Our room sizes may vary, but on the whole studios are cosy and cleverly designed to fit everything you might need (a bed, storage, bathroom and kitchenette). Here at The Collective we're particularly interested in minimal living, and like Sasaki, in the value of experiences over things. This minimal approach has freed up both mental space and time for him to do the things he loves, like spending time with friends. He applies kanso to other aspects of his life too, like his tech and diet. You may not want to go quite as far as him, packing your mattress up every morning and not being able to have a friend round for dinner, but his story is an inspiring one. Fumio Sasaki, author of the book Goodbye Things, lives in a 30 square metre room and has around 200 possessions. One man has taken minimalism to a whole new level. In more general terms, it can be used as a reminder to curb the constant desire to consume. Something many of us could learn from - especially considering the impact on the environment, and our wallets. This may sound pretty extreme, and frankly it would be for most people, but there are definitely elements we can all learn from this practice. You are then left with the bare essentials a minimal amount of clothes, a table, a bed etc. It's all about stripping back on unnecessary and decorative possessions to keep only what is functional. Kanso (簡素) sits amongst seven zen concepts like the obviously calming seijaku (silence) and our personal favourite, wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection). But what if we took it one step further? Enter kanso, the ancient aesthetic belief that aspires to inner peace through simplicity and minimalism. Then there's the more recent success of Marie Kondo’s decluttering ways, and her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. There was Feng Shui, the practice of observing energy flow in the home, which became a Western obsession in the 90s. With a stand resembling a tree trunk framed by a metal wrapped tabletop "canopy", a teak root dining table will surely liven up your outdoor patio.We've learnt a great deal about home improvement from Japanese culture over the years. Store your personal items in a 3-door cabinet with a blue agate finish resembling the splash of ocean waves. Decorate your couch with a comfy grey ski pillow made of 100% lamb fur and polyester.
Combine fire and water with a shock rock candle holder that uses sculpted stone to mimic the look of fractured sea ice. Whatever your preferences, Elk Home hosts a wide variety of products that imbue your home with a dynamic, natural look. Elk Home prides itself on telling stories of nature through its inspiring designs that brim with life. Their varied selection includes decorative accessories, indoor and outdoor furniture, indoor and outdoor lighting, seating, and wall décor. They have worked painstakingly to create collections that feature distinct aesthetics including Dimond, GuildMaster, and Couture into one powerful brand.Ĭombining the beauty of nature and the elegance of modern design, the superior craftsmanship of Elk Home products creates enchanting furnishings and accessories that will surely set the right ambiance in any home. Their award-winning team of international designers and engineers create coordinating products with uncompromising detail while ensuring each item is crafted to exceptionally high standards of quality, innovation, and design. Headquartered in Nesquehoning, PA, Elk Group International is a premier manufacturer of lighting fixtures, decorative accessories, and furniture pieces.