Designing with Less: What The Minimalists Teach Us About Space, Intention, and Beauty
Exploring how simplicity becomes soulful through the lens of architecture, interiors, and the bestselling book by The Minimalists.
Written by Marisol Vega
Editorial Contributor, Architecture + Design
“Minimalism is the thing that gets us past the things so we can make room for life.”
— Joshua Fields Millburn
In a world that often praises “more” as the ultimate achievement, The Minimalists—Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus—offer a compelling counterpoint: what if less truly is more?
Known for their documentaries, popular podcast, and bestselling book “Love People, Use Things”, The Minimalists have become global voices in the movement toward living with intention. But their philosophy reaches far beyond closets and clutter. It speaks directly to how we design our lives—and our spaces.
At Neova Collective, where conscious aesthetics and intentional living are foundational, their message resonates deeply. It’s not just about what we remove—but what we make room for.
The Book: “Love People, Use Things”
At first glance, the title is provocative. But it's really a blueprint for designing a life that prioritizes connection over consumption. Through personal stories and thoughtful reflection, Joshua and Ryan explore how minimalism can help us reframe everything from our relationships to our homes.
The book is divided into meaningful categories—stuff, truth, self, money, values, creativity, and people—all centered around the idea of letting go of what no longer serves, so we can live with clarity and depth.
This mindset echoes some of the most powerful principles in design:
Negative space is powerful.
Form should follow function.
Materiality matters.
It’s not just philosophy—it’s spatial poetry.
Minimalism in Architecture & Interior Design
When applied to architecture and interiors, minimalism becomes a visual language of restraint, elegance, and emotional resonance. It asks us to look beyond ornamentation and into essence.
Think:
Light filtering through linen curtains.
Raw textures that age with grace.
Uncluttered spaces that invite pause instead of productivity.
In this way, minimalism is not a lack—it’s a deliberate presence. It’s knowing that one well-placed chair can speak louder than a dozen trend-driven accessories. That a quiet color palette can evoke more emotion than bold prints ever could.
This aesthetic is the foundation for many of the designers we feature at Neova Collective—those who value meaning, material honesty, and emotional architecture.
Why “Minimalism” Still Matters
In an era dominated by algorithmic overload and fast-paced visual culture, minimalism is not outdated—it’s revolutionary. It asks us to design lives that feel less reactive and more rooted.
Homes become sanctuaries.
Objects become intentional.
Rooms become reflections of self, not status.
Just as The Minimalists ask us to assess our emotional attachments to things, we must also ask: what is the purpose of this space? What does this object add to my experience? Is this beautiful, or just filling space?
These are design questions. But they are also life questions.
Living With Intention: A Designer’s Takeaway
Minimalism doesn’t require us to live in blank white boxes or throw away sentimental items. It invites us to consider what supports the life we want to live.
So whether you’re curating a living room, a brand identity, or a lifestyle—it begins with clarity. As The Minimalists say:
“Minimalism is the thing that gets us past the things, so we can make room for life.”
At Neova, we believe that design should do exactly that—create space for life to unfold, softly and beautifully.
Check Out These Recommended Books on Minimalism, Home Improvement & Intentional Living
Whether you're beginning your journey toward intentional living or simply looking to refine your space and mindset, these books on minimalism offer fresh perspectives, timeless wisdom, and practical guidance. From decluttering your home to simplifying your thoughts, each one invites you to live with greater clarity, purpose, and ease.
