Three Kinds of Aesthetics and an Idea of Space Efficiency

Living in a small space often means either managing the massive amount of stuff you have and going for a Bohemian aesthetic or making use of the space you have in either unique approaches and/or minimalism. Maybe somewhere in between. In this first post, I wanted to talk about what I do for my small apartment living space and three aesthetics commonly found in how people set up their space. Keep in mind that some people may have some other way of keeping their space. The three I will talk about aren't meant to be the only ones to consider.

What is Bohemian Aesthetic?

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

If intentional clutter and a lived-in, imperfect aesthetic are what you're seeking, it may align more closely with the concept of "bohemian" or "boho" style. Bohemian decor often embraces a mix of patterns, textures, and eclectic elements, creating a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. This style is characterized by a free-spirited and unconventional approach to design, and it often incorporates items with sentimental value, vintage pieces, and a diverse range of colors. The way that this is embedded within a given space is that the space is intentionally cluttered and reflects the idea that beauty can be found in the imperfect and unconventional. This approach is in contrast to minimalism, which is the look and appeal of having less clutter for the sake of having less to worry about. Bohemian may be an aesthetic, but the idea is universal. Please note that bohemian is not the same as a completely messy room or something akin to what a hoarder might do. These are very different situations and, to be fair, often negate some sort of intervention and potentially a set schedule of visiting a counselor to assess why a messy space or hoarding issue is going on with an individual.

Drawbacks of Bohemian

For me, while I guess I tend to unintentionally give a Bohemian look to many who come into my home, I often find that it creates a problem in my organization. I am happy, however, that the mess I accrued in my youth isn't the case now. Any parent who knows what it is like to repeatedly ask their child to clean their room because there is no room for movement and trash in places where there shouldn't be trash, etc., knows that this can sometimes resolve with age. It can, however, become Bohemian under the right conditions. Think of it as a maximalist approach, but keep in mind that there are drawbacks. More than that, it actually requires more maintenance than you'd expect.

First, it is highly subjective, and one way of doing it may not be the way another person would do it. Everyone will have a different idea of how it can be done. For example, some may use their walls with a lot of shelves to put their items with a certain amount on the floor, while others may create spaces to put things with other things. Like using a bunch of books as a table.

Next, maintenance. I mentioned this, but utilizing a Bohemian approach means keeping it looking the way you want it. So, there is organization in the chaos. Though many who don't use this form of space aesthetic will see the organization, they will most likely see the chaos. Either way, some items may still need to be cared for. Such as dusting shelves and making sure things are clean in the sense that you won't pick up some virus or germ from touching something. Again, a mess isn't the same as Bohemian.

Then, it can lead to clutter if the maintenance is not kept up, and disorganization ensues. Say you have a busy schedule and just don't get the chance to make sure things are set in a way that keeps to the appearance you're going for, and things start to build up.

Lastly, this means that those who don't understand Bohemian make use of it as a trend instead of understanding the philosophical roots on which it is based.

Functionalism

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova on Pexels.com

My mom is neither a bohemian person nor a minimalist, but what I think is better described as a neat and orderly contemporary functionalist. If it serves no purpose or isn't going to be used, you might as well get rid of it. Anyway, she is very picky about cleanliness, and it's not uncommon to ask her what she's doing for the week, and she gives a list of things she is doing to maintain her space. Such as shampooing the carpets or reorganizing a bedroom. She's redone entire rooms over the last few years, and her home doesn't look the same now as it did in 2003. But it is still clean, and everything is cohesive and serves a purpose. That is why I refer to it as functionalism. Still, she does allow for expressing a little about herself. And is open to change.

Drawbacks of Functionalism

The few drawbacks to functionalism may be hard to figure out, but there are some to bring up.

