In an era where minimalism and Marie Kondo's "does it spark joy?" philosophy reign supreme, balancing an art collection can feel like walking a tightrope. You want your space to reflect your aesthetic sensibilities, but you also don't want your home to feel overwhelmed by clutter.
So, how can you strike the right balance between cultivating an art collection and maintaining a minimalist aesthetic? Let's explore.
Minimalism is not about getting rid of everything; it's about making room for more meaningful things—quality over quantity. In art collecting, this could mean focusing on pieces that genuinely resonate with you rather than impulsively buying art that you're lukewarm about.
If the rest of your space is minimalist, art is where you can really inject your personality so make it count!
Art is the best way to add colour and texture into a neutral minimalist space so don't be intimidated by it. Bold colours and textures can add a fresh feel to a space and allow you to express yourself and the things you love in a thought out way.
Setting boundaries for your collection can help. Decide in advance how much wall and floor space you're willing to dedicate to your art. This pre-defined 'canvas' limits the possibility of clutter and adds a thoughtful layer to your collecting strategy.
Utilise a 3 second rule with adding new pieces; can you see a spot it fits into and a reason for it within 3 seconds? If not, then it's not meant to be!
The art you choose to display should align with your minimalist goals. Instead of filling every wall, focus on one or two statement pieces that capture the essence of a room. The art can be bold and impactful; it just shouldn't dominate the space or clutter your visual field.
Collections can be focused on key criteria such as a colour story or a theme. The green room above has a "Japanese Art collection, with blue hues" theme. The more niched you get, the more cohesive the look and less cluttered the overall feel.
Go big with statement pieces where possible, one or two large pieces can make a bold statement - don't be afraid to fill the wall. Keep the frame simple or use a picture hanger to draw the focus straight to the art.
Modern technology offers solutions for art enthusiasts who want to minimize physical clutter. Digital frames can display multiple works, and virtual galleries can showcase your collection to friends and family without the need for physical space.
When it comes to acquiring new pieces, a minimalist would opt for fewer, more meaningful works. Remember, each piece you add should serve a purpose—whether it's aesthetic, emotional, or intellectual.
Balancing minimalism and an art collection doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. By curating with intention, setting physical and emotional boundaries, and utilizing modern storage and display methods, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
And if you're keen on incorporating into your minimalist setup, why not explore the wide selection of framed prints available at Lelloliving?
