This expression first appeared in a poem by Robert Browning, Andrea del Sarto, in the year 1855.
Yet do much less, so much less…Well, less is more, Lucrezia; I am judged.
Many designers use this expression as a philosophy or inspiration to design things that are simple, yet beautiful.
There are various meanings of the term ‘less is more’.
It primarily means - little goes a long way.
This phrase can be interpreted in various ways, at different platforms. Lets look at them.
DESIGN
From a design point of view it is used to express the following views;
-That a minimalist approach to artistic or aesthetic matters is more effective.
-That simplicity and clarity lead to good design.
-That the less you design, the more effective the outcome is.
MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
From a perspective of material things, less is more resonates the thought that smaller quantity could be of higher quality. It is not necessary to invest in many things, a small number of items can work the same way and give the similar results/happiness.
COMMUNICATION
From the angle of communication it explains, the line of communication/conversation which is less complicated , is often better understood and always more appreciated. It means, complicated things at times, lead to greater confusion. Hence, less words work better.
HOME DÉCOR
In the area of Home décor, ‘less is more’ explains simplicity and limited possessions are better than elaborate embellishments. That something simple is better than something more, something advanced or complicated. Its essence lies with having less of home décor items and trying to achieve design aesthetics with minimal things.
‘Less is More’ is a simple concept of having less but enjoying ‘more of that ‘less. In a layman’s way, if I say, one nice trip this month would make me really happy. Does that mean that 5 trips this month would make me 5 times happier? Definitely not. Yes I would enjoy a new pair of jeans, fancy shoes, a few new books and a visit to spa. But if I multiply all these by 5, what do I get? More joy? Not at all. Just more things, more mess and more running around trying to get to those things.
As humans, we have a limited capacity to process and enjoy new things. At the same time we are also very busy. Hence, buying more things, and buying things to store those things , only leads to a messed up space and mind. A constant battle to have more, do more, amass more is not where our happiness lies. It lies in the idea that having fewer personal items leads to greater happiness.
The phrase 'less is more' resonates that having just the essential things is better than having way too much of superfluous things. This allows us to focus on what matters. This allows us to be present in the moment. This allows us to be sustainable, to be a part of greater good for ourselves and nature.
Believing in ‘less and reaping its benefits by reducing our fingerprints on consumption of all kinds will go a long way in making our lives fulfilling and rewarding.
Commentaires