Ok, Dani

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Cozy Minimalist – Minimalism Redefined

July 28, 2016 by Dani 70 Comments

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Hi Pinterest Friends! Thanks for coming to learn about being a Cozy Minimalist. Here are some other posts in the minimalist series:

  1. Epic Guide to Being Minimalist with Children
  2. How to: Fitness Minimalism 
  3. I Threw Away (almost) All My Kids’ Toys
  4. Best Gifts for Kids of Minimalist Parents
  5. The NO LAUNDRY Experiment!

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I have said before here on the blog that I don’t want to be a minimalist.

Then I go and throw away all my children’s toys.

And give away a whole mess of my clothes.

And refuse to furnish an entire room.

So clearly….something is there.

Here’s the problem I have

Actually… 3 problems:




One… I just don’t like the label of it. I’m not the most “joiner” personality. I may fall in to many categories, but I don’t identify strongly with them. I feel like if I say “I’m a hippie” or “I’m a minimalist” that it’s just too limiting to who I really am.

I-am-A-Unicorn

Two… Minimalism feels good to me in theory and then when I see blogs, or pinterest images of what minimalism is and “supposed to” look like… it’s horrible. It looks like… poverty and missing out and lack and bare bones and sad boredom. I saw a child’s room that looked like one of those places the bad guy on law n order SVU stashes the little girl he kidnapped to sell on the black market.

Three… The attitude around minimalism always seemed to rub me the wrong way. It was kind of… holier than thou. As if anyone who doesn’t want to live with just a capsule wardrobe, a cot and a single spoon in their barren home is a mindless sheep who’s fucking up the environment and getting played by “the man.” Umm…Dude… you can’t shame me for liking what I like and wanting to have what I have.

So yeah, I don’t like that kind of minimalism. It just doesn’t feel good. And that’s the whole point of all of this, right? Feeling good.

This struck me:

living space not storage space

To me, minimalism is about feeling free, light, uncluttered. And also feeling comfortable and safe. Having everything I need and want and love and use often. It’s not about getting rid of the ninja blender because I also have a nutribullet. (I use both regularly) But more about keeping the things we love and use daily, weekly, monthly (travel gear), annually (xmas decorations) and not feeling overwhelmed by “stuff.”

stack of brochures, files and documents, on mess desktop, monitor of pc in background

In searching for yoga for kids the other day I somehow fell down the google search rabbit hole and discovered the term “cozy minimalism.” I think I’ve found something more my speed! Cozy minimalism isn’t about having only 4 shirts and 2 pants, counting your belongings or having your worth determined by how little you own. It’s more about having a home (and wardrobe) that feels perfectly right for you while using the fewest pieces necessary.

are you a cozy minimalist

So for now I’m going to embrace the term “cozy minimalist.” You can too! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stuff, in need of paring down, but not interested in being a minimalist… try this:

Step 1: Take a honest look at your life, schedules and how you use your home

Step 2: Plan out how you desire your home to look, feel and serve you and your family

Step 3: Clear out what doesn’t fit the vision in step 2

Step 4: Decorate and Replenish items where appropriate (and necessary)




For me this looks like:

Realizing (and accepting) that we are 1000% homebodies. Our home is mostly used by the kids and I, is a huge play space for them, not feeling as “us” as we want it to, and is much more “fixer upper” than we expected.

We want our home to feel peaceful for us and serve the kids in a smart way while keeping the grown-up balance. I want our bedroom to be a sanctuary and have the kids area more appealing to them. (They haul their toys into the family room all the time)

Giving away most of my clothes and shoes…and then s-l-o-w-l-y replenishing with select pieces I love (granted…90% of it will be workout clothes… but that’s ME so…#judgemeifyawanna.) (I have the best hack for making paring down clothes/shoes/accessories easily)

Clearing out the kids’ rooms and playroom (AGAIN!) and replacing only with items that are simple, educational and promote imagination play. (I’m not even attempting to pare down their clothes because it’s useless…my family buys them clothes and shoes by the bushel)

Decorating/Redecorating the rooms in the house that don’t feel good or don’t serve me best. (First up: Making the second bathroom bright and friendly for the kids to actually use it instead of mine.)

