How to get rid of the trash and experience the zen of minimalism. Light decor in zen style

Jessica Dang from the Minimal Student website.

There are so many articles, books and blogs on how to become a minimalist - how to get rid of things, step by step. But I thought it would be interesting to look at the origins of minimalism, does it have anything in common with Zen Buddhism?

As small as it is, minimalism is the “wave” that is moving right now. It became such a big part of my life that I wondered where minimalism came from. From what I've learned, for some people it came out of necessity, they wanted to travel, get out of debt or move to another house, and so they came to minimalism on their own. Others have been inspired by the lifestyle of bloggers, talented writers or successful people. I had a combination of all these elements, plus some good books which eventually made me change my lifestyle, which brought me happiness.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly where minimalism comes from. Someone will say (I for example) that minimalism has its roots in Buddhism. I am not saying that I am an expert on Buddhism, but I believe in many important Buddhist principles:

• Lack of attachment to things
• Reducing suffering and increasing happiness
• Mindfulness and concentration
• Kindness and Compassion

Traditional Buddhists, such as monks, lead a very minimalist lifestyle because their belief in these principles is intertwined with everyday life. According to Buddhist beliefs, everything is impermanent - everything is constantly changing. Simply put, Buddhists believe that attachment to things is what causes suffering, as nothing will last forever. Think about your favorite mug. She is special because you are attached to her. But what happens if you break or lose it? The natural reaction is to get upset or angry, thereby causing one's own suffering due to attachment to the thing.

So, each of these principles, it seems to me, can be tied to the following ideas of minimalism:

• Let go of attachments- to the things we own because they don't define who we are. Everything we have will one day be lost, stolen, broken, donated, obsolete, sold or thrown away.
• Our happiness- because it does not follow from our things, and the fact that we do not own something should not lead to suffering.
• Attentiveness- be aware of the consequences of consumerism and the fact that you always want more and more. Also, be mindful of our choices, such as the things we do buy. Focus on what is important and necessary for our life.
• Kindness and Compassion- spend less time on things or work to get money, and instead use the free time to develop relationships with other people more intelligently or to financial assistance needy.

I do not claim wisdom or experience. I learn something new every day. I just collected own experience and what I learned from others. In general, I sincerely believe in the Buddhist way of thinking. So when I talk about minimalism, I have a little bit of Buddhism in mind.

However, you don't have to be a Buddhist to live a minimalist lifestyle. It's just one look.

Another approach is practical - the ability to apply the philosophy of Buddhism to make your life better, so that:

• get out of debt (or stay out of debt)
• travel light
• easy to move to another house
• have more free time
• have fewer things but more valuable
• have more space
• be more productive
• be more environmentally friendly
• save money
• spend less time cleaning
• lose weight
• do more

All these things - good reason become a minimalist. And I appreciate a lot of these things because I'm a) a poor student, b) I don't live at home (and therefore travel a lot), and c) I'm going to go abroad.

For some, it doesn't matter where minimalism came from, the main thing is what we can get from it. It can be said that the things listed above are not only reasons to become a minimalist, but also achievements in and of themselves.

Or (as I do), you can use all of these reasons to be more minimalistic and use them to motivate yourself when the urge to buy or keep something you don't need is overwhelming.

Going back to Buddhism, I don't have statistics, but in my experience, people who are interested in minimalism do so because they are more detached and relaxed about things. My (perhaps inaccurate) conclusion is that minimalists in general are more aware that resources are better spent on actions rather than chasing material things. And, in a spiritual sense, about the need for higher and lasting happiness.

Zen-style in the interior is usually associated with something oriental and outlandishly bizarre. However, Zen is not a religion and is not a philosophy... Zen is a state of mind, rational perception, awareness of the significance and value of the moment - here and now. Moreover, this value exists regardless of our thoughts and desires.

