250 Square Feet: Joshua Fields Millburn’s Aggressively Minimalist Home

Highlight from episode 390. Watch full episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast: / theminimalists
FOLLOW THE MINIMALISTS:
Instagram: / theminimalists
TikTok: / theminimalists
Twitter: / theminimalists
Facebook: / theminimalists
Podcast: / theminimalistspodcast
Clips: / theminimalists
Blog: theminimalists.com
#TheMinimalists

[@TheMinimalists]

Does JFM’s home feel sterile or calming to you?

[@ginamarie5575]

❤ calming and peaceful

[@Andrea-xs4ny]

I'll be honest: plants make me happy, so that's what's missing for me. At that point, I would definitely call it calming.

[@annieheath986]

Both. .... and that is ok.

[@melaniegodwin8791]

Very calming!!!

[@idawilcox5275]

Sterile - Reminds me of a slightly upgraded hospital.

[@treeniemomma]

I grew up in a hoarder's home. There was a lot of love. My mother collected interesting things for the both of us. Books, odd gadgets were particularly exciting. It was a real life antique roadshow. As an young adult living on my own, I wanted no part of that for my space. So I was a minimalist until the pressures of life started to get heavier & change me. I started collecting interesting things like my mother & so I'm torn between keeping my space clear & having these interesting surround me. So I reserve one room that I refer to as my "mad room". Sometimes it eases my anxiety to be in this room... like a hug from my mother or the memories of that early home life of the exploration & comfort I experienced. I had no idea my mother had a problem that required psychological intervention. I thought she was just a procrastinator...that was buzz word in the 70s, 80s. However, I find it therapeutic at times to have one area for my "stuff" & but be able to step away when I want to. Joshua's talk about his minimalist 2nd home space reminds me of how we may often as introverts want to sit alone in a room having lunch & other times it can also feel joyful & free to be among happy people at a crowded amusement park. I think both instances can be good for the soul.

[@foundx8426]

Feels like a setting for interrogation

[@jasminealixandranorth]

LOL!! true. Spanish Inquisition :)

[@julio7842]

Twenty years ago I had a 2,600 square foot house on the tenth fairway of a golf course, a 20x40 Pool, and a three car garage. It did not make us happy. Today we live in a nine hundred square foot condo. The HOA takes care of all maintenance and any problems. Our bedroom today is smaller than our master bedroom bath was 20 yrs ago. We keep possessions to what is necessary, utilitarian and visually pleasing. Life is so much more relaxed. I was also able to retire at 56.

[@Recordings-ov4hv]

Big house, small house... They're life experiences after all. Wisdom comes from experience. Thanks for your inspiring comment (although I wish I had a swimming-pool right now)!

[@CAEO416]

Its serene🙌🏻 I became a minimalist decades ago. Not because I’m weird (maybe a little) Not because it was trendy. Not because I was poor. I embraced it because it felt soooo good.

[@caliblue2]

Man I love art. Plants. Carved wood. Marble. Crystals. Life Force Energy💜

[@zenlife1200]

I need either a window with a view of nature or to bring some nature inside for a space to be calming and comfortable to me.

[@histoirettes]

Minimalism came to me when I started to be less willing to spend time and energy to tide and clean stuff. I first called myself "lazy" because that was my belief then. And little by little I discovered that it is rather "efficiency" and choosing what is better for myself/my time/my energy. I like your blank pannels.

[@hilaryanzaldo1846]

I love the look of this space! I live in a small studio apt around 220 sq ft. I keep it minimal and plain because I’m a naturally high energy and easily stimulated person, so I prefer a very clean, minimal, and calming home.

[@thecontentedhome9167]

The lack of windows and natural light is stressful for me.

[@PeteS_1994]

Aggressively simple to me feels like a need for control

[@midlife_minimalist]

IMO minimalism (especially this level) is all about the need for control. I had an eating disorder when I was younger which is all about control (I couldn’t control a lot of my environment but I could control what I ate). I was always somewhat of a minimalist but now my I recognize my need to continually simplify and reduce possessions is just another manifestation of my need for control. Controlling what I can, possessions this time instead of food.

[@Recordings-ov4hv]

Never thought about it, very interesting... 🤔 So being messy and owning a lot would be the opposite then?

[@pinkroses135]

​@@Recordings-ov4hv That could be hoarding to protect from a perceived loss or not cleaning up cause "you can't tell me what to do". Really anything can be about control if that's the persons struggle.

