Sanctuary in a Turbulent World

Trees and Houses Near the Jas de Bouffan. Paul Cézanne, 1885–86. Courtesy Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

A refined life is about creating a sanctuary, a place of restoration where you can escape the chaos of the world and reenergize your mind, body, and spirit.

The first month of 2025 was a stark reminder of the turbulent and unpredictable nature of the world around us. Natural disasters, political turmoil, and national tragedies have filled the news, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and anxious. In times like these, it's more important than ever to create sanctuaries, places of restoration where we can find peace and recharge.

Creating a Sanctuary: Stripping Away the Nonessentials

For years, I've been working on my home to provide such a space. It's been a slow and intentional process, carefully selecting furniture and objects that I truly appreciate and purging those that no longer serve me. Now, as I embark on a new chapter with a second residence, I have the opportunity to once again define what I value most and what makes me feel most restored and at ease.

There are many ways to achieve this, but one that I live by is stripping away the less purposeful Marie Kondo style. “Keep only those things that speak to your heart,“ she writes in her best-selling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. “Then take the plunge and discard all the rest.” As a former maximalist, I can attest that there is a difference between having lots of pretty things and a few well-placed, well-loved pieces. A minimalist home is easier to maintain and more restorative.

Minimalist Luxury: The Key to a Restorative Home

Minimalist home design can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and productivity, enhance emotional well-being, reduce decision fatigue, and even improve sleep quality. While the benefits of minimalism are widely accepted, its application can leave many wanting more, conjuring ideas of sterile spaces devoid of personality or comfort.

This is where my interpretation of minimalist luxury comes in. It builds upon minimalism’s fundamental concepts by letting you infuse your space with the colors, textures, and objects that inspire you–all within the appropriate dose. This approach is consistent with current interior design trends, which showcase fewer statement-making pieces, neutral palettes, and ample visual space.

Minimalist luxury design by Monica Fried. Photo by Nicole Franzen.

In the context of a refined life, minimalist luxury means having a place to calm your mind and spirit, reconnect with yourself, and reenergize. The perfect chair to unwind. A table for gathering. Art that speaks to you so personally that it seems to know your name. In this sense, a home isn't just a roof overhead or pretty space. It's your fueling station, one that enables you to brave the world each day with enough left over for others.

Times like these require us to be the best versions of ourselves, and home is a great place to start.

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