Ankesh,

Thanks for Noticing Minimalism.

Of course, those people who have Yellow Fever and adopt a Japanese-esq style of life, will tell you... living minimally has been going on for yonks. Ain't nothing new. Ain't no trend/fad.

What it is, is, You have Noticed what was always there.

So while you Notice minimalistic living, others are adopting new technology at every chance they get and being Gadgetized. Other's are going Country in their decorating. Others think Shabby Chic is The thing. Some are going for a Sea Change. Some for a Tree Change. Some LOVE old fashioned tongue and grove floorboards. Some tiles. Some only want carpet. Some think a soft pastel wall color is good. Some go for the Feature Wall deal. Others... you get the idea.

You can find contradictory things (fads/trends/whatever-you-want-to-call-them) everywhere. Pick one and start looking. You'll suddenly see what was there all along.

Michael Ross