Forcing…er…encouraging John to go through his clothes, gadgets…and the entire garage (which is a hot mess in itself and looks like the hovel where the killer on SVU would be hiding out from the cops)

I’ll be blogging my way through it all so stay tuned…

Other Minimalism Posts:

Minimalist with Children

Fitness Minimalism 

I Threw Away My Kids’ Toys

Are you a “cozy” minimalist?


Like this post? Check these out too:

  • Adios Boob TubeAdios Boob Tube
  • 5 Quick Ways to Find Your Zen on Busy Days5 Quick Ways to Find Your Zen on Busy Days
  • GB Travel Safe SweepstakesGB Travel Safe Sweepstakes
  • Our First Non-Traditional ChristmasOur First Non-Traditional Christmas

Filed Under: Home, Lifestyle, Minimalism Tagged With: minimalism

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Comments

  1. Faith says

    July 28, 2016 at 11:09 am

    Great post. Hmm, I don’t know what I am to be honest but I do love that saying you shared. Your home is a living space not a storage space.

    Reply
  2. K. Elizabeth says

    August 6, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    My love of books, clothes and antiques won’t allow me to about that whole traditional minimalist lifestyle. I feel like in certain areas of the home I’m a bit of a cozy minimalist like the master bedroom and the kitchen. I need those areas as clutter free and organized as possible.

    Reply
  3. Alexis says

    August 17, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    I definitely relate to how you feel about the minimalist style. I get all excited about it in concept and then I look at people’s homes or wardrobes and realize that it isn’t quite how I want to live, lol! #entry

    Reply
  4. Alethea says

    October 25, 2016 at 7:46 pm

    Thanks so me! great post

    Reply
  5. Sahel says

    November 2, 2016 at 1:34 pm

    I love the term ‘Cozy Minimalist’ and I think this is what I am! My home still feels comfortable, it’s not a white box (in fact I love colourful accessories in home décor) but we just don’t have lots of unnecessary possessions and clutter lying around.

    I’m also totally with you on the meal minimizing…we have a list of about 20 go-to meals for dinner that we prepare week in, week out. It makes things much easier in terms of planning, shopping and prepping and surprisingly never really gets boring!

    Reply
  6. M560 says

    November 3, 2016 at 4:43 am

    Your cozy minimalist term is just the definition of minimalism. Living with the amount of stuff that is right for you. I think people get confused with the meaning of the word minimalism and the aesthetic of minimalism that is thrown around on social media and in magazines. The aesthetic is something that will probably not stand the test of time, but the true meaning of the philosophy will stay.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      November 3, 2016 at 9:48 am

      It is?! Well someone should tell all those minimalist blogs/sites that are stuff-shaming everyone! Yeah I think the philosophy will stay and also catch on to more folks soon…

      Reply
      • M560 says

        November 30, 2016 at 5:17 pm

        Thanks for replying to my comment!
        I can’t agree more. Stuff shaming is the worst 🙁 Sometimes I think people forget where they came from. Sure it might be fun to try and live with less than 100 things, but if it’s not practical and/or it doesn’t make you happy. Why should you? I feel it’s all about finding a healthy balance that works for you 🙂

        Reply
  7. TexasGypsyGrl says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    This is exactly what I am!!! Now I know the name. Cozy Minimalist…..yep that’s me.
    Great post! Everything I have ever thought about minimalist is what you just stated.

    Reply
  8. comicshoprl says

    December 3, 2016 at 8:30 am

    I just found this post on Pinterest. Cozy minimalist is exactly what I am too. What a great name for it. The hardcore minimalists homes look so spartan to me. Maybe I don’t need three soup ladles but I do need six throw pillows, kwim? I think considering form and function is really important. Gret article. Now I have to check out the rest of your site.

    Reply
  9. Catherine Elledge says

    December 5, 2016 at 8:53 am

    This post cracked me up!!! I love the way you express yourself. It reminds me of me! LOL Keep up the spirited information. I am too trying to minimise my lifestyle…ITS REALLY HARD!

