The winter holidays carry a swirling energy of maximalism, colorful layers and a celebration for exaggerated moments of expression. From materialism + gift giving, to stacks of festive foods, sparkly wardrobes and boosted entertaining thrills, I am always left completely obsessed and starved for peeling back of life layers and focusing on the essentials.
Photography by Chen Hao, Design by Neri & Hu.
There will always be room for more. More ideas, more relationships, more stuff. But instead of forcing our brains to constantly juggle these all as equal priorities, what if we retrain our minds to pick and choose something that is continuously substantial or whole and turn inward to unpack the layers. These directional and purposeful thoughts and actions will help to influence our lives in a more focused and meaningful way. The idea behind subtractive creation really teaches us to sitting with the choices and solutions you represent and to curate all your ideals and life paths around it.
Photography by Cesar Bejar, Design by HW Studio
It really boils down to the power of editing, control, and ultimately self-realization.
Unique and thought-provoking finish and layout details inside of our everyday spaces can help to enhance this overarching value of minimalism while still remaining playful and warm. Here is a pretty extreme example of this through incorporation of 2 basic square tiles wrapped thoughtfully around the entire space for a cozy, exciting and inspiring communal hallway space.
Design & Photography by Atelier Vens Vanbelle
And below, is a less extreme version of that concept, where a monochromatic square tile is used to wrap over the range hood and counter to ceiling tile. This monochromatic coating provides high visual impact and maximize textures while stile plays favor to a monolithic, minimalist sensibility. In my mind, this allows us to slow down and take stock of all of the minor things that make us feel different emotions.
Photography by Magnus Marding , Design by Sofia Wallenstam and Louise Liljencrantz.
Peeling back layers is not only a refreshing experience visually, but can also provide financial benefits and flexibility. Along with less layers and traditional building scheme formats, a freedom of expression and practicality can take hold and fold a creative perspective into the mix. I really enjoy the example below that utilizes this open framing concept to provide low cost, smart housing solutions for a residential community within Austin, TX.
Slightly altering the finish of the horizontal shelving in white paint, allows the display shelves to each become their own focal point. This look helps to minimally balance out all of the raw plywood finishes and slab concrete floor.
Photography by Leonid Furmansky, Designs by Chioco Design.
Ultimately, the paring back of layers might aesthetically look like it leads to a simpler path. Fingers crossed that the curation process and duration of time leaves a good vibes ripple effect / chunk o wisdom along with it too :)
Images courtesy of Manuelle Gautrand. Photography by Gaelle Le Boulicaut.
Thanx 4 listening. Catch you colorful creatures later !
xo, Jordo