[@Cherylcoder]

​@@Recordings-ov4hv no way! When they won't let go of hardly anything, it's all about control! We need to feel in control of our lives to some extent, but a balance is helpful to our own lives and especially our relationships

[@cwilliams7017]

Honestly, if people have that need they should totally live in a way that lets them have it. Me, I would need hobbies. And food. Clothes.

[@avrub]

Love the sound-panel solution: never though about putting blank white canvas or a sound panel instead of an artwork to feel the wall if they feel empty. Sound panel solution is so esthetic and light to the eye and nice to the touch and also carrying a very good use/purpose (damping the sound). Just love it.

[@peaoat3608]

Were entering the realm of extremes here.

[@gailtester8749]

No windows? Natural light? That would depress me. I need a sunny space and love my plants...all thriving and growing, responding to my TLC.

[@minchum9126]

There’s a window on the second picture

[@janisharrismurray8508]

Then that’s what you would add because it brings value to your life.

[@minima_organizing]

Love it! Spaces like this cannot be fully appreciated from photos alone. In person, you can see the texture, the quality of the furnishings, the natural light, etc.

[@josmith2002]

😮😮😮Where’s the texture? Where’s the quality? Where is the natural light? What are you looking at?

[@calistafalcontail]

Its waste of space. No wonder other nations think americans are crazy for this nonsense. If you dont want/need anything, move into a small, empty apartment and dont waste real estate like that. This could be used by a big family + pets.

[@valerierogers9609]

Been looking at real estate lately and what's appealed to me most is a 248sqft mobile in a small town. Some of us just arent meant for all the static of society.

[@slane_design]

I really want to see the kitchen ! Would like to hear more about what you eat as a minimalist. Does that lifestyle influence the way you eat?

[@LESSISMORE......]

Long time podcast fan. So happy that the Minimalists have expanded into KZbin. Keep up the good work "you'll". I'm getting excited about minimalist life again. Lost my way, re-learning some valuable lessons. Less is MORE! ☮️🇦🇺

[@mattheweilert176]

i'm constantly inspired by the minimalists - always endeavoring to emulate that aesthetic!

[@catmandoo3735]

If you doubled the size of this unit, then I could probably live there. I would've liked to have seen the kitchenette you had mentioned because that is an important part of any household as is the bathroom. I'd need a space large enough to have a built-in laundry room; otherwise, it's like living in a studio apartment where you are then required to do your laundry in a shared room or off-site laundramat which doesn't appeal to me at all. I also like the concept I have now of having a wall bed with drawers and shelves built in around the walls, freeing up space in the middle of the room. There is a drop-down table on the bottom of the bed so when the bed is hidden away I have a place to eat or perform other functions that require a flat surface.

[@conniepleasant1081]

Whew…I’m always learning on this here channel. What a gem (Kristen) I love your space Joshua. ❤ “Finding the best possible thing you can afford” 💎

[@Bobbi-the-Croz]

I love your term “aggressively simple”. 😊

[@joselynrijna462]

Would be nice to see the kitchen too

[@Luke_Alex]

Is living in a separate annex from your main home really minimalist?

[@MRHIPHOPVEGAN]

Why not ??

[@Luke_Alex]

@@MRHIPHOPVEGAN well for a start having 2 home spaces seems excessive, however my 2 main issues with this content are firstly that it is promoting minimalism as a lifestyle choice that for most is unobtainable (a bit like the brand new car or the McMansion) and secondly that it's easy to boast about how little you need to live when all of the stuff that you actually need to live (a chair, somewhere to store your clothes, appliances to store and heat your food - for example) are actually just stored in the main house.

[@jelenaperic9507]

Minimalists can still be billionaires and live in huge mansions, it’s about excess stuff and live with just necessities. In his life 2 houses are necessary

[@darciehuisman8753]

I liked the apartment with the cool bookshelf and the cactus plant. I've heard Joshua say Becks likes plants so im guessing the main house is really nice. 😊

[@TraceB]

So peaceful, thanks for sharing!

[@AliAkbar-oh5dy]

I dont even have a night light or night stand. just closet and black out curtains and a bed. since 2013. i love it no tech no extra oulets phones tvs etc. Truly is calm.

[@Ikr2025]

I can imagine how relaxing living alone in peaceful surroundings like these would feel. I would probably get up at 4am as well!

[@BiltongJerky]

Replace the bed with cushioned walls and have one straitjacket in wardrobe, done.