    Reply
  10. Annie says

    December 7, 2016 at 2:34 am

    Hi!
    Finally a post on minimalism that is not a rant about how much I don’t need my dearly beloved porcelain. Thank you so much for respecting me and my priorities!

    I agree with you.
    I think minimalism should be about priorities. If you love wearing different shoes every day? Do it. Adore your porcelain to the moon? Keep it. Do you use all of your kitchen machines? Have a blast! Is your collection of books directly related to your peace of mind? Don’t. Throw. It. Away.
    It’s only when you nod yes to it all that you might be met by a cluttered home. And if you do, maybe you are just so passionate about many things that minimalism is not for you. Then it’s not worth it to follow the trend.

    I’ve found in clearing my home that the best way for me is simply storing the items I doubt away for a while. Chances are I won’t grant them much thought and when I dig into the back of my closet in four months, I know I will not miss the items and can simply throw them away.

    I adore your way of doing it. It feels like you’re extracting the good parts of the trend and applying them where most important!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      December 7, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      Yes!!! No stuff-shaming here. Keep what you love, toss what you don’t. Easy!! Thanks so much for reading. Now tell me more about this porcelain?

      Reply
  11. Linda says

    December 8, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    Cozy is the perfect description of how I want to define minimalism!

    Reply
  12. Debbie Dowdy says

    December 10, 2016 at 10:02 am

    I’m glad I stumbled on this. If your not downsizing to move into a tiny house, or going from 3,000 to 1,500 square feet, I don’t see any reason to be “minimalist extreme”. I like your approach. You don’t have to have a sofa and two pics in an 800 sq. foot living room or a bed and a dresser in an on suite with sitting area. Everything needs a place and if you haven’t seen it in two years, toss it. I want to become a cozy minimalist too! I want to keep the things I use, and toss the rest. Find a place for everything and call it a day. That capsule wardrobe was scaring me a bit 😉

    Reply
    • Dani says

      December 12, 2016 at 9:58 am

      Love your approach and yeah….a capsule wardrobe? I couldn’t do it.

      Reply
  13. Zoe says

    December 11, 2016 at 4:38 pm

    I’m definitely a cozy minimalist. One point that really inspired me was told to me by this graphic artist. He had this beautiful Seattle loft apartment and it was very sparse. Only a few pieces of gorgeous furniture and throws graced this space allowing the expansive hardwood floors to really shine and the high ceilings to breathe. I’m an art junky so I couldn’t imagine how an artist would have such bare walls, but that’s when he dropped this on me; he says that “Full walls are stifling to creativity. When the walls are empty I imagine what to create and put there. When they are full I’m not inspired.” Obviously everyone is different, but this totally inspired me to remove everything I didn’t LOVE from my walls, put that ugly old chair I was holding onto for sentimental reasons in storage, and clear out the knick knack shelf. Nothing that doesn’t inspire you!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      December 12, 2016 at 9:50 am

      i LOVE that! Thanks so much for sharing that.

      Reply
  14. JRG says

    December 12, 2016 at 4:33 pm

    You are hysterical! Your issue with the minimalist label is exactly mine. Enjoy your life. If your stuff gets in the way get rid of it. All these people becoming minimalist recently making backhanded comments about others lifestyle. I like a lot of the ideas of minimalism but I also like having my husbands grandmothers china to use at Thanksgiving. It doesn’t interfere with my life but brings joy. It doesn’t take up much space and sits in a corner of my attic until it is ready to be used. Yet this item has inspired a lot of comments about uselessness from people who until a few months ago had more nonsense and collectibles in one room than I have in my whole house! Good for them if they are enjoying purging but I also never acquired 10 different versions of the same DVD with different bonus features so I don’t have to chuck that.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      December 12, 2016 at 8:18 pm

      Wait… do they really put different bonus features on different DVDs? haaaa!!!! I think minimalism should not be one size fits all, that’s for sure.

