I read an article by a woman who has gone minimalist. The accompanying photos reveal a house that is so sparse and open that it looks like it’s been staged so she can put it on the market. There are a few tasteful-but-simple floral arrangements (including the obligatory orchid plant), and almost nothing on the walls.

It actually looks (I hate to say it) boring.

I hate saying that because I’m so pro-decluttering (after learning the hard way that too much stuff makes a house look way too cluttered and turns it into a burden). But clearly, you can go too far in the other direction.

I think most people get joy from looking at a beloved landscape painting on a wall, or an exceptionally beautiful clock on a mantel. Gorgeous, high-end wallpaper on one wall of an otherwise boring little powder room can take that room to the next level. And one perfectly chosen throw pillow can really make a basic sofa look great.

When taken to the limit, minimalism can go too far. A house won’t feel like a home if it’s missing all the unique personal touches that reflect its owner’s personality. Just because you have way too much stuff doesn’t mean you’ll be happier if you strip your home of almost everything. Taking that logic to its inevitable endpoint, you might as well live in a big empty box painted white inside.

One of my favorite quotes is this one. Note that it goes far beyond the first five words.