[@AmandaJYoungs]

I do that! I have all the labelled tins in my cupboards facing the same way. It is just more pleasing and it takes a second or two to make it that way, that's all. I think I deserve that when I open cupboards, just as much as I deserve to buy the best quality items that I can afford, so that things are both beautiful and useful. I don't know if I could go as minimal as JFM, or at least, if I did, there would have to be pops of colours I love like red to add interest. What an interesting extract from the private podcast! I always enjoy them. Thanks, guys.

[@wil172921]

This guy even has minimalist personality. His commitment is something else.

[@josmith2002]

No he is a real thinker and I love his big, full personality- even though in this one instance he doesn’t know that he is actually wearing no clothes😔. Yes his commitment to minimalism has clouded his judgement in this one instance, but I ❤ that he is not afraid to share. I love listening to him- academic Joshua, and generously helpful Ryan, as they dissect every aspect of minimalism in meaningful ways.

[@amonralice]

JFM, you and Becks are so cool with the design. 🤩 Ryan is next. 😊 Still no bed for him and Mariah? 😁

[@littlegonzo45ify]

Thank you for acknowledging that you have a lower threshold for stuff than most people and that it’s aggressively simple rather than preaching that this is how everyone should live ❤ to each their own ❤

[@mariastathopoulos744]

Granny flat for when you need space away from your family because you're mad with them. It doesn't look or feel like a comfortable space. This is how l'd stye a space IF l didn't want visitors, so they'd keep away! I bet most of the time he lives with comfort inside the main home. Where extreme minimalism gets it wrong is the premise that possessions own the person. In reality, the person owns the possessions.

[@mandySIMS6319]

It to me, feels both sterile and calming. Like I would add something with more color, but I'm loving how little there is to the place. It looks like keeping things clean would be ridiculously easy, I crave that so much. I can not wait to have my own place, because I would love to try the more minimalist way of decorating. ❤

[@stephaniegauldin5480]

I wish this video would have shown any of his essentials or some of his “stuff”. He talked about it in the video but doesn’t show any of his closet or cabinets or kitchenette. I can appreciate the simplicity of the 2 pics that were shown but I feel like the pics were minimal lol.

[@Nancy-md7qr]

Very peaceful and calming.❤❤❤

[@markschmadeke4018]

I love the interiors of the work of British designer John Pawson. He uses the element of light as part of his designs.

[@pamgreenfield2853]

I can appreciate that you can live a very simple life.

[@nakedtoes7000]

My home of 17 years yields a bountiful 600 SF, attached garage is 220 SF and, 5000SF of outdoor space. I have sold or given much away since moving here. No more anxiety. Clean living.

[@jayalexander3356]

I don't like clutter but I need "cozy". This would be way to stark for me. I would be very anxious in a space like this.

[@catherinelemaster3883]

Too stark for me, but the space is beautiful. I have in my home treasures from living overseas, plus some craft items. Those things are important and bring joy to me.

[@pinkroses135]

Not quite sterile with the mood lighting and black. It's modern and clean. I would call it masculine simplicity since I need some frill. I think it reflects him well.

[@Cherylcoder]

I love this show, and listen everyday for inspiration and new perspectives. These guys all seem honest and real, and have thoughtfully shared their journey. I hope JFM s marriage isnt in trouble....there was just something about his body language when he talked about the amount of time he spent there. " This is where I live the majority of the time" ....,looks down, sad eyes, visible swallow....I hope all is ok

[@makeitvanilla6313]

No, this is crappy, controlling behaviour on his part.

[@Cherylcoder]

@@makeitvanilla6313 seriously? Is this controlling behavior directed towards his spouse, or the audience? Or, maybe you're just poking fun at this writer? I'm in my 70s and don't always get sarcasm or jokes....:-)

[@amynaddra7230]

I live in a Honda Civic sedan. I have a front seat office. Backseat bedroom Outdoor kitchen Backseat or public bathroom. Ocean views and gorgeous amenities that are free.

[@achookangaroo]

I love spaces like this, but I always wonder: Do these people have hobbies? I'm a rock climber and a cyclist. Both of those things require gear, even for a minimalist experience, due to basic safety and essentials. Obviously minimalists have hobbies. :) I'm one of them! But I could never achieve this level based on my hobbies of choice.

[@janethunt4037]

So functional and comfortable!

[@dougmoring7321]

Doesn't having two homes go against the message of minimalism?

[@jimjimgl3]

I could live there. My first apartment was about the size of your space and I lived in it for 17 years because the rent was affordable and I didn't need things. My last place in NYC was prob 900sq ft and also empty. I remember inviting a friend ( who came with her friend I had never met) and when he came in he said "Oh, are you just moving in?" because it looked empty. Now my partner and I live in a 6500 sq ft live work space and still keep it super minimal---and not an easy task since my partner is a prop stylist/set designer who is alway trying to sneak objects into our rooms. Luckily across the street we have a prop house where he can keep the thousands of things he uses for his job. And btw, I have a rule I live with for things in the house. If I have to move too many things to clean, it is too much.

[@SAVY_JAX]

I noticed the subtle ads for merchandise in your episode. Very clever.

[@davidhallet9269]

I feel like minimalists are material minimalists, but not technological minimalists. If you watch these videos, people always ditch everything except their technology. The technology takes up a ton of head space, which is the most valuable space that there is. 😉🤓 PS, not having a TV doesn’t mean your head isn’t in a screen, like now!

[@carlo6912]

I love it, looks amazing. I feel alive around empty spaces. Less is definetly more.

[@leeharrison8790]

Wow ,, this woman nailed what my idea of living space that I want ... I want to feel good about every aspect of my tiny space ... I don't need much at all .. but what I do need I want it to be nice .. my level of nice isn't modern , but simple cabin country life pioneer style ... my things that add value to me should also be taken care of & not trashed or disrespected .. clean lines that provide meaningfulness to me ... clutter makes me personally feel dirty ... my environment reflects to me cozy warm space that I can relax & unwind & just enjoy my surroundings .. I spend more time outdoors , but when inside that space I do not want it to look like a storage unit ... that's a challenge for me sense I have only a extremely tiny space to start with

[@xagvsx1521]

Girl saying "hmmm" sounds just like my UE megaboom speaker when it says "critical battery"

[@elaineclaire7063]

I love how theres zero clutter - but i love josh's white spaces - it creates contemplation and freedom. But i don't think i can thrive in a room like that especially since i need books/ and a mat to thrive on my routines.

[@smallfootprint2961]

I like simple, but like s few plants, and books. Yes clutter makes me nervous.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Never heard of sound panels. Where can I get them?

[@sleeplessinchicago9082]

Do you work in this space? Is your kitchen table also serves as a desk? Sitting on these chairs will be extremely painful by the end of the day.

[@ReReB3434]

They do work really well for him and his body. We have the same chairs in our dining room and I can’t sit in them to work for more than a couple of hours.

[@jennyvan5151]

Exactly like my apartments 850 sf but just only have small dinning table and futon and king bed and I rip alots things off if don’t used

[@cjb3474]

In the Netflix documentary, Minimalism, I heard you say that you believe in quality over quantity. While I am sure people differ in what they consider quality in a dining chair, for me, beyond durability, I would definitely consider ergonomic support and comfort as well as aesthetic design. The dining chairs shown do not look comfortable and seem like they would discouraging sitting for more than a brief time, in the way that ice cream parlor chairs prevent customers from lingering too long. When I clicked on this video, I was hoping that I would see high quality, ergonomic, comfortable furniture that I would want to use in my home for years to come. If this was my dining set, I am sure I would find it uncomfortable and would constantly consider replacing it, which is the exact opposite of what I hope minimalism would prevent.

[@aliceduanra7539]

I agree

[@kerry_runs]

A guest house is minimalist? I think I missed something.

[@cbrashsorensen]

I am definitely a "minimalist" and found it an easy transition for myself--and my husband as well. We now have not one thing in our home that we do not use. YET...extreme minimalist's are making it very difficult to speak with others about assuming a simpler lifestyle away from constant consuming. Someone is out to prove how "special" they are when they take an extreme minimalist stance. I hate that so many feel the need to "stand out" "be special" etc. This is evidence of a form of neurosis and probably you ought to dig deep and understand what you feel you need to "prove" by making this move. Nothing in my book but perhaps you believe Joshua that you have done it all?

[@BE-bs8oe]

This honest man is stripping the proliferation of excess materialism, dumb consumerism, false hapiness publicity promises us, bad health habits out of his life and sharing his mental state. Being à big fan of hoarders and of the Minimalists I never agree a 100 % with anyone but admire the genuine quest of the modern human being to become a better Mensch and share some soulsearching through discussion and questions on the internet. It is there for those who want to listen to it. Free for anyone to ignore.

[@THEWittebol]

Try smearing a bit of paint on all these canvasses! Life is not supposed to be too sterile. Enjoy art! See how you like the changes and the colors. Enjoy making a mess of things! There is no harm done, you can always put another layer of white on top if you want to go back. It's a good exercise to not get stuck in minimalism, which should not be a religion with dogmas. Have fun!