      Reply
  15. mday says

    December 17, 2016 at 5:26 am

    I like the concept of your definition of a cozy minimalist, but now you have just labeled yourself . Does that mean it will limit who you really are? (First paragraph)

    Reply
    • Dani says

      December 21, 2016 at 3:48 pm

      LOL! So funny!!! I know, now I’m trapped in a box!

      Reply
  16. Elizabeth Braun says

    December 17, 2016 at 11:26 am

    You sound minimalist to me! Way, WAY too many people confuse the genuine minimalist lifestyle with minimalist home decor or people who number their possessions and/or live out a bacpack. Those are just different kinds of minimalist lifestyles.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      December 21, 2016 at 3:50 pm

      Ahh I’m coming to see this from you and some of the other commenters! I guess it’s as customizable as anything else. Are you minimalist? And if so, what ‘kind’ do you practice? (is practice even the word to use hahaha)

      Reply
  17. Danitra says

    December 27, 2016 at 2:24 pm

    You’re exactly right when you say that labels such as a “minimalist” are extremely limiting. I have tried to label my overall style with one or two words, and have failed. I have tried to label my home decor style with “20th-century” and then a month later it will be “cottage with a touch of modern” and then later on it would be “minimal, bright, crisp”. I love this idea of “cozy minimalism” because you can almost fit a whole bunch of different “labels” within this category. Love it. Just love it. Thanks for the post!

    Reply
  18. Cathy Fink says

    January 1, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Love this phrase! This is me. My husband and I are preparing to downsize from a 5 bedroom, 3 bath house with a huge yard to a much smaller retirement home within the next two years. I don’t want to wait for the actual move to start the reduction of 40 years worth of stuff. So, I’ve been reading Pinterest posts to help me with this process – trying to gain wisdom from others who have already gone down this road. I’ve bought into the mantra of having less = having more time, money, and freedom. Although I’ve already taken two van-loads of stuff to Goodwill, I still have quite a bit more to purge. However, many minimalist bloggers have left me with the impression I’m not doing it “right” unless I am willing to throw out all my crafting supplies and kitchen appliances. Pictures show people living with one piece of furniture per room and blank walls. I can’t imagine living in such a sterile, soul-less space. I don’t want to live in a house, I want to have a home that feels warm, cozy, and reflects my personality.
    Cozy minimalism gives me the positive attitude to ditch the things I no longer need (or will fit into my new space) yet keep things that provide beauty and allow me to feel comfortable. I should not feel guilty about keeping enough to live the new creative life I want to have in retirement!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      January 2, 2017 at 4:07 pm

      I love this Cathy! Good luck paring down. It feels so good doesn’t it?

      Reply
  19. Gina says

    January 2, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    Hell yeah I’m a cozy minimalist! I want to have just what I need and use and no more than that! I want a beautiful home, but not a cluttered one. I’m lazy as hell and want more time doing the shit I love. I was screaming “hell yes! Preach!” In my head the entire time I was reading this. So glad I stumbled upon you!

    Xx,

    Gina

    Reply
  20. Eszter says

    January 6, 2017 at 10:11 am

    This post was super insightful, I also had my doubts about minimalism, I mean it sounds great in theory but I’m not sure I could do it in real life. This “cozy” thing sounds a lot like me, or at least what I would aspire to reach in my own home.

    Reply
  21. Sue says

    January 15, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    Finally, a post from someone who understands minimalism from my point of view. I love the term cozy minimalist. All I ever wanted to do was pare down my stuff so my home feels cleaner and larger. I wanted to get rid of the things I disliked and replace them with things I love. I was tired of being criticized by others for having too many clothes, toys, and other things. I would never travel with only a backpack unless I was backpacking. I am so much happier with who I am and where I am now and feel 10 pounds lighter. Thank you for reaffirming that what I have set out to do is the right thing for me. I can finally see my closet floor and I love it!!

    Reply
  22. bunnee says

    January 20, 2017 at 10:30 am

    love everything about this post. I definitely laughed out loud at the SVU comment hahahahahaah

    i could not agree more this barren wasteland people identify as minimalism seems depressing.I love having a couple staple pieces to wear regularly and not having weird clothing pieces I really never use and shouldnt have bought. (wtf is a capsule wardrobe?) and i love the idea of uncluttered FUNCTIONAL space and pieces … but not meaning my house looks like its 3/4 emptied like we are moving/have never really moved in.

    thx for post made me laugh. especially ralph haha

    Reply
  23. Christie says

    January 25, 2017 at 11:35 pm

    Finally! I never knew what to call my decorating style! This is me to a tee!

    Reply
  24. Colette says

    February 3, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    I’m sort of a natural minimalist. But I have to agree with you, all the 4 shirts, 2 pants and a spoon people did kind of rub me the wrong way. I recently got rid of much of my own closet clutter. Even as a natural minimalist the stuff sneaks up on you. I now feel lighter and I dress better because the old crappy stuff that I wore out of habit is now gone. Stuff that doesn’t fit any more is gone.

    I’m a jeans and t-shirt kind of person so upgraded to better more stylish t-shirts and jeans. Feels great to have less clutter and more stuff that I actually like.

    Reply
  25. Stephanie Johnson says

    February 5, 2017 at 10:40 am

    I think you areally my spirit animal lol. Everything….every…thing…you wrote in this post IS MY LIFE! I swear I thought I wrote this without knowing it lol. I’m so glad I found this. You have just gained a new follower 🙂 <3

    Reply
  26. Wendy says

    February 11, 2017 at 10:04 pm

    Great points! I’m working my way through finding my own minimalist-ish way as well. I don’t think I’ll ever have that white on white on natural wood minimalist Pinterest look in my home. I need 500 throw blankets and an excessive amount of Christmas decorations. NEED. So focusing more on “keeping only things you love” has been my salvation. Looking forward to reading more!

    Reply
  27. Carole says

    February 28, 2017 at 2:19 pm

    This is just what I’ve been looking for … a title to who I am and how I feel …! xx

    Reply
  28. Sam says

    May 3, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    I think I’ve met my doppelgänger in you, Dani! I started the Konmari journey about a year ago and it feels good. Like you, I don’t want the minimalist look, but live with a husband better suited to an episode of Hoarders. I’d love to hear any strategic moves you use to toackle this one!!

    Reply
  29. Tammy says

    May 11, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    You took all of the words right out of my head with this post! Going through this exact thing right now. Cozy minimalist fits me too. Amen girl!

    Reply
  30. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says

    May 25, 2017 at 8:57 am

    Dani, that is exactly how I would describe my type of minimalism: cozy minimalism. A friend is visiting next month and bringing me her Old Country Roses teaset for four that she no longer uses, so I am clearing a space for it in my teaware cupboard, giving away an equal quantity of stuff. That is my method for never accumulating more stuff than I can use and never outgrowing my limited storage space.

    Reply
  31. Pauline says

    May 27, 2017 at 6:14 pm

    I never got the impression that minimalism was about the lowest number of stuff to own; the emphasis was always on reducing excess, relieving stress, increasing one’s joy, prioritizing what matters, and saving both time and money. What qualifies as “minimal”, “excessive” or “enough” varies between individuals. If owning literally 30 items in your closet brings you happiness and simplicity to your life, then go for it! However, insisting that such a minimum should become the standard guideline for everyone is missing the point.

    Whether a person owns 3 pairs of shoes or 100 is irrelevant. The spirit of minimalism is more concerned about how those items impact the quality of life. Do you find yourself tripping over shoes in the hallway because there’s no designated spot to neatly place them? Does the expense–or even the lack thereof–cause irritation within family relationships (“S/he gives more attention to buying shoes than paying attention to us”; “S/he makes me feel guilty when I treat myself to own another pair of sneakers”; “At this rate of spending, we won’t be able to pay our bills!”)? Do you find yourself routinely late for work because you spent an extra 30 minutes in the morning trying to locate shoes? I think we can universally agree that shoes shouldn’t impede hallway traffic flow, shouldn’t create undue stress, nor stop you from achieving better time management. Time, freedom, relationships–minimalism directs focus on what we consider to be essential to having a full, productive life and addresses how clutter can distract us from those priorities.

