Turn to Minimal Design to Create an Easier Way of Life
Photo: Canva - Stephan Karg
Life is hard enough. Your home should be a place where things feel easy. If you find everyday tasks require a lot of effort, maybe it’s time to rethink how your home is designed.
Whether you’re planning a new home or updating your current one, minimal design can help make life easier. By putting the focus on simplicity and function we can remove the obstacles that make life more difficult. Here are five ways minimal design can help you find an easier way of life.
Functional Workspaces Require Less Effort
The secret to having a home that works for you instead of one that makes you work is design that puts function first. A well-thought-out space with zones to accommodate specific tasks can reduce the amount of effort it takes to get those tasks done.
Details you may not even consider such as how far the filing cabinet is from the desk or where commonly used kitchen utensils are located can add unnecessary movements and extra steps to your day. By taking how you live and work into consideration, we can create spaces that are more functional and require less effort.
Ergonomics Make Work Easier
When large office spaces are planned, ergonomics play a big role in the design and layout. But we rarely take these needs into consideration when setting up offices and workspaces at home. As a result, you may be noticing some new aches and pains if you’ve been working remotely for the past year.
But good ergonomics aren’t just for the office. No matter what room you’re in, ergonomic design will ensure the things you use most are within easy reach and the tasks you perform regularly don’t cause pain. Intentional changes such as adjusting the location of shelves and the height of counters can reduce strain and eliminate repetitive motion injury.
A functional office layout designed to improve accessibility and body mechanics can make work easier. Photo: Getty Images
Small Changes Make a Big Difference
You may not even notice all the little things around your home that are making life more difficult. A step here, a handle there, a tap that’s hard to turn, or a threshold that isn’t level. Every day these little things around your home require more effort than necessary. But a few small changes can provide big returns when it comes to reducing effort around the house.
Curbless showers are easier to get in and out of and will also allow seniors to live unassisted for longer. Doorways with even thresholds reduce tripping hazards and make life easier for families with small children or anyone requiring a mobility device.
Curbless shower designs have a minimal and sleek aesthetic and eliminates tripping hazards. Photo: Getty images
Minimal Design Means Less Maintenance
Between cooking, cleaning and general upkeep, your home can sometimes feel like a full-time job. The choices you make when planning updates can have a big impact on how much time and effort you spend maintaining your home. Thoughtful, minimal design can help reduce maintenance around the house and make your everyday life easier.
Hard surfaces such as stone and tile are a great way to make a statement without adding a lot of extra décor. But they can also require a lot of maintenance. Choose non-porous, stain-resistant countertops to reduce effort and upkeep. By opting for large solid slab backsplashes and flooring instead of small tile, you’ll limit the amount of grout you have to clean and maintain. A definite bonus in my books!
Where beauty and function meet. A minimalist kitchen with slab backsplash and large floor tiles creates a stunning aesthetic and minimizes clean up with fewer grout lines. Design by: FRAIME architects of interior. Photography: Willem van Puyenbroeck
Live Smarter to Live Better
You probably don’t even think about the time and effort you spend doing everyday chores. Little things like opening and closing blinds, adjusting lights and temperature, checking locks and watching for the delivery truck. Imagine if all those little tasks suddenly became automated. What could you do with the extra time you gained? Where would you redirect your efforts if you weren’t worrying about all those little things?
Smart faucets that provide water at specific temperatures and appliances with smart cooking settings take a lot of the work out of meal-prep. Pair those with a smart fridge that makes your grocery list and provides recipes based on what you have inside and making dinner has never been easier. Smart locks and home cameras allow you to see who’s at the door and unlock it without leaving the room. And smart blinds that automatically open and close at sunrise and sunset mean you never have to reach for out-of-the-way cords again.
A home that works smarter, requires less maintenance and prioritizes ergonomics and function can transform how you live. Connect with me to discuss how we can create a home that lets you live with ease.