[@MinimalisticLifestyle333]

I love it !! ❤️🙌

[@angellynn7701]

sterile on table side and calm on bed side. I am partially sighted and like the minimal approach as there is less to tru over, but add color for contrast in my surroundings.

[@dustyroaddesign]

Did I miss something?? Didn't see the kitchenette 😮

[@ginnyberg9271]

I didn’t see the kitchen or bathroom?

[@carriebelcher8644]

You do you!

[@SarloCreative]

i am a minimalist so i dont want any kind of rug or carpet. so lets hang sound panels everywhere

[@9rafaela9]

Love the space. But I would put the table centered below the pedant.

[@ginnyberg9271]

I live in 8x12 and people forget you can live in there peacefully

[@kevindorn]

Could you please tell me what kind of acoustic panels those are and where you got them? Thanks!

[@MNP208]

I do like some of the tenants of minimalism, but I couldn’t go this extreme!

[@patriciafisher3108]

Feels a bit sterile, but I will take sterile over cluttered any day.

[@Fair-to-Middling]

That cracked floor would drive me nuts.

[@warriorrose1982]

I am a 41 year old woman . And I have always wondered why I don't like having g too much stuff I have minimal stuff and I am happy . I can pack in 1 box . I am the same way with my accounts and life . I life order and minimal . And simplicity

[@davidcawrowl3865]

Wanted to see the kitchenette.

[@Run4yourlives]

I could live in this space. When I see it I can exhale. It is calming. This is the aesthetic I’m working towards. Visual clutter to me is metal chaos and I get angry looking at it. Too many colors or shapes irritates me.

[@joshuaclaytonsmith]

Where’s the kitchen pics?

[@bryflyguytry]

What you own ends up owning you. Less is more. Never settle for the burden of excess.

[@peace-a]

But, but, not even a tiny succulent🪴? 🤔

[@lanehartwell]

I’m interested in the white sound panels. Anyone know exactly what they’re called/where to find them?

[@siouxzieq17]

Um....where's your stuff? Where are the things that mean something to you? Where is your heritage? Where are your ancestors things??

[@corky23]

The bedroom is pretty, if you had a splash of color would remind me of my Oma’s apartment in Germany years ago. Very European. The kitchen table and chairs need something 🤔 can’t figure it out

[@igorchichkin509]

❤❤❤WoW awesome bravo 👏

[@muffinsmcgee9248]

I’m glad I fast forwarded this video. It’s not interesting when people just talk. No one wants to hear it.

[@carlypickard4962]

It reminds me of a hospital, very cold and sterile!

[@turboZ3]

beautiful, just get the essentials and free up space. As a side thought, I think it is well worth paying for quality furniture especially a mattress since most people spend 1/3 of their life on it!

[@angelgirldebbiejo]

I like it for a hotel but not for my own place.

[@josmith2002]

😳😳😳Reminds me of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ - am I the only one who sees no artwork there?

[@gracemeneses9217]

Be content and at peace with in yourself and your world will be good

[@melaniegodwin8791]

Is there a bathroom?

[@momof6boysandaprincess592]

Good question!!

[@ReReB3434]

Yes. And a closet and a kitchen.

[@melaniegodwin8791]

@@ReReB3434 it has a kitchen.

[@itsmeGeorgina]

Humans will never really thrive it seems, unless they punish themselves, the only question is with what ....

[@trevorf2098]

My guess is he has other spaces with other things. No pens or pencils or paper? No electronics? No speakers? No music? No hobbies. That stuff has to go places but he shows a bed and a table. Yes less needless stuff is great. But it feel a little disingenuous

[@lisahinkofer2085]

It looks like a room in an institution. Lack of colors and warmth. Sorry but this feel drastic

[@jasminealixandranorth]

It is a room in an institution ;)

[@dougmoring7321]

Sterile, just my take on it. Henry David Thoreau the original minimalist, pretty much nailed it when he said, Simplify. Actually I think he said it three times but I simplified it.

[@thanatosor]

Messy people love this. They now can unload their stuffs into yours 😂

[@LP-tu8li]

I like it. So you don’t live in the main house?

[@cristitoangobjr2975]

this is what simple elegant living is...koool

[@x9872]

終於體驗到什麼叫做【空無一物】 之後會不會桌椅變成瑜珈墊😂

[@suzieq390]

Let’s see TK’s house 🏡