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Mar 20, 2021Liked by Nate Kadlac

We should have a balance between " Minimalism" and " excessive possession". I would like to have a few original paintings, some great vases, a console, a chest of drawers, some hanging lights, some good carpets, some good furniture to decorate my house. That way the house will look great but not cluttered.

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Yeah there is definitely nuance here. I love keeping only the items that inspire me, vs aiming to become a minimalist. It’s a different goal for everyone, but it’s worth finding that balance.

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Great letter, Nate. I think you're right about minimalism at face value. It's alluring because it's easy. Making no design choices is a choice. I'm fascinated with how we can bring out our personality while balancing - and breaking - rules of good design. It's like we discover who we are in what we design. When we design solely like other people we become merely imitators.

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Appreciate it, Paul!

Yes! We learn about ourselves through addition, then subtraction. Like discovering ideas through emergence and convergence.

There's nuance here, but what many people get wrong is to say they're minimalists when they haven't honed in on how to visually express the best of themselves. Empty walls, spaces, and templates that lack personality are boring because you haven't told me anything about yourself.

"If it looks simple, it was hard." —Jack Butcher

I am building out the process of doing this—inside-out design thinking—and at the right time, I'd love your feedback!

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