People often joke that minimalism is poverty for the rich. The word makes us think of spotless white rooms with sunlight streaming in and a few insanely expensive items scattered around. Sounds peaceful, but it’s a whole different story on social media. Minimalists get roasted left and right. How can someone preach buying less while owning that one $500 lamp?
But here’s the catch. Minimalism isn’t about being cheap or pretending you’re above stuff. It’s about being intentional with keeping only what truly sparks joy. Sometimes the things that make us happy aren’t daily essentials. They’re quirky, occasional-use items we wouldn’t part with for the world. And just like that, the minimalism paradox appears.
Of course, some brands understand this paradox and present their products and/or services as the antidote. Take the renowned online gambling brand mr bet casino as an example. It is a streamlined, user-first platform known to deliver the finest experience to internet gamblers without noise. Users enjoy quicker load times, seamless navigation and minimal on-screen distractions as they are taking part in their favourite games. The iGaming realm is packed with cluttered platforms with a wonky user experience while bombarding players with countless options without proper order. As such, the platform presents itself as a breath of fresh air.
Minimalism Has Changed a Great Deal
Minimalism started as a way of thinking about life, space, and purpose. Thinkers like Henry David Thoreau celebrated the power of living simply long before it had a name. Thoreau lived a quiet life at Walden Pond and proved that happiness is not built on possessions. He showed that people could gain clarity and a stronger connection to the natural world around them by cutting back on excess.
The idea later took shape in art and design during the mid-20th century. Creative minds such as Donald Judd and Agnes Martin embraced clean lines within open spaces and gentle balance. Legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe even coined the phrase ‘less is more.’ These personalities often insisted that removing details could actually make a message more powerful.
Modern-times minimalism stepped into everyday life through the influential voices of the likes of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. They wrote books and documentaries to inspire millions to rethink what they own and why.
Brands took notice as interest grew. They turned minimalism from a personal philosophy into a sellable image. This concept spread across industries and evolved into a distinctively profitable market identity. Minimalism promotes the idea of owning fewer, better things. But today’s consumer-driven environment often twists this goal into another reason to shop. Some people simply replace ordinary items with minimalist versions instead of reducing what they own. The outcome beats the intention to simplify life.
But How Did Minimalism Turn Into a Market Niche?
Businesses quickly saw an opportunity as minimalism gained popularity. They began selling carefully curated minimalist collections that promised clarity. Social media helped turn minimalism into an aesthetic rather than a mindset, and as a result:
- Fashion brands launched ‘capsule’ wardrobes
- Storage companies promoted decluttering by selling organizers
- Tech companies marketed ‘simple and ‘clean’ designs
The Marie Kondo effect is a real-life example. Her Tidying Up became a global success, and millions within her audience cleared out their homes. But sales of storage boxes, drawer dividers, and organizing tools increased at the same time. People did not actually own less in many cases. They simply replaced old items with new minimalist ones.
The Marketing of Minimalism
Brands now use the language of less but better to sell products that are often just as unnecessary as the things minimalists try to avoid. They’re carefully designing clean packaging, neutral colours, and empty space in advertisements to suggest control and emotional relief. In reality, these are still traditional marketing tactics. They’re only dressed in a more thoughtful-looking style.
Phone manufacturers are masters of this game. Their product packaging, store layout, and advertising are famously minimalist. Devices are shown against plain backgrounds with very few words to create an impression of elegance and simplicity. Many people find themselves upgrading, even when their current devices still work well.
We’ve also seen the rise of ‘clean beauty’ and minimalist skincare brands. These brands promote the idea of simple routines and bare, natural skin. But the marketing still pushes consumers to buy multiple ‘essential’ products to achieve that effortless look. Clearly, minimalism is not reducing buying habits.
What It Truly Means to Live With Less
A minimalistic life is a personal and practical choice that focuses on value and intention to be free from excess. True minimalism is about removing what distracts you so you can make more room for what truly matters. You have to:
- Keep only what adds real value to your daily life
- Choose quality over quantity
- Be mindful of emotional spending and purchases made out of social pressure
- Let go of the need to match a social media aesthetic
- Use what you already have before buying replacements
- Practice thoughtful consumption to reduce waste
- Make space to experience relationships and rest
- Understand that less looks different for everyone
- Practice gratitude and contentment
These aren’t restrictions. Rather, they’re your route to freedom from the pressure of clutter and the endless cycle of wanting more. Living with less is a mindset.
Are We Buying Simplicity?
Think about the last time you decided to declutter. You probably stood there, overwhelmed by how much you owned. Simplification was your only solution. But instead of using what you had, you shopped online. A new shelf looked cleaner, and matching containers felt organized. Your space improved on the surface. But deep down, nothing really changed. You just dressed up the clutter.
Here’s the twist. We are buying control, not the hope that life will feel lighter once these items arrive. Marketing doesn’t shout buy more. It whispers, ‘This will make everything easier.’ We’ve all been there. We emptied drawers only to slowly refill them. But true simplicity lives in daily choices. We have to pause, say no, and learn to be content with enough.