Elegant simplicity

Europeans adapted exotic oriental zen design (Japanese) for themselves, adding notes of Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese tradition. There are no exquisite innovative innovations, furniture creativity and intricate forms.

The main idea of ​​Zen style is to give up everything superfluous in order to see the important and necessary. Zen style is an interior of minimalism, a spatial void, where it is destined to be the beginning and end of everything. The place and purpose of each item in the interior of the Zen style is clearly marked.

Harmony of simplicity and elegance - salient feature style in the interior. The design of the room with a light oriental color contributes to peace and relaxation. Pleasing to the eye decor natural materials. Zen style is a harmony of classics and modernity, naturalness natural shades and flowers.

Here are some tips for those who are planning to update the interior and bring freshness and tranquility of novelty into the home atmosphere. However, it is not necessary to carry out a full-scale "reformation", it is enough to add a few stylized touches of Zen, and the room will instantly change.

Stylish design according to the rules

Surprisingly, there are no set rules for creating a zen interior. The emphasis is on right angles and clarity of lines, orderliness of furniture, accessories, textiles. Soft and warm shades in wall decoration and floor covering.

The advantage is given to natural calm colors of earth and water - white, straw, beige, blue, sand. The laconic lines, the play of light and shadow emphasize the refined interior in the Zen style especially aesthetically. active red and golden colors are not included in the interior.

Furniture entourage

Laconic and comfortable furniture combined with household appliances modern style, plasma TV, modern equipment fit perfectly into Zen design.

The light upholstery of the low sofas, in harmony with the naturalness of the dark wood texture, creates a striking contrast. In Zen style, a 20-40 cm high lacquered table is appropriate. Chairs with gently curved armrests and thin legs are also suitable. Freedom of space is one of characteristic features in zen interior.

Decorating Zen Ideas

Subject minimalism in sight. In niches, most often covered with panels, “extra” things are hidden. Which one then oriental interior can do without screens dividing the space? Zen design includes movable screens made of fabric, bamboo, rice paper, frosted glass as Alternative option interior walls.

Natural materials - cotton, silk, wool, stones, bamboo, water - look organic and natural in the interior of Zen, creating a special mood of tranquility.

An aquarium or a decorated original fountain, added to the interior design, will create additional comfort, help to remove nervous tension and relax. After all, you can look at the water endlessly, and the murmuring sounds soothe.

Fresh flowers in normal glass vase- an element of refined stylish simplicity. As an addition to the thoughtful design of Zen, it is appropriate to add photos and paintings in neat black frames, a strict simple fireplace.

Mirror in dark frame, natural accessories, Japanese lanterns look ambiguous and mysterious. Seems like a zen style in artistic details, which do not repeat, projects the absence of falsehood, the charm and magic of objective individuality into the atmosphere of the house.

There is no symmetry in the decor, no pairing, this emphasizes the uniqueness and originality of every detail. There is no deepening into the details, there are light hints.

Textile lightness

Zen style "loves" that the harmony of space is at every point in the room. A simple and thin silk curtain will emphasize the lightness and airiness of the interior. Less draperies, prints, patterns on window blinds. Monochromatic textiles look stylish natural colors, with large hieroglyphs. Usage floral ornaments allowed when design requires it.

Repeating the pattern on bedspreads, linens, straw and bamboo rugs will create an original and thoughtful style.

Organization of lighting

In a Zen interior, lighting is an important element of the atmosphere of relaxation. Stylized "oriental" lamps without pretentiousness, with simple forms do not illuminate the space, but emphasize the comfort of twilight. Rice paper plafonds metal frame is a popular zen accessory.

Nothing prevents penetration into the interior natural light. Curtains are not bulky.

Zen style interior design can be designed for private rooms or as a whole design solution the whole house.

The living room is bright and clean, the bedroom is a place of rest. Decorating the kitchen, bathroom, office - in any of these rooms, the zen style can also be used.

Dear visitors of the Design Museum, we bring to your attention a description of the interior in the Zen style.