One is that if done too much to the effect of making everything have a purpose, an individual may lack the ability to show their individualism. Who they are. Now, although the fact that they prefer function over fashion says they have little interest in being popular with what others are doing, and that is a characteristic of showcasing personality, it also means you won't know what else you can tell about them unless you are really good at Feng Shui and can pick up on nuances. My ex was more of a messy person, but there is this one bit of decor he had in his old apartment that I will never forget. He had a picture of him and his ex-fiance on the wall, with upside-down fake black roses underneath and two crossed daggers above it. Needless to say, in seeing that, I knew he had trouble in relationships, and I do wish I had taken heed to that specific bit of decor. It's rather unnerving when you think about it. It said a lot about his personality, and I was able to use what Feng Shui knew to understand this. The book I was reading can be found here, entitled Look Before You Love.

Next, there is a potential for monotony. There could be a repetitive look to every room, more or less, that perhaps might make things seem too similar and formulaic. If there is no variety, there is no room for individualism.

Then it can also make it clear that emotional and psychological needs are being ignored. Think of that scene in Friends where Monica secretly hid all the clutter her friends didn't know she had in the closet that never seemed to be used near the back balcony. While OCD is potentially an issue with functionalism, the fact that practical needs are at the center of attention can mean there might be issues that the person hasn't dealt with. And those issues can be many things.

Still pic of KakePop3's video tweet, November 3, 2023

Lastly, this moves to utilizing utilitarian aesthetics so much that there is no beauty in it. Nothing may be visually appealing.

Luckily for my mom, I like the look of her home because she adds warmth and comfort, along with neatness, to her functional home. She likes to add gorgeous pictures to the walls and antiques in random spaces that add to the personality she has as a fun person who loves the look of yesteryear.

Minimalism

Photo by Vecislavas Popa on Pexels.com

My brother is a minimalist. Now, this isn't a bad thing. Though he is an extreme minimalist, I won't go into what I have heard about his current home, but when I last lived just a few houses down from him, he had enough chairs around a very small table for three people to visit. There was a couch but no TV, a bookshelf with a select amount of books but a few native American motifs, and die-cast cars. He had a dreamcatcher and the state flag over his front room window, and as for cookware, there were only a few pots and pans and enough food for one person during the week. His bedroom, I would say, had the bulk of his personality. But since this was away from the public eye, it showed that he valued privacy. But the rest of the house said he was a bachelor and, to be honest, not looking and not used to the idea of guests being over very much.

Drawbacks of Minimalism

I think you can tell what drawbacks can be found in minimalism. Or, more to the point, extreme minimalism. Where it's taken so far as to come across as not having very much in your home. While this may be the case for some people just starting out in their first-ever apartment after college or high school, I am noting this more for when the person is much older and has had their own living space for a few years more.

 

First, it can feel rather sterile. Not to knock the rooms nuns and monks use as their sleeping quarters, because those have very deep religious ties, and they aren't always as empty as you'd think, but they do have a bit more of a higher level of minimalism in their spaces. It's kind of a mix of functionalism and minimalism, with allowance for some, but only some, individuality. Here is a video that touches on the subject from a channel that I enjoy simply because the monks are funny and very open with their unique personalities. Showing that their level of minimalism isn't as sterile as a patient's room at the doctor's. But apply it to the home, and it's rather uncomfortable.

 

Next, it goes beyond functionality, unlike a patient's room at the doctor's office, and leans more toward little or no functionality. If you have ever read the play "No Exit," you can get an idea of the little function the furniture has (however, there is a purpose in the little function the furniture has; you'll have to read the play to understand what I mean) since the furniture is from certain bygone eras that were meant for stiff looks rather than actual use. Beyond that, a chair can be in place simply for eating at a table, while hardly any other furniture might be present. Equating no function but little purpose. This limited functionality can lead to potential emptiness and incompleteness. As well as not being suitable for anyone who might stop by.

 

Then, and lastly, it screams that a persona may have the inflexibility to adapt to change. It's not what I would say is in the realm of OCD, but more closer to not being able to adjust to a lifestyle that might change. Like meeting someone, and they move in. Or when a baby might arrive or you suddenly find yourself the caregiver of someone who moves in, such as a parent. This would disrupt what the person has going on in their space.

