Sustainable minimalism is evolving as a philosophy. Its appeal lies in its commitment to preserving the natural world while delivering cost-saving advantages.
The idea embraces imperfections in day-to-day life, dismissing the temptation to gloss over them with new possessions. A great part of its appeal also comes from its emphasis on meaningful objects and experiences over a rush to acquire more.
For homeowners considering a renovation, these principles can prove helpful. They will keep you grounded and support considered decision-making that also completes what needs to get done.
Here are three guidelines inspired by sustainable minimalism that can help you complete home renovation tasks more responsibly.
1. Consider Upcycling and Repurposing First
One of the prime draws for renovating things around the house is aesthetic fatigue. That feeling we get from the same-old upholstery, the decades-old furniture. These feelings draw many of us toward consumption, and replacing the old with the new. However, as a proponent of sustainable minimalism, here’s what you can do instead: reinvent.
For home maintenance, upcycling and repurposing can be a fantastic way to infuse new life into things. This trend has gained visibility in several sectors, including interior design and apparel. BBC reports that initiatives like Threads for Care, which connect local creatives with charity shops, can prevent clothes from ending up in landfills. They transform into new clothing or tote bags instead.
Similarly, several home renovation projects can open up opportunities for reinventing things. For example, Homes and Gardens discussed a case with a Georgian table: too small for dining, too big for occasional use. Instead of dumping it and purchasing a new table, the owners performed cutting and repositioning. Voila! It became a console table that added character to the house and also avoided investing in brand-new furniture.
Consider ideas such as a fresh coat of paint and new hardware for home renovation projects. These solutions also work well for thrift-store purchases, another mindful consumption strategy worth exploring.
Be careful when working with antiques or period pieces, as customizing may devalue them. The call will depend on your preferences, as unique as you are. Some of us enjoy a dated pine wood bookshelf in its original, if stained glory, while others prefer quirkier colors and patterns.
2. Assess Material Choices Based On Weather Conditions
Sustainable minimalism centers on materials that are compatible with and friendly to one’s environment. The idea is that well-matched choices also tend to be more long-lasting, saving you money over time. In this context, designs or materials that may be appealing but are poorly matched to the ambient weather are not a good idea.
For example, some US states, like South Carolina, experience occasional tornadoes and storms. A few years ago, Seneca was ravaged by a severe EF-3 tornado, causing several houses to collapse. In light of potential tornadoes recurring, roofing companies in Seneca, SC, now recommend choosing durable materials that can resist damage in extreme weather conditions.
According to SureFlow Roofing, it means staying open to options like metal roofs, which are more resilient than asphalt shingles. It will also mean staying on top of scheduled roof inspections and fresh installations, if required.
Another area that demands weather-wise materials is paint. Incidentally, it is also a key trigger for home renovation projects; few things are as frustrating to behold as peeling paint.
Why not choose materials containing clay or plant oils instead of traditional paints (with volatile organic compounds and dyes)? These choices are true to the minimalist spirit: they are long-lasting, environmentally friendly, and of high quality. Still, they can offer deep colors that add vibrancy and good coverage to your walls.
3. Prioritize Waste Recycling Over Blanket Decluttering
Decluttering is a minimalism component that some of us approach incorrectly in a bid to stay organized. Whether inspired by Marie Kondo’s “joy-based” philosophy or more extreme decluttering ideas, we may believe that removing things is key to a minimalistic lifestyle.
We continue this approach to repair and renovation projects. Bags and bags of old canvases, drywall anchors, and stained kitchen tiles. Discolored rugs and leaky faucets. All of it heads out, leaving behind a “minimal” home, trampling over a growing landfill.
Instead of adopting a blanket decluttering approach, consider minimizing and recycling waste at every stage of the process. For example, many items can head to charity shops or community centers. Recycling facilities can utilize materials like metals and concrete.
The Guardian spotlights how some current initiatives in this field promote circularity in waste management. It automatically encourages related endeavors, like adding energy-efficient features without demolishing for a certain “designer” compliance. When you follow this approach, you also feel less inclined to discard unique features of your home only for the sake of renovation.
We daresay sustainable minimalism is likely to become more widespread as the world struggles with climate change. Adverse weather is becoming more common, and resources are getting scarcer every day. Minimalism can be an uplifting and reassuring principle to live by in these circumstances.
Here’s hoping you find more ways to stay sustainable the next time you embark on a home renovation project. Chances are you will also be more creative and get individualistic, enduring results.