What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Make Space: An inspired guide to a clearer mind and home
Often life seems to be about having or achieving more, but what happens when we choose less?
Discover the joys of simplicity and moderation with practical exercises to clear your home, calendar and mind.
Through fascinating anecdotes and intriguing vignettes, How to Make Space reveals how people throughout history and around the world have embraced a simpler life, from Buddhist monks to Swedish Lagom and modern minimalism. Be inspired to follow their example and reap the benefits of more time, more clarity, more joy, more space.
Discover the joys of simplicity and moderation with practical exercises to clear your home, calendar and mind.
Through fascinating anecdotes and intriguing vignettes, How to Make Space reveals how people throughout history and around the world have embraced a simpler life, from Buddhist monks to Swedish Lagom and modern minimalism. Be inspired to follow their example and reap the benefits of more time, more clarity, more joy, more space.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
176 pages, Hardcover
Published November 20, 2018
15 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 14, 2018
How to Make Space is well structured book that will make you think.
Its aim is to draw our attention to what truly matters and to slow down in the process of it.
It is sectioned into four parts: Space at Home, Take Your Time, A Clear Mind and Space in the Body. Each part addresses different aspects of our lives. What I appreciated about this book was how it blended a variety of teachings / philosophies into one coherent message.
"Happiness is a place between too little and too much" ~ Finnish Proverb
I think it could be a beautiful gift for someone, who is feeling a bit overworked / overwhelmed as this book is soothing and calmed my own nerves down a lot whenever I picked it up. I loved all those gorgeous illustrations as well.
I would like to thank both the author as well as Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion Publishing for lending me the ARC of this lovely book.
Its aim is to draw our attention to what truly matters and to slow down in the process of it.
It is sectioned into four parts: Space at Home, Take Your Time, A Clear Mind and Space in the Body. Each part addresses different aspects of our lives. What I appreciated about this book was how it blended a variety of teachings / philosophies into one coherent message.
"Happiness is a place between too little and too much" ~ Finnish Proverb
I think it could be a beautiful gift for someone, who is feeling a bit overworked / overwhelmed as this book is soothing and calmed my own nerves down a lot whenever I picked it up. I loved all those gorgeous illustrations as well.
I would like to thank both the author as well as Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion Publishing for lending me the ARC of this lovely book.
January 4, 2019
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
A neat little book on the subject of how to make more space in one's life -- both literally (for example, in the house) and more figuratively -- in the sense of mental space. As more space is created around us, our lives become more mindful and, despite being simpler, more satisfying. The book is beautifully designed, which makes it a real pleasure to look through and read. It would make a lovely gift.
A neat little book on the subject of how to make more space in one's life -- both literally (for example, in the house) and more figuratively -- in the sense of mental space. As more space is created around us, our lives become more mindful and, despite being simpler, more satisfying. The book is beautifully designed, which makes it a real pleasure to look through and read. It would make a lovely gift.
April 4, 2020
I plan to reread this book over and over. You can read it cover to cover OR you can pick it up and choose a random page to read. It’s uplifting, informative, and helpful.
December 2, 2024
very nice book, for easy tips and information and minimalism in life and in our mind space
December 29, 2018
This was an eARC from the publisher and my download seemed to skip pages, so while I didn't get to read the entire book, I did get the basic ideas down. It also made me want to hunt down a book-book copy of this so I can re-read it with all of the pages. So no harm done!
From what I read, this seems like a very calm, non-judgemental book. Slowly paced with calm colors and illustrations invite the reader to take their time with the book and to not rush the experience. I think we would all benefit from slowing down once in a while and this book by it's very format encourages it.
Most of what it is saying has been said before, however the twist here is it draws from multiple cultures, rather than just focus on one. If one idea doesn't work for you, there are many others gently suggested from all over the world. I think that makes this book stand out from the pack of the current "slim and slow down your life" books out there now.
All in all, a worthy read and one I will be getting in the actual book form to re-read. Lots of little gems between the covers of this book! 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4, because the more I think about it, the more I like this book. It grows on the reader.
My thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
From what I read, this seems like a very calm, non-judgemental book. Slowly paced with calm colors and illustrations invite the reader to take their time with the book and to not rush the experience. I think we would all benefit from slowing down once in a while and this book by it's very format encourages it.
Most of what it is saying has been said before, however the twist here is it draws from multiple cultures, rather than just focus on one. If one idea doesn't work for you, there are many others gently suggested from all over the world. I think that makes this book stand out from the pack of the current "slim and slow down your life" books out there now.
All in all, a worthy read and one I will be getting in the actual book form to re-read. Lots of little gems between the covers of this book! 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4, because the more I think about it, the more I like this book. It grows on the reader.
My thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
December 31, 2018
I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
How to Make Space is a lovely book that reminded me a lot of the Little Book of Hygge. In many ways it is similar and it connects with hygge, but it also features other concepts like lagoom and the Japanese wabi-sabi. I absolutely loved the first half of the book - from the organization tips to the productivity tips, they are all deeply related to slow living.
This book would be perfect if it stopped midway, but then it mostly features meditation techniques and yoga poses step by step, which it felt just like a way to build more pages and to actually take up more space. Yoga poses are amazing and so our meditation techniques, but in this type of book I am sure there were easier ways to present them, either just by naming them and letting the reader do further research or by describing them in a paragraph (I do not think the tree pose should take 2 pages...).
But overall it is a really lovely book.
How to Make Space is a lovely book that reminded me a lot of the Little Book of Hygge. In many ways it is similar and it connects with hygge, but it also features other concepts like lagoom and the Japanese wabi-sabi. I absolutely loved the first half of the book - from the organization tips to the productivity tips, they are all deeply related to slow living.
This book would be perfect if it stopped midway, but then it mostly features meditation techniques and yoga poses step by step, which it felt just like a way to build more pages and to actually take up more space. Yoga poses are amazing and so our meditation techniques, but in this type of book I am sure there were easier ways to present them, either just by naming them and letting the reader do further research or by describing them in a paragraph (I do not think the tree pose should take 2 pages...).
But overall it is a really lovely book.
November 30, 2018
This book is a gorgeous, no-nonsense guide to improving your well-being through making space in your home and your mind. It encompasses so many different facets of life: from decluttering to yoga, through hygge and koselig and meditation. As someone who is often stressed out and overwhelmed by clutter and sensory overload, this book had a lot of great tips for lessening the impact of 'too much'. A lot of it is common sense, sure, but it's nice to have so many different ideas in one place.
Every page is beautifully laid out, with soft colours and gorgeous illustrations. This would make a wonderful gift. You can see the care with which the whole design has been thought about, and I would love a physical copy to look through when I'm feeling stressed. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to create a bit of serenity in their life.
Every page is beautifully laid out, with soft colours and gorgeous illustrations. This would make a wonderful gift. You can see the care with which the whole design has been thought about, and I would love a physical copy to look through when I'm feeling stressed. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to create a bit of serenity in their life.
April 9, 2021
OK this book really wasn’t that bad and doesn’t deserve this two star rating BUT this is the first non-fiction book I have read by my own will and not because of school which is dodgy :/. most of this book was about great mindfulness stuff which was great! but right now, I’m stressing about mini assessments that i’m not so sure i can do these tedious routines which I really want to do :( It was really interesting learning about the different cultures and religions though and think this is great I guess it wasn’t for me 🤷🏽♀️
April 22, 2021
Mielenkiintoinen ja inspiroiva kirja, joka sisältää lyhyitä kappaleita erilaisista rentoutumiseen ja itsensä toteuttamiseen liittyvistä aiheista. Kirjassa sivutaan mm. mindfulnessia ja japanilaista wabi-sabi-estetiikkaa. Mieleen tuli Flow-lehden julkaisut. Kirja on myös kauniisti kuvitettu sinisellä ja punaisella musteella.
February 9, 2021
Wasn't overly impressed with the book as I didn't really learn any new concepts to help me make space in my home or in my head. Would still give this a read if you do want to learn how to maintain a minimalist-like mind and home. I did appreciate the style of graphics/text used.
September 18, 2022
It’s a beautiful book about slowing down and taking time to enjoy the simple things in life. A good way to learn about other cultures, however, a lot of the practical tips in there weren’t really groundbreaking in any way and seemed like common sense.
November 12, 2018
3.5
Really nice book with a number of helpful hints on how to clear space in your home and life. Lovely read.
With thanks to Netgalley and White Lion for the ARC.
Really nice book with a number of helpful hints on how to clear space in your home and life. Lovely read.
With thanks to Netgalley and White Lion for the ARC.
June 11, 2022
Very meditation based. Not really what I personally was after
August 2, 2022
Beautiful art. Not one single source in this book that desperately needed it.
January 21, 2023
Sisällöltään melko tuttua asiaa.Kuvitus todella kaunista ja rauhoittavaa! 😍 Sisältö 3,5⭐, kuvitus 5⭐.
May 11, 2023
Me parece un libro de lectura sencilla que muestra lo esencial para el inicio de una vida más tranquila.
June 29, 2023
Not really what I was looking for but I don’t think I was the target audience. It honestly felt like a bunch of buzz feed how to articles collected into one place to me.
August 2, 2023
A guide to making space in your home, your body, your mind, your schedule and your life. Some interesting ideas include meditating, decluttering, and eating less.
