I keep getting questions about “Joy Decorating.” The idea is pretty hard to resist — who doesn’t want more joy in life? I’m signing up for even five percent more joy, particularly after the last few years. But I’m also working toward minimalism to help improve my general outlook and for a more sustainable way of living. So, I ask, “Can joy decorating and minimalism get along?”
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What Is Joy Decorating?
While there is no single definition, it’s roughly akin to joy dressing. Whether that means dressing in the brightest colors you can find or wearing only items that bring you joy, if your clothing brings a delighted smile to your face, you have achieved joy dressing. The same is true in design.
The last few years have seen us swerve hard towards dark and cozy things. I see this in my life, from my gray sweatpants to my fluffy graphite couch pillows to my charcoal re-cashmere throw blanket. And while Covid was/is an issue, we are out in the world or opening their homes to friends and family. Being immunosuppressed means that my venturing into the world remained limited for a long time, and hosting was outside. Still, even I incorporated yellow florals and emerald greens into my wardrobe this spring, and rich brick reds are part of my fall aesthetic.
Are There Rules?
Not really. Sure, we’ve seen a ton of pastels, bold 70s-inspired patterns and hues, and even 80s-reminiscent colors in everything from new artwork to budget-friendly slipcovers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take part in joy decorating without those elements.
Do you love your neutral sofa but feel like it is missing something? Try recovering one or more of your existing cushions (large permanent or smaller decorative ones) in a vivid hue or eye-catching pattern. Even using a slightly darker or lighter shade of a solid fabric that complements your couch can make you smile — and joy decorating will have been achieved.
Yes, much of Joy Decorating does include an eccentric combination of patterns and colors. And if you have the budget, the time, and the inclination, whimsical, zany, and dramatic approaches are the thing to kick the emotional and physical burnout of the last few years. But I added a “Mariner Blue” flannel duvet cover from L.L. Bean to our bed (not an ad, just the truth), and I am ecstatic. This brings me so much joy!
How Do You Embrace Joy Decorating on a Budget?
With a bit of creativity, joy decorating can be an option for anyone working on a budget. Rather than buying new couch cushions for that pop of color, see if you can cover one side (or the entire thing) in leftover fabric. Old graphic t-shirts can be cut up and sewn together as the top layer of a perfectly joyful and colorful quilt. Low-cost vinyl murals can be the perfect no-paint option to enliven older furniture. They also work fabulously well on walls, closet doors, or appliances in rental units because they are relatively easy to remove.
Do you have copper, bronze, or gold paint from an earlier craft project? You can add seasonal charm to renew old candle sticks, clothing hooks, lampshades, and more. And if fire engine red is what makes you happy, a single can of spray paint or a pot of sample paint can bring your desired pops of color to everything from picture frames to bookcases for less than $10.
Can Joy Decorating and Minimalism Get Along?
I think it’s evident that my opinion is that they can get along. You don’t need to buy a lot of extra stuff to make a room feel joyful. And I don’t believe that being a minimalist means everything in my space needs to be white or greige. I can paint this office a deep, moody hunter green and still be a minimalist if everything in this space is useful or something I love. In fact, making sure that everything in my space is useful or adored is my definition of Joy Decorating. It might just be yours.
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