A Simpler Design to Life

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius

This quote stands out in my mind because it not only highlights that we allow the distractions that are constantly bombarding us in life to deter us from what is really important and also relates directly to how and where we choose to live.  From the moment we are born, we are told we need to strive to get more and more of everything.  We then learn and live by this rule and it becomes our compass in the pursuit of happiness.  Ads in all forms ranging from TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, and the mass amounts of digital media shout to us on a daily basis that more is better. As a result, we at Declor Designs work hard and work long hours so that we can spend the precious money we earn purchasing the enormous homes, fancy cars, follow the trendiest styles in clothing, buy the most sought after toys, and possess the newest technologies.  But is this really what is best for us and does it really make us happier?

Less is definitely more in our homes and workspaces. Instead of trying to impress people or validate ourselves with the amount of physical contents we have come to accumulate throughout our lives, we should find clarity on what is really important and beauty within the space itself. Many of the decor in our homes and workspaces hold no personal value to our lives. They just simply happened to match the color of the carpet or be on sale when we walked into the store. Unfortunately, in actuality they are distracting you and your guests or clients from the decorations in your space that share your story and highlight your values. Take the time to walk through your home or office and focus with a discriminating eye. Leave only the decorations that are the most meaningful and the most beautiful. At Declor Designs your space will begin to share your individual story in a wonderfully harmonious way. 

So now, after living for years with the idea that we should accumulate you may now ask: what’s the point of trying to live with less?  The simple answer is happiness. But happiness is abstract and intangible. In 1978, researchers Brickman, Coates, and Janoff-Bulman conducted a survey. They conducted a study that concluded that people who have won millions of dollars in the lottery were not happier than people who only had money to meet their basic needs.  So, if money and material objects aren’t the key to true happiness in humans, then perhaps our lifestyles are. Small changes and modifications can make a big difference. If nothing else, simplifying is a just a re-assessment of your priorities with the goal of living a happier life.

Clutter, debt, material objects and possessions, they can easily become life’s loudest noise and lead to disorder and disruption. It is now the time to take a step back, return to the basics and create room for only what’s important. In the end, less is more freedom, more time and a greater peace of mind.