Modern world all the time somewhere in a hurry. A person must constantly be in a hurry and make decisions quickly, without thinking about the consequences of their actions.

But even being always in a hurry, modern man does not do very, very much. And the main thing that he does not have time to do is to LIVE. Enjoy the world of nature, know yourself, self-develop and improve yourself.

The ancients knew that man is a creature that primarily belongs to the nature of this planet and therefore is obliged to live in harmony with it.

But what kind of harmony can we talk about if a person is not even able to stop and think about his own actions, to predict the consequences of his actions.

In order to know the world you must first know your inner world, to know yourself. And for this you need to learn, not only to stop and comprehend what is happening, but also you need to carefully prepare to dive into the endless expanses of knowledge.

Buddhists are able, like no one else, to contemplate the world around them. And we should learn from them. by the most the best way for that is meditation.

But in order to meditate, you need to prepare a place and a soul. Remove all irritants and find beacons of calm. Create a world of harmony in your home will help designer style Zen. The style is based on minimalism, simplicity and clarity of straight lines.

Let's walk together 10 such simple and at the same time such complex steps to the harmony of the interior.

natural colors

It must be remembered that the color that surrounds a person greatly affects his psyche. Bright colours can irritate and irritate, worsen well-being and mood.

But at the same time bright details cheer up on a rainy day, make you remember that spring is coming soon.

The most ideal are shades of white, gray, beige, pink. These are the colors of nature that evoke peace and tranquility in the soul.

If such an interior seems too boring to you, then you can determine the color, the dominance of which will attract attention, and the rest of the colors will complement it.

Soft carpet creates comfort not only for the feet

The soles of our feet are the boundary between the inner world and the outer world. If they step on a cold and hard surface, then the person gathers in a lump, he is ready to repel any attack.

But if a person's feet feel softness, warmth, comfort, then they signal to the body that everything is in order. in perfect order and you can relax and unwind a little.

Wood is the perfect flooring in a home where you can and should relax and unwind. The wooden floor can be either thick, durable boards, perfectly fitted to each other, or parquet. A wooden floor is always warmer and safer.

But truly warmth and comfort for your feet will help to create a carpet made of natural fibers. Yes, such a carpet requires care, but it will repay you in full.

And, of course, we must not forget color scheme floor covering. Ideally, it should be khaki or gray, or maybe shades of dark beige.

natural fabrics

Creating comfort in the house is not possible without the use of curtains. Woolen and cloth curtains will increase sound insulation and save you from drafts. And silk and linen will emphasize lightness and will be pleasant to the touch.

Be sure to pay attention to structural elements for hanging curtains. They must match the style. You can experiment with blinds, as they allow you to change the direction of the light rays.

Maximum natural light

Large and open windows will give the maximum natural light. Avoid bright light. Highly focused lamps will work ideally, allowing you to adjust the brightness of the lamps. It's better to use multiple wall lamps with subdued light.

Bedside lamps are best replaced with sconces that will only illuminate the area where you read. in a beautiful way lighting are candles.

Furniture in the style of "Everything ingenious is simple"

Classic furniture made of natural materials, emphasizing straight and clear lines in the appropriate colors of the interior, will allow you to relax and unwind as much as possible.

The bed will fit perfectly near the window, but on condition that it does not stand opposite the entrance to the room. Its height should not exceed half a meter, and the finish should be made of natural materials. The number of pillows should not exceed their functionality.

A cozy reading nook can be created from an armchair and a reading table with a lamp or a floor lamp.

Empty walls - freedom of thought

Do not use decorations and decor on the walls at all, or use only what will organically fit into the minimalist interior.

Aromatherapy or Aromatherapy

Use aromatic lamps, candles and essential oils in order to create a unique fragrance in your home. But remember that people are different and may not understand or accept your taste. Do not overload the living room with aromas.

Create a room without electronic appliances

Remember that our brain is electronic impulses. Therefore, any household appliances affect us in the most negative way.

In order to hear the silence, either leave a minimum of appliances in the bedroom or arrange a room in which you can relax, including from negative impact civilization.

Living green plants as decor

The use of plants in decorating rooms is successful and convenient way creating comfort in the home.

Oxygen and green color will act as a sedative. However, do not use whimsical and strongly smelling plants.

Perfect Order

There are always a lot of small items in the house. Find a place for them closed cabinets and caskets. Remove all unnecessary. But leave what causes pleasant emotions and pleases the eye.

After going through all 10 steps in the design of your home, you can create a world of comfort and silence.

Are you comfortable everyday life? Is the cleaning process fast? Is it easy for you to find the things you need? Are you able to save money for vacations or major purchases? If your answers are in the affirmative, you can only envy. The rest will certainly be useful to learn more about minimalism.

Minimalism is more than just a way of decorating an interior. Ideas are successfully extrapolated to everyday wardrobe, diet, consumer habits, parenting. Today, minimalism is a lifestyle of many people who do not want to burden their lives with unnecessary items and expenses.

The introduction of minimalism into your life begins with the release of space.

• Take a close look at the objects around you. Do they bring joy and pleasure? What would you like to change about them? Perhaps you will notice that it would be nice to repair the closet, and the crystal service should be taken to a thrift shop?
• Sort out your wardrobe. Do you really need old baby clothes, creepy stretchy sweaters and jeans, a tracksuit bought a year ago and never worn? Shoes of the wrong size and style, torn bags, stockings with puffs, washed underwear - all this rubbish takes up space in vain and spoils your mood.
• You have an extensive library, but the problem is that children do not read at all. They just want to play and surf the Internet. Who taught them this: didn't you? Why would you pretend to be an intelligent reading family? Donate books to the school orphanage or library, take it to a flea market or second-hand book dealer.
• How many years do you keep boxes from under household appliances and electronics, checks from supermarkets and shopping lists that have long lost their relevance? If the term warranty repair out, feel free to throw away both boxes and receipts. The only exception is the packaging of Apple equipment: without it, it will be difficult for you to sell the gadget and prove its authenticity.
• Oh what is it? A souvenir from the sea, a magnet from a neighboring city, a T-shirt from a conference, an idiotic mug donated by colleagues? All this will find a place in a landfill or, in extreme cases, in some free market.
• Don't overbuy! Large food supplies and household chemicals you will need in two cases: if it comes nuclear war or if you live in the Far North. If you want to waste money, go to the movies rather than buy another junk.

Articles usually end with words like: "Following this simple advice you will definitely become a successful person.”, but it's not. Life among the trash is familiar and can seem comfortable. It is possible that you do not want to change your routine. Most likely, you will never finish cleaning. I can’t blame you: for 10 years I have been carrying around a huge English-Russian dictionary, an almost useless souvenir knife and a keychain with the inscription “Space Forces” given by a prankster friend. But if you still want to make your life more comfortable, you will have to part with things, people and attitudes in your head. The choice is yours!

Zen (or zen) Buddhism is essentially not a religion - it is a way of thinking, a lifestyle and rules of existence. On the contrary, starting from inner freedom, zen denies religions and rituals, and considers a moment of enlightenment possible for everyone in certain moment. Harmony in the absolute, when the subject merges with the surrounding world in a state of complete dissolution and naturalness - this is what needs to be achieved. Of course, we do not urge you to join the ranks of adherents zen -Buddhism, but after a day full of stress, fuss and hassle, plunge into the atmosphere of meditative relaxation is tantamount to a good session of psychotherapy and massage. To arrange zen style interior , you need to take 10 basic steps - not canons, not dogmas, but just recommendations that will help you turn into a calm and harmonious person.

