What could be better when your wallet is thin than to embrace a minimalist style?

Historically, the term was used to describe a trend in design and architecture where a particular subject is reduced to its essential components. Minimalism works when you work with as few pieces as possible. It flourishes when you have reduced resources or, perhaps, suddenly restricted space.

The term "minimalism" is often used to describe anything that is spare or stripped down. It can pertain to home furnishings, architectural style, art, or the footprint of a building. Minimalists often seek small space precisely because it confines them to essentials.

More and more, we observe people seeking out smaller places to live for reasons other than economic. Yes, small size can mean reduced rent or a lower price tag and surely for some this is the attraction. But it is notable that a simplified lifestyle can bring with it serenity.

It is recognized that minimalist design has been influenced by traditional Japanese design, which is gloriously simple. The eloquence of less is calm and stirs mystery deep within us.

Designer Buckminster Fuller used the phrase "doing more with less" and industrial designer Dieter Rams' motto was "less but better." Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's motto "less is more" could apply to the bamboo vessel sink sitting on a bamboo wall-mounted box shown in the accompanying photograph.

This basic little box is made of durable and sustainable material and can not only be used as a platform for the sink, but as shown for towel storage when mounted on the wall. Insert tiny casters and the box form can become more flexible storage that might scoot in and out of a bathroom area.

These basic shapes are elegant. Add in the single lever of the projecting wall-mounted faucet and we see function distilled down to basic shapes.

However, if you are in reduced space due to financial setbacks, it is understandable that it might take a while to develop this appreciation. Yet you are not alone. Because home sales are at 10-year lows, lots of folks are staying put in what they once considered to be their "starter" house.

Others who are being forced out might need time to grieve their losses. In time, they might find the move into a smaller home or apartment was one of the best things to happen in a long time. Less property to worry about and maintain means more freedom from responsibility.

There are things I can offer that might ease the transition. First you will need to purge and eliminate all but the most critical belongings. Next, you will have to determine if any of your furniture will work in your smaller place. If not, sell them or donate them to charity and start anew. Look for functional pieces that can deliver dual use.

Make sure that they are the optimum size for the purpose. Make sure that you have reasonable storage for necessary things like personal records, bills, photographs, and tax documents. Keep it handy and organized.

Even if you are a booklover, force yourself to donate the excess to a needy organization and only keep your current reads on hand.

Try to include little bits of luxury, such as wonderful towels, soft throw pillows, or a piece or two of art that delights your heart every time you look at it.

Get a fabulous showerhead and really comfy bedding. This way you will use something of quality every day, a tiny antidote to the sad feelings arising from the need to change your lifestyle.

Christine Brun, ASID, is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Big Ideas for Small Spaces." Send questions and comments to her by e-mail at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net. To find out more about Christine Brun and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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