minimalism

What Is Messy Minimalism and Why Does It Work?

Julia Concepcion, Virginia Commonwealth University

It might be time to give up the idea of perfection. This trend helps you prioritize what you really need to find your inner joy.…

March 24, 2023

An illustration of minimalism with a thumbs down overlaying a candle and plant.

Why Minimalism Is Actually Overrated

Aly Walters, Michigan State University

Having many possessions doesn't have to be a bad thing; personal collections often hold sentimental value and showcase our unique interests and personalities.…

May 12, 2022

Two girls showing the contrasting ideals and lifestyles of minimalism and maximalism.

Minimalism Versus Maximalism: A Study in Consumerism

Maggie Habermas, University of Texas at San Antonio

Living in luxury versus ostensibly simple living — the contrasting lifestyles born of a single consumerist ideal.…

April 26, 2022

In an article about graphic design, the back and front of a smartphone is displayed on a billboard against a blue sky.

The Smartphone and the Evolution of Graphic Design

Beth Nipper, University of Iowa

With mobile devices, anyone can interact with online spaces in novel ways — a fact that web and graphic designers must keep in mind as they work.…

July 29, 2021

Bare-Bones Travel Often Reflects Privilege More Than Authenticity

Abigail Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

Wanderlust can be romantic, but dropping everything to visit foreign countries doesn’t necessarily make you more authentic, and it's an opportunity that not everyone has.…

August 14, 2020

In an article about digital minimalism, an illustration of a computer displaying a sunset over water

The Case for Digital Minimalism in a Quarantining Age

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

Instead of villainizing technology just because it's trendy, Cal Newport makes a compelling case for satisfaction that runs deeper than pings and pixels.…

July 30, 2020

The Non-Minimalist Lifestyle Can Still Spark Joy

Brian Xi, University of California, Berkeley

While minimalism is all the rage, throwing out those 'unnecessary' items may be one of your biggest regrets in the long run.…

July 27, 2020

Illustration by Diana Egan, University of Kentucky of a tiny home in a field, reflecting the tiny lifestyle

Tiny Lifestyles Are More Complicated Than You Might Think

Alicia Furlan, University of Pittsburgh

The trend is attractive because it promises freedom and simplicity. But even in a tiny house, life can still be pretty complex.…

June 25, 2020

What Happens When Instragram-Fueled Minimalism Is Over?

Kate Carter, Middle Tennessee State University

White walls, sleek design, plants and neutral color schemes are all hallmarks of the style, but what happens once we get tired of it all?…

June 9, 2020

In an article about mental clutter, an illustration by Sarah Yu of a woman with sunglasses that look like a mosaic

Does Materialism Cause Mental Clutter and Can Minimalism Fix It?

Kali Johnson, Gustavus Adolphus College

Wanting too much has been linked to problems with depression, anxiety and relationships. Is going minimal the answer?…

May 5, 2020

illustration of woman surrounded by clothes that reflect a philosophy of minimalism

Minimalism in College: How Embracing a Capsule Wardrobe Made Me a Better Student

Katherine McLaughlin, The New School

Having too much clutter in my physical space directly translated to my mental state. …

February 18, 2020

Living the Van Life Is a Game-Changing Minimalistic Lifestyle

Vanessa Le, Chabot College

If your monthly rent is outrageously high, and you want to save thousands of dollars annually, the van life may be the right fit for you.…

February 4, 2018

Growing by Shrinking: What You Learn by Embracing Minimalism

Molly Flynn, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

After moving two suitcases of makeup I hardly wore, I decided to declutter my life and have been reaping the benefits ever since.…

January 25, 2017

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