10 steps to a zen-style interior

1. Natural colors

Zen design involves soft, natural hues (chromatic harmony) and smooth transitions (the principle of "do not create ripples on the surface of the water and do not make noise in silence"):

• colors white, gray, beige, pink-beige (cause a feeling of calm and relaxation);
• visual continuity between walls, furniture and floors;
• combine dominant colors in fabric textures and furniture (for example, white satin and rosewood);
• arrange everything in a single color (or its shades).

2.Comfort for feet

Legs, as a point of contact with the earth's surface or the world platform, need emphatically natural comfort:

• wood flooring in any form (parquet, solid board);
• carpets made of wool, cotton, woven by hand, and several carpets can be tied together, turning the house into a kind of cocoon;
• the colors of the wooden floor are white, gray, any light, you can have a colorful parquet - but in harmony with the rest of the situation; colors carpets from white satin, khaki fabrics, gray.

3. Natural and light fabrics

The same need to feel the freedom of breathing, comfort for the body and soul dictates:

• curtains should create an atmosphere of intimacy, protect against drafts and noise; for fabrics, choose specially processed (by density) wool or linen;
• if you choose blinds as curtains, then with their help it is easy to fix the level of illumination;
• pay attention to the crossbar for curtains - it’s not good if beautiful curtains will be mounted on a rough, industrially manufactured bracket.

4. Prefer natural or soft lighting

Light should not interfere with the relaxing atmosphere, cut eyes, distract attention and hinder meditation:

• replace fluorescent lamps with too harsh light with lamps with natural diffused light or even candles;
• place light sources with varying degrees of intensity for different areas;
• avoid direct light from above and try to combine floor lamps, groups of lamps, reflections in the mirror by any means;
• use bedside lamps, lampshades or sconces, because they provide useful directional lighting;
• lovers of diffused light prefer candles (can be scented).

5. Simple furniture

Furniture should be free of sharp corners, unnecessary decorations and complex details, comfortable and natural:

• high quality natural materials;
• cabinets, chests of drawers for storing things should be inscribed in the rest of the interior and painted in the appropriate colors;
• the bedroom is one of the most important places in a zen interior, because here general recommendations for her:

Place the bed near a source of natural light, do not place it in front of a door or in an aisle. The height of the bed should be comfortable for you, but the most comfortable are those that are higher than 55 cm. Choose for the back soft upholstery leather, fabric.

Bed decorations should be kept to a minimum. Use natural wool for the blanket. Do not need high pillows, prefer pillows different sizes with pillowcases of various colors and, as needed, put them under your neck or elbow if you are just relaxing or reading.

Bedside tables are very useful for convenience - but it is important to fit them into the atmosphere of the bedroom (streamlined shapes).

You can create a special reading nook with a minimalist chair.

6. Minimum decorations

For walls, the rule is the same as for the entire interior - simplicity:

• no need to hang up collections of paintings and selections of photographs - leave those that are most important to you;
• for monochrome, wrap books in a personal library in paper of the same color (white, cream, gray).

7. Natural flavors

Smells also need to be given Special attention. with a special spray essential oils, candles, dry herbs and sachets, use not only to calm down and fall asleep soundly, but also to cheer up in the morning when you wake up.

8. Get rid of traces of civilization

atmospherezen should not destroy all kinds of inventions of electronic and other modern origin. If you still cannot do without them, then try:

• hide the TV in a sliding panel or closet, cabinet, especially in the bedroom;
• remove wires, cables, sockets from sight.

9. Houseplants

Green spaces not only give oxygen to the breath, but also bring soothing notes to the general interior . However, there are also some limitations here:

• avoid plants that require serious care;
• those flowers that emit a pungent odor are unacceptable;
• bonsai compositions or hanging terrariums are preferred, which are often used in zen interiors.

Zen does not tolerate scattered things, randomly located accessories, as well as cute and memorable, but useless souvenirs. Clear the room of details as much as possible, but feel free to add those that can increase your personal sense of comfort.