Everyone’s idea of minimalism is different and that is very important to remember. When you are thinking about embracing minimalism, the whole point of it is to keep true to your authentic self. What is important to you, the things you enjoy and the life you want to live. I’m excited to share some real life examples of what minimalism looks like in different homes around the world.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Alisha, who has kindly offered to share some images of her home with us:
Hi my name is Alisha, My husband and I bought and renovated our farmhouse and it has been an adventure I’m a wife, mother, daughter, & Child of God. This last year has been a whirlwind for our family our middle child was hospitalized for 5 weeks end of January 2016 and is still needing extra care. We came through that by the grace of God our father and praise his name forever! I enjoy Gardening & canning and can’t wait for spring to jump into the growing season!
What square footage do you have in your home? We have an 1800 sf 1940’s old farmhouse but am excited for our 1000 sf garage to turn into our living room and laundry room.. We love having our friends over and they all have large families so the living room will be well used!
How many people live in your home? We are a family of 5! My wonderful husband and 3 kiddos my oldest is a spunky just-turned-3 year old, our (almost) 2 year old is such a sweetheart and a fun little 8 month old.
What was your motivation for embracing simplicity in your life? I want to have fun with my family and not be bogged down with stuff!!! We are not meant to be collectors of stuff but fishers of men. I’m excited to use our home as a refuge. Not being stressed about people showing up is so refreshing. Life is fleeting I do not want to spends my days “organizing” my stuff.
How has minimizing your possessions made your life better? Wow, where to start? I feel less confused and more hopeful! Ready for anything!! I can’t wait to see how much more I can purge this next year.
What was your biggest challenge in the middle of decluttering? Having 3 very young kids and a garage sale habit.
Did you involve your family or were you on your own? My husband was very supportive he has helped keep the kids occupied and my mother has been so encouraging she keeps reminding me that stuff is not what we are placed on this earth for! We came with nothing and are leaving with nothing. People matter not things.
What unexpected reactions did you get from friends or family seen your new way to cluttered home? Some are shocked it’s a new thought to some people, but lots of my friend have large families and are eager to simplify their lives! My younger sister continually texts me encouraging things and is on this journey with me. My older sister has 9 kids under 11 and she is full force on being minimal so we are all on the same track, and it’s awesome!
Hi there! I’m Rachel Jones, and I founded Nourishing Minimalism in 2012 at the beginning of my minimalist journey after I'd been doing a yearly decluttering challenge for 4 years and started to see a change in my home. If you're looking for encouragement in your journey, please join our FREE Facebook Group: Nourishing Minimalism Facebook Group
..I was so touched in reading your words, your message about our Lord and Saviour. I am smiling ,reading how by he grace of god, your family is managing, in light of the situation with your middle child. I do love the lighting in your photos, I have made some of my own lighting, for my small entryway where I reside. The photos are beautifully done, and I love your white kitchen. 🙂 I have a ‘ Farmhouse/ combined with fancy” in my own home and while its noT as minimalist as yours, I took bits of inspiration from you sharing your home / story. I know life is not about collecting ” things’…but there are Those of us who find comfort from looking at and enjoying certain things we collect. I have a penchant for all sorts of birdhouses and being a bird lover, I have a few birdhouses in my kitchen on display… These little treasures give my heart joy when I look at them everyday , on the shelf above my kitchen window….I suppose because we feed/ house the feathered friends here where I live. I wish you gods unending love and may you have everyday miracles take place for you and your family ,,,,Peace and Blessings~ From here in the Tall Corn State
You’ve done a nice job with your place! I hope you share the photos of your new living room once it’s finished.
What do you do about dishes/plates etc. when guests come over? Do you have a stack of extras in a different cupboard somewhere for these times?
Love what you’ve done with this house. We also live in a house that’s now 1,500sf also built in the 1940’s so our kitchen is about the same size as yours. Your house looks peaceful and fun all at the same time.
Alisha, I know this is an old post, so not sure if you will see this, but thank you for sharing!!! I love the Lord and WANT my home to be more minimalist, but I have 10 children, homeschool and own a business…… But PEOPLE matter, not things! I’m encouraged that your sister is doing this with her large Family also! And I love the farmhouse look and am encouraged I can still have that!
YOUR home is beautiful and welcoming!
Thank you!
Your home is absolutely lovely, fresh and peaceful! I get so discouraged.your photos give me encouragement!
Beautiful HOme and message!
Beautiful home! I’ve been trying to do the same thing and you’ve inspired me to continue on!
What a beautiful home! I love the chandeliers — they make your home feel deliberate and comfortable. I’m happy your child is healing.
THANK YOU! WE ARE THRILLED TOO. What an awesome God we serve!
Ahh! So beautiful. White spaces and clear tables really nourishes the soul. Thanks for sharing.
Ohh, It looks very good. I would like to improve my house liek this. Very nice!
..I was so touched in reading your words, your message about our Lord and Saviour. I am smiling ,reading how by he grace of god, your family is managing, in light of the situation with your middle child. I do love the lighting in your photos, I have made some of my own lighting, for my small entryway where I reside. The photos are beautifully done, and I love your white kitchen. 🙂 I have a ‘ Farmhouse/ combined with fancy” in my own home and while its noT as minimalist as yours, I took bits of inspiration from you sharing your home / story. I know life is not about collecting ” things’…but there are Those of us who find comfort from looking at and enjoying certain things we collect. I have a penchant for all sorts of birdhouses and being a bird lover, I have a few birdhouses in my kitchen on display… These little treasures give my heart joy when I look at them everyday , on the shelf above my kitchen window….I suppose because we feed/ house the feathered friends here where I live. I wish you gods unending love and may you have everyday miracles take place for you and your family ,,,,Peace and Blessings~ From here in the Tall Corn State
Absolutely love this Post! Gorgeous house & words! You are so insPiring.
You’ve done a nice job with your place! I hope you share the photos of your new living room once it’s finished.
What do you do about dishes/plates etc. when guests come over? Do you have a stack of extras in a different cupboard somewhere for these times?
Loved your thought that we’re not here to be collectors of stuff but to be fishers of men
Love what you’ve done with this house. We also live in a house that’s now 1,500sf also built in the 1940’s so our kitchen is about the same size as yours. Your house looks peaceful and fun all at the same time.
Well done! So serene and curated for hospitality.
Beautiful. I’d love be to see what it looked like before — that would be inspiring.
Love your home and attitude. Curious how you found such a darling bench for your entry with the kids bench that coordinates? Lovely.
Alisha, your home and your words here are beautiful and inspiring! Thanks for sharing them.
I love the white. I love your home. I love your faith. 👍
Toys, where do you put them at?
I have the same question!
Alisha, I know this is an old post, so not sure if you will see this, but thank you for sharing!!! I love the Lord and WANT my home to be more minimalist, but I have 10 children, homeschool and own a business…… But PEOPLE matter, not things! I’m encouraged that your sister is doing this with her large Family also! And I love the farmhouse look and am encouraged I can still have that!