Tips to Create a Minimalist Inspired Home

by Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES 09/09/2018

In a culture where more is more minimalism has a certain appeal albeit one that can also feel intimidating. Not only do we add sentimental value to many of the items in our home but we also accumulate piles of it as the years pass. It can be overwhelming to even think of cutting down on the clutter. Minimalism doesn’t have to mean an all white house devoid of knick-knacks or a lifestyle only for those couples who opt to forego having children, however. By using the tips and tricks listed below you can create a happy balance in your home that is inspired by minimalism. Uncluttered surfaces. Part of the appeal of minimalist homes is how neat and clean they are. Everything is intentionally placed and countertops aren’t filled with gizmos and gadgets. You can easily give your home the same feel by giving everything you own “a home”, that is, a place that it will always be returned to when not in use. Create storage space in drawers, cabinets and consider investing in furniture that pulls double duty with hidden storage inside. By creating storage that is out of plain sight you allow yourself the sleek, clean look of a minimalist home without tossing out half of your belongings. Quality over quantity. So many purchases we make eventually get pushed to the back of closets after the excitement of a new item wears off. The next time you go shopping, opt for quality over quantity. Whether this is with household items, clothes or toys for your children you can choose just one “category” to start. Knowing your family’s lifestyle will really help aid in the decision process of what items will get the most use so that you can then choose one that is well made. Minimalism does not equal boring. You can still have decorations, paintings and knick knacks while maintaining a minimalist home. Keep what you truly love or items that hold value to you and place them somewhere in the open where they can truly be enjoyed. Arranging the items you keep on display artfully creates an air of intention instead of clutter. Keep decluttering. Don’t let this be a one-off project. Each month take some time to assess your home. You will be sure to find more and more you can get rid of as time goes on and you become more comfortable with having less stuff in your home. Easily decrease the amount of things you have by clearing out duplicates. Think towels, kitchen items, cleaning supplies, etc. Ask yourself if you use this item every three months, and if it’s not a seasonal item, consider donating it. Keep in mind that this process doesn’t have to be a big project where you makeover your entire house. You can always begin with one room at a time or even just one area of a room. Shop less. This step is one you can proactively and easily work on each week. Every time you go shopping assess the items you are putting into your cart whether it’s a physical one or online. Ask yourself if these are must have items and envision them in your day to day life. If you can’t see yourself reaching for it time and time again, put it back on the shelf. When looking at sleek minimalist homes featured in the glossy pages of a magazine you might be tempted to think your home can never achieve a similar look. However, this is not so. With a dedication to the process of decluttering over time and making smart purchases, you too can have a minimalist inspired home before you know it!

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About the Author

Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES

Ann Marie Damashek has always been a natural at helping people prepare their homes for sale. She started out with a successful business selling goods for people on eBay. "Nine times out of ten they were hiring me because they were down-sizing,” Ann Marie says. "So I decided to get my license. I said, ‘Might as well sell their house too.’” The transition was a smooth one and for nine years she’s had a thriving full-time real estate business that allows her to marry her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping others. With an office in Larchmont, New York, she serves all of Lower Westchester County, with her primary market in the Sound Shore region. The majority of her business is "sphere of influence” with former clients referring her to friends and family. A gifted communicator, Ann Marie quickly builds trust and rapport with her clients by being both thoughtful and responsive; she understands that during the purchase or sale of a home, a quick response time is crucial. "I am very accessible,” Ann Marie says. "I always make time for my clients. They can call me, text me, email me up until 10 o’clock at night and I will respond. I’m available on weekends. I get back to people very promptly. I’m very customer service-oriented.” Her clients appreciate her professionalism, passion and enthusiasm and as a result her repeat and referral rate continues to grow each year. While selling real estate is serious business, Ann Marie knows that at times humor and a moment of levity can be a relief to clients. While she has a laidback and easygoing personality, she can be assertive when needed on her clients’ behalf. She loves being of service to them, and the continually changing nature of the work keeps her engaged and fulfilled. "It’s never boring,” Ann Marie enthuses. "Every day is different. That’s probably what I like most about it. But I also enjoy helping people sell or buy and educating them about the process. I love helping them achieve their goals.” This ethic of service has resulted in well-deserved recognition. Ann Marie has received the Westchester Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Rating four years running, in 2015 and 2016 she was the #1 agent in her office, and she’s a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent. To keep in touch with former clients, Ann Marie sends cards to mark special occasions or reaches out via email. To market her listings, Ann Marie uses Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as Listingbook.com, a service that allows both agents and their clients access to MLS data. She also uses a Facebook business page and ads to boost new listings or promote upcoming open houses. "That drives a tremendous amount of traffic,” Ann Marie says. She also uses the most popular real estate websites such as Zillow and Trulia. A strong believer in giving back, Ann Marie sits on the Board of Trustees of her church and is involved in a variety of social justice projects. She’s affiliated with Furniture Sharehouse, a furniture bank for Westchester County, which collects and distributes gently used furniture free of charge to those in need. "I love it on so many levels because as a realtor, it’s helps my sellers downsize through charitable donations. I like the environmental aspect of it as well. And it helps people who truly need things.” She’s also involved in Impact 100, a women’s philanthropic giving organization. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For the future, Ann Marie wants to continue expanding her business and developing her brand, and she someday hopes to grow a strong team. But her main goal is to stay in the real estate business, helping her clients to achieve their dreams.