 

Making Use of Space When You're Somewhere In-Between

As a child, I went from a messy child who may have needed to do an occasional purge of items, particularly during the many moves I have had to make over my lifetime, to someone who, as a teen, probably had more of a Wabi-Sabi setup, but most likely not in the philosophical sense that it was meant to be used to be more cluttered because I not only had two of my three kids with me but also my ex-husband and a roommate or two. Having a home that had all that was not easy to manage, and I honestly say you need to have weekly, if not monthly, meetings with people in your household if you want to maintain such a home in any manner. I wish I had, but I doubt they would have gone well.

More recently, I ended up having very little to manage. Mostly just medical supplies, a few toys for the kids, and our clothes. I had no furniture, cookware, or any of the common items you'd find in a home. It was during a very difficult time in my life, but then one day I was able to have a home in which I could have furniture and more of the kitchen stuff. But it started small, and then over the last 7 years, it built up, and now I must say I have to strike a balance between purging on a quarterly basis and making use of space I hadn't before considered. Such as doors. This is the main thing I wanted to cover in this post, though I did cover a lot about the aesthetics of a living space.

Contemporary Minimalism

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

It's to be kept in mind that everyone is different. I'm trying my best to incorporate minimalist actions frequently while organizing my space so that it isn't Wabi-Sabi but more a mix of functionalism and minimalism with the flexibility of showcasing my home's overall personality. Since I have kids living here, it would be odd to not at least get the idea that they can't indicate that they use the space. What would it say if someone came to your home and they figured you were single only to find out they had kids, but nothing to what you said otherwise? It's odd, isn't it? That is why I would say I am a bit more of a contemporary minimalist, or I at least strive to be one someday. A far cry from myself as a child or teen. Until then, I use what space I can given that I have a ton of books (I am not ashamed, but they seriously have no space), medical supplies for one of my now adult children, good use of the kitchen, and a need to have to give up things that most homes have because I need room for other things. For example, I had no dining table because I needed a space to do college coursework and remote work. This wasn't the case when I moved in, however. But it happened over time. Also, I have no bedroom. The front room is my bedroom. If people come over, I have to put up my pull-out couch so there is room for the two dining chairs I do have on one wall that is also set against one half of my dining table because I needed a place for some of my crafts. My kids have their own rooms.

How I Maximize Space

One of the things I started doing was to use anything "over the door" to organize and hold items that needed space. Such as an over-the-door organizer and towel holder in the bathroom. I also have a leaning shelf over the toilet because it holds medical supplies for my daughter to place lotions and such. The over-the-door holds mostly excess stuff and the towels. I also have an over-the-door shoe holder because we have a lot of shoes, and I hate having to store ones I don't need for a certain season. So the holder helps. I also had an over-the-door mirror, but the mirror is good. It kept falling down. I suggest putting it behind the door in the bathroom when I can get more of those wall stripes. I also have a hanging spice rack. I have tons of spices. And ever since they added a dishwasher, I have had a three-tiered metal shelf for my pots and pans. I also have a small wooden shelf that was down at my complex's laundry mat that I now use for holding laundry supplies since there isn't room in the hall closet to hold part of my daughter's medical supplies, cleaning supplies, household repair stuff, and that cat box at the bottom. Another thing I do is use a curtain rod to hold up clothes that need more drying time in the doorway into my hall.

This is maximizing space.

Benefits of Maximizing Space

Photo at picpick.com

Maximizing space when it's necessary and serving your needs has many benefits.

 

Maximizing space in a small apartment offers several benefits, including making the most of the limited square footage and enhancing the overall functionality and aesthetics of the living space. Here are some advantages:

1. Increased Storage Capacity:

   • Using over-the-door cubbies, under-bed storage, and other space-saving solutions allows for additional storage without taking up valuable floor space.
   • Maximizing vertical space with shelves and cabinets helps keep belongings organized and easily accessible.

2. Improved Organization:

   • Efficient use of space often leads to better organization. Items have designated places, reducing clutter and making it easier to find what you need.
   • Utilizing storage solutions such as baskets, bins, and organizers helps maintain a tidy environment.

