College Life

7 Minimalist TikTokers Who Will Teach You How to Live with Less

published Jul 7, 2023
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3 minimalist home decor photos on colored graphic background. 1. small desk with black lamp, framed art. 2. plant in pot on wood floor, painting on wall above. 3. bed with wood headboard, white linens. Simple white clip lamp on headboard. wood table peeking in
Credit: From left to right: Hayley Kessner, Amanda Archibald, Emily Billings

If you’ve spent any amount of time on social media looking at the latest design trends, you’ve more than likely come across the term “minimalism” before. And based on the variety of decor claiming to be minimalist, you may have also questioned what the trend is and how you can actually achieve the look in your space. 

After beginning as an art form, minimalist design rose in popularity in the 1960s and ’70s, pioneered by designers like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Donald Judd, and Tony Smith. At its core is the idea that “less is more” — so rather than your home being filled with unnecessary items and clutter, your focus is to create a space with intention and purpose. In practice, the concept of minimalism teaches people they can still be just as happy with fewer things and encourages them to start being more purposeful with what they surround themselves with. 

As with any trend, minimalism has changed over the years and is now approached in a variety of ways. Some still follow the root idea of “less is more” and try to fill their homes with the least amount of items necessary. For others, minimalism is more about the vibes: tranquil colors, clean lines, and a calming space. No matter how you interpret minimalism, the most important thing is that you cultivate a space that works for you. If you’re ready to get rid of all the clutter you have or simply want to achieve a trendy neutral space, these seven TikTokers are sure to provide you with tips, tricks, and inspiration for how to get there. 

@smallspacebiglife 

Tina Barisky of @smallspacebiglife has small spaces all figured out. She lives in a 400-square-foot apartment in Vancouver and frequently shares tips and tricks for how to make your small space actually functional — everywhere from the kitchen, to the living room, and even the bathroom. 

@downsizeupgrade

Abigail of @downsizeuppgrade is all about living with intention by discarding excess. Her page shows how minimalism can help you save money by limiting the number of items you purchase, which in turn helps you become more environmentally friendly, as you’re not creating as much waste. Abigail’s followers learn a ton of lessons from her videos — including her catchy acronym to ensure you don’t buy clothes you don’t need: “FIVE,” which stands for “fits my body correctly, intact, versatile, and expresses my sense of style.” No wonder her capsule wardrobe only ever contains between 10 and 20 pieces!

@renee.benes

Renee Benes, aka @renee.benes, uses her platform to share advice on how being a minimalist and decluttering can help you achieve the life you envision for yourself, including tips and tricks for decluttering quickly and efficiently. The Wisconsin-based creator also reminds viewers that while there is always going to be clutter around, getting rid of unnecessary items ensures you can worry less and enjoy life more. 

@halialauren 

If you’re going for the trendy minimalist aesthetic for your space this year, then the San Diego-based Halia Lauren (@halialauren) has you covered. This lifestyle TikToker features home decor inspo, fashion inspo, and all things neutral. The best part is, her Amazon storefront provides a ton of items to help you achieve that tranquil, minimalist-chic feel to make your college home feel elevated without splurging.

@theminimalistmom 

We can always learn something from moms, amirite? As you’re moving away from home or off campus for the first time, it doesn’t take long to realize there’s a ton of effort required to keep your space organized. That’s where Casey Jones, aka @theminimalistmom, comes in. The Ontario-based mom of two is all about decluttering her life, getting rid of old stuff, and organizing her space to live with less mess — and less stress. 

@jakegenaro

Jake Genaro, @jakegenaro, is a Providence College student who absolutely nailed the minimalist aesthetic in his dorm room. He frequently shares moments in his tranquil space that will inspire you to achieve the same look and feel. From his simple white bed sheets to his uncluttered desk, Jake clearly got the “less is more” memo.

@ximenamoreno__

Listen, I’m proud of Ximena Moreno (@ximenamoreno__) for recently graduating from the University of San Diego, but I’m deeply going to miss her dorm room content. The lifestyle TikToker’s college living space felt simple and intentional — her clothing rack held only her essential items (rather than overloading it with clothes she didn’t often wear) and her walls were home to a few shadow boxes and minimalistic posters that added character to the space without over-cluttering it. Can’t wait to see what she does with her first postgrad home!

Benedetto Rebecca

Architecture

Benedetto is a designer and photographer born and raised in Queens, New York. He is currently studying architecture at the University of Miami. When Benedetto is not designing, he loves to explore new places with his camera in hand, go on long bike rides, and cook lots of delicious meals. His main goal as a multi-hyphenate is to inspire people through his work and show them how beautiful the power of design truly is.

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SchoolUniversity of Miami '24
MajorArchitecture
FavesArchitecture, design, photography, painting, cooking
Get to know Benedetto Rebecca
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