    Let’s keep in mind that clutter is not only related to physical stuff but also covers any mental restraints that are imposed on us but don’t serve our well-being. Being judgmental, inflexible or enforcing one’s viewpoint on others (as opposed to being open and sharing ideas) are examples. Clutter is stagnant energy. Clutter is whatever is unnecessary. Clutter is waste. If any object, person, activity or belief makes me dwell in negativity, I dispose of it immediately. I can adapt to live with either a little or large amount of stuff (throughout different life stages, there were times I experienced both). What I don’t want is a life full of guilt, shame, fear, regression and misery. I reserve the right to decide FOR MYSELF what is worthwhile and what is junk. I also reserve the right to CHANGE MY MIND regarding what qualifies as such.

    Whenever I come across any list or piece of advice that doesn’t apply to me, I ignore it. I can appreciate the general gist of the information without feeling the need to become enslaved to it. Minimalism offers suggestions and options on how to live the best life but I don’t necessarily take them as commandments (this includes your dictums, Marie Kondo!). So the distinction between “cozy” minimalism and, uh, “traditional” minimalism doesn’t exist for me. The questions I ask myself as I try to dispel clutter are still the same regardless of which “camp” I may belong to. In reviewing your personal definition of “cozy minimalism”, I’m thinking, “How could any minimalist disagree with that??”. Again, what we conceive of as “cozy”, “beautiful”, “meaningful”, “stylish” or “the right amount” may differ between us BUT the essence of being surrounded by nurturing comfort, beauty, meaning, style, or having just enough for contentment is desired by all.

    Anyway, that’s just my 2 cents. I appreciate your thoughtful articulation of what minimalism means to you. As the comments show, there are many who wholly agree with what you’ve said…including myself.

    Reply
  32. Louisa says

    May 29, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    I love this. I have a lot of different things hanging on my walls (like art work, photos nd wall hangings) and I have been looking into minimalism. I have been looking at my walls and thinking “screw you minimalism, I like my art!!” I don’t think any ideas or lifestyles should be so prescriptive as to take away my freedom! I’m keeping my walls nice and cluttered thank you!

    Reply
  33. YS says

    June 22, 2017 at 10:09 am

    No need to use the “f” profanity word- just doesnt do anything positive for your blog.

    Reply
    • RLT says

      December 28, 2017 at 2:26 pm

      This.

      This is why i agree with the post, but won’t be subscribing.

      Reply
  34. Angela says

    July 17, 2017 at 4:06 pm

    In my own opinion, minimalism is what it means for you. It doesn’t have to be certain way, there are no rules. Other than just keep the stuff you enjoy and get rid of the all the extra stuff you don’t need, want, use, etc. Give it away, have a yard sale, donate it, etc. If you don’t want a capsule wardrobe, then so be it, but at least get rid of the clothes you don’t love or don’t wear, need, etc. If you don’t like the minimalist bare walls, then you don’t have to have bare walls. Again, minimalism is how you define it for your own lifestyle. There are a lot of benefits to it, saving money, having a peaceful home and one that you enjoy being in. One you don’t have to worry about cleaning up when you invite someone over for a visit. Minimalism is just getting rid of the excess. Too many clothes, too many scheduled things on your calendar, too many things to do, etc. Do minimalism the way you want to do minimalism. I still call myself a minimalist, but it’s my own definition of the word. I don’t care what others think about me or my space. It’s just the way I want it to be. :0) This posting is sent with friendship.

    Reply
  35. Hannah Gibson says

    January 24, 2018 at 2:25 am

    I really appreciate this post. As an aspiring “minimalist” it’s been a bit overwhelming and stressful seeing all of these extremists. Which is the exact opposite of what minimalism is supposed to do haha! But I’m so glad that I’m not alone in still wanting a cozy and livable home! Minimalism is very much an individual process. What works for some people, may not work for others, and that’s okay! LOVED this post and all the wonderful points you made!

    Reply
  36. Secret Agent Woman says

    February 2, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    I ran across the term “Cozy minimalist” a little while back and thought – that’s me! I remember looking at a photo in “Goodbye, Things” of a guy with a headset tv viewer gadget, a little pad to sit on and nothing else in the room and wanted to weep for him. I don’t want white walls and ten items of clothing. But I do want to reduce down to what is useful and beautiful and not let my stuff control me.