3. Enhanced Aesthetics:

   • A clutter-free and well-organized space tends to look more visually appealing. Maximizing space allows for a cleaner and more streamlined aesthetic.
   • Thoughtful design and the use of multi-functional furniture contribute to a cohesive and stylish look.

4. Optimized Functionality:

   • Strategic placement of furniture and storage solutions ensures that every inch of the apartment serves a purpose. This enhances the overall functionality of the space.
   • Incorporating multi-functional furniture, such as sofa beds or storage ottomans, maximizes utility in a small area.

5. Improved traffic flow:

   • When space is maximized, it often results in better traffic flow within the apartment. Furniture layouts that prioritize open pathways create a more comfortable and accessible living environment.

6. Adaptability to Small Living:

   • Maximizing space is essential for adapting to the challenges of small living. It allows individuals to make the most of their compact living quarters without feeling constrained.
   • Flexible furniture arrangements and the use of folding or collapsible items add versatility to the space.

7. Cost-Efficiency:

   • Maximizing space can be a cost-effective approach, as it minimizes the need for excessive furniture or storage solutions.
   • Investing in multi-functional furniture may also reduce the need to purchase separate pieces for different purposes.

8. Sustainable Living:

• Making efficient use of available space aligns with sustainable living practices. It encourages individuals to use what they have effectively, reducing the need for additional resources.

There can be drawbacks, and I have to keep these in mind a lot.

 

Drawbacks to Maximizing Space

1. Limited Personalization:

   • Maximizing space often involves strategic placement of furniture and storage solutions, which may leave limited room for personalization and unique decor choices.

2. Potential for Overcrowding:

   • Over-optimization of space can lead to a cramped or crowded feel if not done thoughtfully. It's important to strike a balance between functionality and creating a comfortable living environment.

3. Difficulty in Expanding Collections:

   • Individuals who enjoy collecting or acquiring new items may find it challenging to accommodate their interests in a maximized space. Limited storage options may restrict the ability to expand collections.

4. Reduced Flexibility in Furniture Arrangement:

   • Maximized spaces often have specific furniture arrangements to optimize functionality. This can limit the flexibility to change layouts or rearrange furniture according to preferences.

5. Potential for Clutter in Hidden Spaces:

   • Over-reliance on hidden storage solutions (such as under-bed storage or over-the-door organizers) may lead to the accumulation of items that are not regularly accessed, potentially causing hidden clutter.

6. Maintenance Challenges:

   • Maximizing space may require more effort in terms of organization and maintenance to keep the space looking tidy and functional.

7. Risk of Feeling Constricted:

   • In some cases, an overemphasis on space optimization may result in a space that feels overly engineered, lacking the warmth and openness associated with less constrained environments.

8. Cost of High-Quality Storage Solutions:

   • Investing in high-quality storage solutions that maximize space can be expensive. The cost of specialized furniture or organizational tools may pose a financial challenge for some individuals.

It's best to approach space maximization with a thoughtful and balanced perspective, considering individual preferences, lifestyle, and the need for both functionality and comfort. Finding the right balance allows for an optimized living space that meets practical needs while still feeling inviting and personalized. This is something I have noted to recently be a bother to me. While I like that I have ideas of how to maximize my space, I very much wish I had separate spaces for things that are for me personally so that I can use a different tone and personality to what is currently presented. I don't think everyone needs to know I have a ton of books and not enough shelves or a ton of yarn and several WIPs (works in progress) or that I have no space for everyday clothes without having to go into my daughter's closet on my side to hold things. I'd like to make the space more open to visitors and not make me have to choose one type of space over another. Or that I have to split spaces for my daughter's medical supplies when I'd much prefer a single space. I am hoping to move because, while this blog is about small apartment living, it's now too small for my lifestyle. But until then, there is little I can do and only the best I can do with what I have.

Have you had to live in a small space? What is your aesthetic in how you arrange things in your home? What are the benefits and struggles you have had with that aesthetic?