Decor Decisions
Choosing Art for a Minimalist Home
Featuring interior designer Ryan Saghian
In each installment of our series Decor Decisions, an interior designer helps us choose art for a certain style of home, from minimalism to art deco, industrial to mid-century modern and beyond. (See the playlist curated specially for minimalist homes or browse our other installments.)
Some say the devil lies in the details. But anyone with a minimalist eye would argue it’s the lack of superfluous specifics that makes a space. For many, the less is more sentiment is best represented in their interior decor. Free of glitz, clutter, or clashing patterns, the minimalist style offers a blank canvas for life to play out in the forefront.
“Minimalism in design is about expressing what’s essential,” says interior designer Ryan Saghian. “The idea is to get rid of anything excessive and unnecessary. This helps people focus on pieces that are truly important to them and in turn creates an environment they want to be in a space that accurately represents the things they love.”
Minimalism might’ve rose onto the design scene in the 1960s, but it’s still just as popular today—and for good reason. “It’s appealing because it doesn’t allow people to hide anything,” Saghian says. “Everything is out in the open, and so it encourages people to focus on strong design through art and furniture.”
Initially, choosing artwork for a minimalist space seems counterintuitive. After all, the style thrives on simplicity. However, the pared-down, clean aesthetic gives minimalist dwellers permission to liven up their walls with some art.
“It’s easy to get so involved that you think everything needs to be simple and neutral,” Saghian says. “Art can be the best way to add color and texture, so don’t be intimidated by it.”
While Minimalism is synonymous with a versatile, neutral color palette, a pop of color might just be what your space needs. “This is my favorite,” Saghian says of Moira Hershey’s Hustle and Bustle. The emerald green is sure to liven up a space and goes with almost anything. The repetitive design is often used in a minimalist setting and combining it with a bright color makes it even more fun.
For a piece that packs a punch yet doesn’t command too much attention, select a colorful work with simple, geometric shapes. With a soothing, pastel palette and sharp edges that mimic minimalism, Nacho Frades’ Purple Sky teeters nicely between subtle and statement. Saghian also favors Balearic by Bryan Byczek. “The colors in this are fabulous,” he says. “It’s soothing, but still adds the necessary pop of color you need in an otherwise neutral room.”
If sharp, geometric shapes don’t pique your interest, look for pieces with some symmetry. Take The Swan No. 18 by Hilma af Klint, for example. The robust reds, blues, and yellows will stand out against a series of whites, beiges, and browns; however, the symmetric bullseye will pair nicely with a minimalist aesthetic.
But for anyone whose taste aligns more with a soothing, neutral color palette, injecting some bright and bold hues may feel too contrived. Fortunately, it is possible to bring your subtle shades to your walls. The key? Texture.
“Texture is so important in a minimalist home,” Saghian shares. “Add rugs, throw pillows, textured wall art, and accessories to help liven up an otherwise neutral, minimalist palette.”
In Mike Schick’s Improvisation, the haphazardly constructed brushstroke in various grey tones offer some extra dimension, as if you peel each stroke right of the wall. And while Circle Segments by László Moholy-Nagy features an earthy palette of beige, brown, and black, the textured background offers some extra depth to the geometric work.
“I love this piece because it has so much character,” Saghian says of Circle Segments. “It’s minimalist in tone, but can add dimension and depth to any space.”
But, in true minimalist fashion, choosing art for a pared-down space is always about quality, not quantity. “The best thing you can do is keep quality over quantity in mind,” he says.
A few pieces too many in one room, especially in a minimalist space, can run the risk of looking like a sterile art gallery. In fact, one oversized piece can have a far bigger impact than multiple pieces.
But when you find a timeless piece that speaks to you, size doesn’t matter all that much. “People sometimes forget that art can provide such a focal point for the room,” Saghian says. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be a large piece of art, something small is just as effective.”
As for where to place art in a minimal home? Focus on large, airy rooms like a bedroom, living space, or foyer.
“Be thoughtful about your choices and choose timeless pieces that can be enjoyed over and over again,” he says.