    Reply
  37. K. Elizabeth says

    February 26, 2018 at 10:18 pm

    I am the same, I cannot be 100% minimalist, but there is a word for “cozy minimalist”…it’s LAGOM. The Scandinavian lifestyle of having not too much, or too little, but just enough.

    Reply
  38. Sarah says

    March 14, 2018 at 8:07 am

    I’m so excited to find your site !! I agree so much and so happy to find you and others who feel this way ! You are awesome to help us see a better way to look at and live with less but not like little house on prairie ! Many blessings !! You go girl

    Reply
  39. Rachel says

    April 25, 2018 at 11:05 pm

    Love this! I definitely would consider myself a mi imagist but THIS type! I love paintings on my wall and my mug collection. (So not minimal with those things!) But I only have things that are useful or that I love. No more useless stuff to clutter up my house.

    Reply
  40. Jan Guy says

    June 6, 2018 at 5:03 am

    This is it – US !!! We struggle with the “Minimalist” tag but really do like and want to be uncluttered and stress free in our home and life. After a lifetime with kids and grandkids we are now of that age where we need to think further down the line, having the family to stay for days and days ( much as we love to see them all !!) is starting to be a bit too draining and living in the house that allows us to do that is getting hard work on a daily basis. We have come to the conclusion that the answer is to downsize – big time! This now has us selling and giving away like beings possessed. It’s tough at times, especially if you’re a manic keeper of beautiful fabric and accompanying soft furnishing stuff! That’s not mention my collections of modern glass and kitchenwares! But suddenly you hit the “Yay, this feels great!” moment and then it all becomes so easy and so cathartic! By the time we actually move to a smaller place we’ll have made the transition from ‘keep it because it’s beautiful and we love it and MIGHT use it one day” to the keep it because it’s beautiful, we love it AND we use it so enjoy it!” So glad we found your blog – now we have also found our genre 🙂

    Reply
    • Dani says

      June 8, 2018 at 2:02 pm

      manic keeper. I LOVE THAT
      I don’t even want a smaller space. I just want clear space. lol

      Reply
  41. Bethan says

    June 14, 2018 at 6:32 pm

    Just found this on Pinterest and couldn’t agree more. I call myself a hygge minimalist. I can’t cope with clutter and excess but I love my blankets and candles and want to be cosy! Great post!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      June 15, 2018 at 2:15 pm

      YES! Exactly! thank you so much for visiting. I should do an update post to this!

      Reply
  42. Symphony says

    June 30, 2018 at 5:07 am

    You’re shaming the way some minimalists live in point 2 and yet in point 3 you say you hate it being done to you? Everybody has different opinions on minimalism. What may look ‘bare’ and ‘bones’ to you may be more than enough for someone else.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      July 13, 2018 at 9:07 pm

      Is saying I don’t like pitbulls shaming pitbull owners? It’s not like I said you have to own poodles to be a good dog owner. I agree on your last sentence tho.

      Reply
  43. Erin says

    July 16, 2018 at 9:16 pm

    I love this. Minimalism has been great for me, and I am continually finding that I want to declutter more and more. But, I think there should be degrees of it, as some people still want to keep certain things. I’ve unfollowed a lot blogs that I felt were too preachy about how people “should be” as a minimalist, down to what you eat. Oh, the the self congratulatory comments! So many people patting each other on the back for not owning tv’s. I’ve pared down a lot of what I don’t need, but I still love movies and tv.

    Reply
  44. Terri says

    July 27, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    I love your sense of humor! And I definitely agree – our homes should be a place that we feel comfortable and cozy in, not sterile and devoid of personality or individuality. Keeping things clutter free is great, and I love investing in quality basics in every aspect, but sometimes it’s nice to have “useless” or sentimental things here and there!

    Reply
  45. Shannon says

    August 6, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    I just recently started minimizing our living spaces and it has helped me feel lighter. We had way too much clothing than we needed and I gave our stuff to my sister who was in need.

