, and allow more clean surfaces to appear, healthy energy begins to flow much better throughout the home. We recognize it by how we feel at home. It’s an art to make your home truly reflect who you are – not only visually and stylistically, but also in the number of items you keep and the degree to which energy flows through your space. And that is highly individual.
Even though the minimalist style is currently very popular – simple lines, light colors, few items in the space, and clean surfaces – it doesn’t suit everyone. It depends on a person’s needs and the life phase they’re currently in. Some people need to feel grounded through their space, while others need more openness and lightness.
When “less” becomes too little
I personally need a more grounded space to feel good – one with accessories and warm elements. In our home, that feeling comes from all the wood we’re surrounded by. We even have wooden beams on the ceiling. I believe humans are archetypically wired for much more “earthy,” natural materials than what is considered modern today. In times before electricity existed, homes had much less light and far more natural materials. Fire burned in the stove, and the overall feeling of the home was protective and warm. It invited us to retreat inside, regenerate, and prepare for another day spent mostly outdoors.
The feeling of groundedness comes to me through our wooden log home. I admit I didn’t expect how important living near the forest in such a home would be for my life! (I used to prefer homes with a more Scandinavian aesthetic.) You can create a sense of groundedness by choosing natural materials and colors. Avoid overly sterile and artificial elements. You can also add houseplants and warm touches – pillows, blankets, and meaningful decorations.
You can also support better flow and activate life‑giving energy in your home through the harmony of the four elements, which symbolize all phases of Healing Clean‑Up (see the diagram from my book). First, we energetically cleanse the home, let go of unnecessary things, and organize simply and functionally. This activates the home, and caring for it stops feeling so draining. In the final phase, we harmonize the space so it aligns with us.
Minimalism at the edge of an extreme
Clean surfaces and healthy energy flow in the home are closely connected. I want to share a period of my life when practicing minimalism consumed me so much that I became too strict. Clean surfaces dominated our home uncompromisingly – almost to an extreme. Yes, such a space is easier to maintain, but it’s also somewhat cold. It’s not for everyone. And I gradually realized it wasn’t for our family either. My love for minimalist colors and lines remains, but it doesn’t have to be an aesthetic bordering on asceticism, where you feel like no one actually lives in the home… In a home with small children, it also requires constant cleaning and maintenance, which stressed me out.
Finding personal harmony
I learned from that experience and gradually found that a certain compromise suits me best. Not completely empty surfaces, but surfaces with fewer items. At home, we display only things that bring us joy and have personal meaning. Our log home came alive again. We love our statues, paintings, and crystals. In terms of the total number of items and storage, the house is truly minimalist – but stylistically, not entirely.
And that’s the magic of minimalism as a lifestyle. It’s primarily about your values, so it doesn’t have a fixed aesthetic – even if it may seem that way at first glance.
And I’m very glad for that. Our home is our home. It expresses us and our lifestyle. The spirit of our home is content, and so are we.
Your home, your rules
Minimalism is primarily about what makes sense for you. It’s not about making your home look like a catalog, but about aligning it with who you are and what you need. Some people need clean lines and a space with very few items, while others need more warm elements that give them a sense of comfort and safety. It’s important to let your home express who you are. In such a home, life flows naturally, energy moves in a way that feels good to you, and you’ll feel at ease there.
My recommendation: even if you aspire to a very minimalist home aesthetically, always ask yourself: How do I feel in this space? Letting go of unnecessary things is always beneficial, but the degree of empty surfaces and displayed items is entirely individual. For many people, highly minimalist aesthetics feel simply too cold.
Summary of the main points:
- Choose natural materials – Wood, stone, and other natural materials bring groundedness and warmth. Avoid overly sterile and artificial elements.
- Harmonize using the four elements – Energetically cleanse your space, activate harmony through decluttering and organization, and support better energy flow.
- Listen to your feelings – Ask yourself how you feel in the space. Make sure your home reflects your needs, whether you prefer clean lines or warmer elements.
- Avoid extreme minimalism – Minimalism can feel cold. Find balance between clean space and meaningful items that bring comfort.
How do you feel about it? Do you prefer very open surfaces with few items, or do you need more coziness?
Are you interested in creating a cozy home where order prevails without force and where everyday comfort thrives? You’ll find all the tips in the Healing Clean‑Up book.