January 24, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing with a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
This is a lovely book with beautiful pictures. The text is calm and soothing, much like the author's message that she wants to convey and wants you to eternalize. How you make your life a more soothing place. It isn't groundbreaking work, a lot of the maxims in the book I have found in other works and much is common sense. However, the packaging and simplicity of the maxims and advice go a long way to help someone unclutter their mind enough to be able to make positive change. I recommend.
This is a lovely book with beautiful pictures. The text is calm and soothing, much like the author's message that she wants to convey and wants you to eternalize. How you make your life a more soothing place. It isn't groundbreaking work, a lot of the maxims in the book I have found in other works and much is common sense. However, the packaging and simplicity of the maxims and advice go a long way to help someone unclutter their mind enough to be able to make positive change. I recommend.
November 25, 2018
The author gave some great tips on how to lead a more minimalist existence. I loved the graphics and texts used throughout to illustrate the points discussed.
November 26, 2018
This book combines some good ideas in the field and the result is amazing. The brief chapters were to the point without leaving anything important. The advice was simple and well thought out, encouraging mindfulness along the way.
The book is well illustrated, so maybe the aim was to make a coffee table book. It will become a good coffee table book.
I received a free copy from NetGalley.
The book is well illustrated, so maybe the aim was to make a coffee table book. It will become a good coffee table book.
I received a free copy from NetGalley.
December 10, 2018
A very nice little book to help remind you to keep calm and focus on what's important. Tips on simplifying, making space and quiet time for yourself, and keeping an uncluttered and emotionally healthy home.
December 21, 2018
A small but very good book about how to have a clearer mind and also home by creating space. Lots of insightful tips that everyone should consider to make part of their lives.
December 25, 2018
A book dedicated to making space in various sectors of your life.
The first chapter "Space At Home" gives you practical tips for de-cluttering; cleaning and decorating your home so as to make more space or create the illusion of space.
Chapter two "Take Your Time" deals with making the most of your time; the value of time and organizing and managing your time more efficiently.
Chapter three "A Clear Mind" has tips for focusing and clearing your mind; creating stability in your mind when stressed and/or overwhelmed. Great tips for releasing resentment.
Chapter four "Space In The Body" deals with posture; awareness of space; meditation; dancing; eating and relaxing.
This book gives the backgrounds to various cultures and celebrations.
There are countless appropriate; peaceful illustrations throughout the sections. The quotes are also well chosen.
All the tips are easy to implement and are relatively inexpensive. A lot of the "tasks" can be done in any location.
This book is designed in such a way one can dip into various sections at will or where you need to find some space.
The first chapter "Space At Home" gives you practical tips for de-cluttering; cleaning and decorating your home so as to make more space or create the illusion of space.
Chapter two "Take Your Time" deals with making the most of your time; the value of time and organizing and managing your time more efficiently.
Chapter three "A Clear Mind" has tips for focusing and clearing your mind; creating stability in your mind when stressed and/or overwhelmed. Great tips for releasing resentment.
Chapter four "Space In The Body" deals with posture; awareness of space; meditation; dancing; eating and relaxing.
This book gives the backgrounds to various cultures and celebrations.
There are countless appropriate; peaceful illustrations throughout the sections. The quotes are also well chosen.
All the tips are easy to implement and are relatively inexpensive. A lot of the "tasks" can be done in any location.
This book is designed in such a way one can dip into various sections at will or where you need to find some space.
January 13, 2019
How to Make Space is a simplified guide to understanding space, alone-time, and the importance of preserving one's creature comforts. Arlene Unger doesn't just offer a Marie Kondo 'The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying- Up', she offers philosophical and psychological thoughts. And she doesn't endorse a quick tidy-up but a more conscious clear-out. Declutter but then, buy with a purpose.
I enjoyed this book, Unger takes a holistic approach: she fully considers how clearing one's house can contribute further success in other areas. Written conscisely, and beautified with illustrations and borders: this is the perfect addition to any shelf.
I enjoyed this book, Unger takes a holistic approach: she fully considers how clearing one's house can contribute further success in other areas. Written conscisely, and beautified with illustrations and borders: this is the perfect addition to any shelf.
February 23, 2019
I found this to be a good book filled with different ideas a person could bring into their life. It is a book of tips, and not filled with a lot of information and personal stories.
Read
May 12, 2019This is one of those cute books I picked up in the library and thought I'd just browse through but ended up reading. it's really nicely put together and illustrated and I found out some useful mediation techniques and also some fun facts (e.g. that Groundhog day is an actual day that celebrates the start of spring when the Groundhogs come out from hibernation. OMG HOW CUTE).
May 27, 2019
This is a must to have book if you are in a decluttering mode. Useful advice and techniques.
#HowToMakeSpace #NetGalley
#HowToMakeSpace #NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews