Marie Kondo Can Kiss My Colour-Coded Planner: Why Minimalism Isn’t a One-Size-Fits-All
- Ruthy Baker
- Jul 2
- 8 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a clean, clutter-free home and a neatly organised planner. I’m all for the joy that comes from order. But, if you’re anything like me, minimalism as it’s often sold can feel a little... suffocating. Like trying to squeeze your wild, creative self into a sterile, colourless box.
And honestly? That’s not where the magic lives...
The Myth of Minimalism: One Size Does Not Fit All
Minimalism has been hailed as the answer to overwhelm, anxiety, and clutter. But here’s the truth: it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. For some, minimalism brings peace. For others, especially creatives, intuitive souls, and people like me who find comfort in colourful chaos, strict minimalism can actually block inspiration and spark frustration.
I’ve always been that person: armed with a rainbow of highlighters, sticky notes in every shade, and a planner so colour-coded it could be mistaken for an artist’s palette. To outsiders, it might look chaotic. To me, it’s a map - a creative playground, a sanctuary where my ideas come alive.
Creating Space for Creativity and Chaos
Decluttering isn’t about erasing your personality or the things that bring you joy. It’s about creating space but crucially, on your own terms.
Maybe your ‘clutter’ is your creative mess: notebooks piled high, an ever-growing mug collection, or a digital folder bursting with inspiration. That’s not clutter - that’s fuel.
Minimalism done your way means honouring what lights you up, and clearing what drains you. Not conforming to some trend or influencer’s definition of ‘enough.’
Tune Into How Your Space Feels: Does It Energise or Drain You?
Our environment has a powerful impact on our energy and mindset, whether we realise it or not. The spaces we inhabit can either lift us up or weigh us down.
But how do you actually ‘tune in’ and notice this?
Start by spending a few mindful moments in different parts of your home or workspace. Close your eyes if you want and take a few deep breaths. Then, ask yourself:
When I’m here, do I feel calm, inspired, or uplifted?
Or do I notice tension, distraction, or a sense of overwhelm?
Sometimes your body will give you little signals. Maybe it’s a feeling of tightness in your chest, restless energy in your legs, or a soft sigh of relief. These are clues about whether a space is serving your wellbeing or draining your reserves.
For example:
That cluttered desk might feel overwhelming and stop you from focusing. Or maybe it’s where your best ideas spark to life because everything you need is within reach.
A bright, airy room might energise you. Or it might feel cold and uncomfortable if you prefer cozy, tucked-away spaces.
A kitchen filled with colourful pots, magnets, and well-loved cookbooks might feel warm and inspiring. Conversely, it might overwhelm your desire for simplicity if you need clear surfaces to think.
A bedroom cluttered with clothes might feel stressful for some, but for others, it’s a comfort zone that feels lived-in and loved.
The key is to honour your unique response rather than trying to force your space to fit someone else’s ideal.
Practical Tips to Tune Into Your Space Energy
Set a Timer for a ‘Space Check-In’
Spend five minutes in a room just observing. No cleaning, no organising, just feeling. Notice what your body and mind tell you.
Journal Your Reactions
Write down how different spaces make you feel. Do you feel calm, restless, creative, or drained? Over time, patterns emerge that help you make informed changes.
Experiment with Small Changes
Try moving a chair, adding a plant, or clearing one surface to see if the vibe shifts. Sometimes tiny tweaks can make a huge difference.
Use Your Senses
Notice sounds, smells, light levels, and textures. Does the room feel peaceful or noisy? Warm or cold? Soft or harsh? These sensory clues influence your energy deeply.
Create a ‘Sacred Spot’
Designate a corner or nook that always feels good. Perhaps with a reading chair, a meditation cushion, or your planner desk, and keep it just how you like it.
Listen to Your Body’s Signals
If you feel tension, fatigue, or distraction in a space, it might need clearing or reworking. If you feel joy, calm, or focus, you’re onto a winner.
Decluttering Your Mind and Your Home on Your Terms
So how do you find your balance between order and chaos?
Tune into how your space feels. Does it energise or drain you?
Create rituals for regular refreshes: a weekly fridge clean, a monthly desk tidy, or even a daily five-minute reset.
Keep the things that spark joy, but also those that inspire and comfort.
Allow mess and creativity to coexist without guilt.
Your home and your mind are sacred spaces. How can you treat them as such?
FAQ: Minimalism and Creative Chaos
Q: Isn’t clutter just… clutter?
A: It can be, but not always. Some ‘clutter’ holds your ideas, memories, and inspiration. It’s about what that clutter means to you.
Q: How do I stop feeling overwhelmed by stuff?
A: Start small. A drawer, a shelf, or one digital folder. Celebrate the wins and be gentle with yourself.
Q: What if I’m a neat freak but still want to be creative?
A: Perfect! Minimalism isn’t about mess; it’s about what works for you. Creativity and neatness can live side-by-side beautifully.
Journaling Prompts
What objects in your home bring you the most joy or inspiration?
How does your current space support or block your creativity?
What would it feel like to create a “sacred creative space” that honours both order and chaos?
How can you shift your mindset around clutter to see it as fuel instead of frustration?
What small decluttering ritual can you commit to this week?
How do you feel when your space reflects your personality fully?
Why This Matters
When you stop trying to fit yourself into someone else’s version of minimalism, you free up energy to create, inspire, and live authentically. Your space should work for you - not against you.
You don’t have to tidy every corner to honour your creativity. Sometimes, letting your rainbow of sticky notes and colourful planner breathe is exactly what your soul needs.
Ready to Reclaim Your Space and Spark?
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And there’s more... ;-)
📚 Book Review: The Clutter Connection by Cassandra Aarssen
This book was a total game-changer for me, I listened to this on Audible, so I could grab insights while pottering about at home. Cassandra Aarssen ditches the one-size-fits-all minimalist advice and dives into the psychology behind how we organise — not just why. Her idea that clutter isn’t the enemy, but rather a mismatch between your organising style and your habits? Genius. Whether you’re a visual organiser (hello, rainbow sticky notes) or a hidden-stash queen, this book helps you work with your natural tendencies instead of fighting them. It’s like giving your inner creative chaos a warm, validating hug — and finally finding systems that stick.
Spoiler alert: Marie Kondo would probably weep at my “creative floordrobe” but thanks to Cass, I now call it “visual access storage.” Sounds fancier, right?
👉 Grab your copy of The Clutter Connection here and discover your unique organising style — permission to colour-code fully granted.
📚 Book Review: Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee
This one is for the soul that lights up at the sight of a bright cushion, a quirky mug, or fairy lights in the hallway. Ingrid Fetell Lee makes a powerful case for embracing colour, whimsy, and yes — even so-called “clutter” — in the pursuit of joy. Her research-backed insights prove that creating a joyful space isn’t frivolous; it’s essential to wellbeing. Reading this felt like permission to honour the little things that spark delight and ditch the guilt around not having a Pinterest-perfect space.
So no, my maximalist mug collection isn’t excessive — it’s “emotional architecture.” And it makes my morning cuppa feel like a celebration.
👉 Order your copy of Joyful here and start creating a home that sparks delight — not just dusting.
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