    Cozy minimalism is a great way to help mentally while providing someone with quality items they could use. I am currently in the process of making my kid’s rooms feel special while keeping it simple. Next we will be doing our 3rd toy cleanse.

    Reply
  46. Lisa L says

    August 29, 2018 at 4:58 pm

    This is so me! I’ve moved seven times in ten years (from tiny apartments to large 4 bedroom, 3 bath homes and everything in between), and I think that process has really helped me become a cozy minimalist.

    The only stuff I really have in my house is stuff that I (or my husband, because we don’t always agree) love. Certainly, whenever I do make a new purchase I always think “Am I going to be sending this to Goodwill in the next 2-3 years”? Or, “Do I love this enough to make a space for it in our moving cube”? “What would I need to give up and leave behind so that this could take its place?” If the answers to these aren’t favorable, I don’t buy it or accept it as a gift. It’s saved me a lot of money, time, and space. It also makes moving much easier. Still, I will always pack my six serving platters, my 25 framed art photos, my second hand kitchen table, and all 800 pounds of our books, old DVD’s and CD-ROM video games. At this stage, at least, these are all important to me, no matter how many times I have to pack and unpack them. I don’t have the ability to feel cozy surrounded by my electronic library of entertainment or eating dinner every night on the sofa.

    My parents have a ton of clutter and stuff they never look at or use, just because “someone was getting rid of it” or they “saw it at a garage sale”. Does one really need a planter shaped like a cat with a tongue sticking out? Their house feels like it cannot breath. I can’t relax there or feel calm, and their stuff absorbs all sorts of food smells which never go away. Even the colors are erratic and stuffy to me.

    To me, having a home that feels like it is breathing and alive is minimal enough. Light coming through, plants, cozy accents, space but not empty. I’ve been able to recreate this in a 300 square feet apartment without much issue or putting anything I love in storage, but I don’t think that everyone needs to be able to do that to be minimalist. I think your term is perfect. Thanks for allowing this space for us to dialogue with like minded individuals. People at work, in my family, or my friends always think I’m crazy for living this way (because I either have too much stuff for minimalist, or not enough stuff for consumers).

    Great post!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      August 30, 2018 at 12:24 am

      best comment ever. Tho… the cat tongue planter does sound kinda worth keeping! haha

      Reply
  47. Vanessa says

    September 5, 2018 at 2:00 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I agree that minimalism will look different for everyone, especially families. It isn’t deprivation, but knowing what you actually need and use.

    Reply
  48. Pamela Graves says

    December 28, 2018 at 5:43 pm

    Soooo…. I MAY be a “Cozy Minimalist!” I absolutely love the idea of being a minimalist but I am having withdrawals just THINKING about depleting my shoe wardrobe!!! Yikes!! However, as an aspiring interior designer and home stager who styles with “luxe looks for less,” I will definitely use the term “cozy minimalist’ with clients who would like to buy or sell small spaces without compromising luxurious looks (or their friendships with the super eco or world poverty conscious)! One step in the minimalist design area for me was to hang a minimalist wreath on my front door this Christmas. It only had to decorative pieces! Thanks for your post! I’m now a follower! Blessings!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      December 30, 2018 at 2:03 pm

      Yay!! I’m so glad you dig it. Luxe looks for less sounds right up my alley. Where can I see your work!?

      Reply
  49. Martha says

    January 1, 2019 at 4:31 pm

    I feel as though we are the same person!!! Lived this article! Following you!!! 2019 is my year to figure out what makes me happy and then chuck the rest!!!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      January 3, 2019 at 9:32 pm

      OMG Thanks so much for reading. You gotta watch Tidying Up on Netflix!!! (check out my review here)

      Reply
  50. Corinne says

    November 20, 2020 at 4:29 pm

    Those three problems made me literally laugh out loud! I agree 100% with those problems as I often feel the same way when seeing articles about minimalism. Thank you for this post, I really enjoyed it and found it enlightening. I have been playing with the idea of downsizing the amount of my children’s toys and this was helpful on how to start.

    Reply

Trackbacks

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