Remembering my Detroit Apartment
It has been several years since we lived in Detroit, and I wanted to share some photos of our apartment as a cheerful reminder of the lessons learned, the wins, and the mistakes made along the way. We downsized from a 1400 sqft townhome in Denver to a 570 sqft studio apartment in Detroit, and through trial and error, we learned valuable lessons.
That experience taught me the importance of organization, and I have Neil to thank for it. He follows the "a place for everything, and everything in its place" rule, while I used to have a less efficient approach. I thought I was organized but had no system to keep my spaces tidy. I would navigate cycles of deep cleaning and decluttering, followed by moments of neglect or laziness that would lead to disorganization and clutter, making me anxious since I cannot operate in a cluttered and disorganized space. Here, the first key lesson of organization becomes essential: everything must have a designated place where it is stored, and everything should be returned to its rightful place when unused.
Moving to Detroit with only our personal belongings and valuable possessions made our space a blank canvas and an exciting opportunity to experiment with different design elements. Once settled, we started looking for the right elements to create a home that reflected our personalities and styles. Therefore, it was essential to include Neil in the design process and have his input.
Buying a couch for our living room put me out of my comfort zone, yet I am glad we did. While I tend to be monochromatic and prefer neutral elements and tones, Neil likes eclectic and industrial features. He fell in love with a faux tan leather sofa, far from the light gray sofa I was looking for. I was initially apprehensive, but then I embraced it and ended up creating a playful and colorful design around it.
Looking at this space again, I can see my joy and excitement in embracing a new chapter in my life. It is a reminder of who I was and what I used to believe. If I were to design the space today, I would have adopted a less-is-more approach, yet I am happy with the choices I made at that point, but man, I loved pillows.
Remembering my past has helped me realize how far I have come. My path to discovering my interior design style has not been linear, but the beauty of my projects and my expertise come from experimentation. Through this path, I found and embraced minimalism, which has profoundly impacted my interior design style and personal life.
You can find an authentic design style that reflects your individuality by experimenting and exploring.
By adopting a less-is-more approach, I have been able to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces while also simplifying my life. Minimalism encourages you to prioritize what truly matters and eliminate unnecessary distractions. This approach lets you focus on the present moment and find joy in the simple things. Living in a smaller space like our studio apartment in Detroit forced us to be intentional with our choices and make the most out of every square inch.
Living in a smaller space has its challenges, but it has also brought us closer together as a couple. We have learned to prioritize experiences and relationships over material possessions. Instead of accumulating more things, we focus on creating memories and sharing meaningful moments. Our apartment serves as a reminder of the value of connection and the importance of fostering a warm and inviting environment for ourselves and our loved ones.
In conclusion, our journey from a spacious townhome in Denver to a cozy studio apartment in Detroit has taught us invaluable lessons about organization, design, and the power of minimalism, but again, at that point, we did not even consider ourselves minimalists, we've been figuring it out on the go.
Living with less can lead to a more intentional and fulfilling life.
Our apartment and the experience of living in Detroit serve as a testament to our growth and transformation, reminding us to appreciate simplicity, prioritize what truly matters, and find joy in the little things.
As we move forward, we carry these lessons with us, applying them to every aspect of our lives. Minimalism has become more than just a design style; it has become a way of life. It guides our choices, influences our decision-making process, and shapes our values. We are grateful for the time we spent in Detroit and the experiences that have shaped us into who we are today.
So, as I look back on the photos of our apartment in Detroit, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and pride. Gratitude for the lessons learned, the growth achieved, and the memories created. And pride in our ability to embrace change, adapt to new circumstances, and create a space that truly reflects who we are.
I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own journey and the spaces you inhabit. Whether big or small, they hold stories, lessons, and opportunities for growth. Embrace the power of minimalism, create intentional spaces, and let go of what no longer serves you. Find joy in simplicity, and let your environment be a reflection of your authentic self.
