Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Decorating

Do Minimalist interiors cause more arguments?

New research suggests they do. - by Laura Barry
  • 12 Nov 2018
Do Minimalist interiors cause more arguments?

The latest IKEA catalogue is a study in maximalism. It marks a dramatic change for interior design trends which, until recently, have been dominated by minimalist and Scandinavian-influenced design concepts. In 2018 we have seen the return of rich colours and saturated interiors, plush fabrics and highly decorated homes. We’ve previously been lead to believe that a minimalist home with very little clutter can simplify our lives, quiet our minds and help us lead more fulfilling, happier lives. But what if this isn’t true?

New research which was published in Ikea’s Our Life at Home Report found that having too much stuff in our home is one of the biggest causes of stress, however, paring down your possessions too much can actually cause more anxiety than relief.

Scandinavian-inspired interior design
Getty

The report surveyed more than 21,000 people from 22 countries (including Australia) and found that 27 per cent of people feel pressure from society to live more minimally, a pressure which is causing arguments and disharmony in the home. In fact, 49 per cent of those surveyed said that differing ideas of what constitutes ‘mess’ were one of the main arguments in their households. Furthermore, homeowners reported that balancing the pressure to declutter with the importance of keeping their meaningful objects is a source of tension for them.

maximal interior design
Getty

The root of the problem is that one person’s mess is another person’s treasured items on display. As such, a ‘clutter-free’ home could have different meanings to different people. An overly minimal and clean home can even feel too sterile and lack personality. So, what should you do about it?

  • Make sure everyone in the household declutters together, focusing on things such as junk drawers, old clothes, toys and random collections of magazines and other paraphernalia you may not need.
  • Rather than removing all clutter from your home, decide as a couple (or family) what’s important to have on display, and within easy reach. Allow each person to creatively contribute to the decoration of your home, and allow each person their own space for expression.
  • Whether you like an overly feathered nest, or a nest that just has the essentials, ensure your home delivers what you need from it: peace, calm, happiness and function.

You might also like:

5 easy ways to declutter your home 

5 ways to decorate your home for free

How to reduce anxiety triggers in your home 

  • Decorating
  • Health
  • Better Life
  • Ikea
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

This IKEA hack is genius for storing your summer clothes

This IKEA hack is genius for storing your summer clothes

This is the hardest Ikea product to assemble from Ikea

This is the hardest Ikea product to assemble from Ikea

This new Ikea artwork is actually a WiFi speaker

This new Ikea artwork is actually a WiFi speaker

This blogger's pantry is next level amazing

This blogger's pantry is next level amazing

{headline}

{headline}

Retail giant Ikea has recalled one of their most popular cabinets

Retail giant Ikea has recalled one of their most popular cabinets

The massive Ikea mid-year clearance sale is here

The massive Ikea mid-year clearance sale is here

Your old CorningWare could be worth thousands of dollars

Your old CorningWare could be worth thousands of dollars

{headline}

{headline}

IKEA's new autumn collection is here!

IKEA's new autumn collection is here!

IKEA's new decluttering system will change your life

IKEA's new decluttering system will change your life

A budget conversion transformed this garage into a functional home office

A budget conversion transformed this garage into a functional home office

10 simple declutter tips

10 simple declutter tips

Ikea and Lego have joined forces to create this playful storage set

Ikea and Lego have joined forces to create this playful storage set

Ikea ends its iconic catalogue after 70 years in print

Ikea ends its iconic catalogue after 70 years in print

This is the Ikea candle that will sell-out fast

This is the Ikea candle that will sell-out fast

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription