“What if we could save money, radically reduce our environmental impact, and have a freer, less complicated life?” Now that is an attention-grabbing-question, isnt’ it? This exactly is the premised behind the interior-design project LifeEdited. In the project, Graham Hill challenged interior designers to create a space using technology and common sense to transform his NYC 420 square foot apartment into a comfortable place to live. I mean, comfortable: home office, space for 2 guests to stay over, a sit down dinner for 12, lounge space for 8 and even a workout/steam room!!
I totally recommend you look at the designs submitted- the winning designs are outstanding, and you can also see all the submitted designs. It is a feast of multi-function and organization. However, you don’t have to move or remodel your home to achieve this Less = More status, you can start right now and I think that we can all use technology and common sense to make more out of our living spaces. Here are some life-editing steps we can all implement immediately:
Multipurpose spaces: allowing your real estate to be multifunctional doesn’t have to involved designer or custom-built contractions (though I have seen some amazing work at my friend Lalita’s
renovated apartment). If you want to transform, for instance your living room into your personal yoga space, add casters or furniture sliders to your coffee table and sofa and listo, you have created the necessary space for your yoga mat. Another example could be packing your laptop computer and file folders in a canvas tote when you are not using them, this can clear a lot of space of your desk or kitchen table.
Store everything digitally: this may require some effort and time, but the amount of space you will gain will be lucrative and satisfying. First sign up to receive your bills electronically-don't ask any question, just do it. Additionally, little by little you can download your CD and DVD to your computer. Donate the hard copies to your local Library. Chances are you have a bulky printer that scans, faxes and make copies; it is time you put it to use and begin to scan to your computer all those snapshots from the 90’s that you have been carrying with you for decades. You will be surprise the amount of embarrassments you will inflict on your facebook friends. Worried about computer memory? You can use countless sites to store your information.
Think Accessibility vs. Ownership: Netflix, eBooks, SoundCloud…should I continue? You get the idea, why have excess DVDs, Books, CDs collecting dust and taking space. The only way to allow for the divine grace of new/fresh ideas to come into your living space is to have space for it (spiritually, mentally & YES, PHYSICALLY!)
Only Keep Essential Necessities: Constantly, ask yourself how is this item serving my vision, my values and everyday harmony? That is a tough requirement to fulfill, but aren’t you and your home worth it? Think about it, how could you take space from your everyday existence for something that isn’t allowing you to live a better life? Edit, edit harshly.
