How to choose art for a minimalist interior?
⏱️ 7 minute read
A minimalist interior exudes tranquility. Clean lines, few objects, lots of space. But precisely in that emptiness lies a challenge: how do you add something without disturbing the balance? Art is the answer. But it has to be the right art.
In this article, I share my vision as an artist on choosing art for a minimalist interior. Not as a stylist, but as someone who daily considers how color, form, and space relate to each other.
Less is more — but empty is not enough
Minimalism is often confused with bareness. A white wall is not a statement; it's a missed opportunity. Art in a minimalist interior has a specific role: it is the only element allowed to speak. This calls for a piece that has something to say.
Abstract art works exceptionally well here. Not because it's 'safe,' but because it leaves room for interpretation. An abstract work adapts to the viewer and the surrounding space.
Take Lucarne (100×100 cm) — a square piece that, due to its size and soft lavender and rose hues, fills the wall without dominating. The two dark planes give the work an inner tension that you only notice if you pause and look at it.
View KOJO Art's abstract originals
Hand-painted works in acrylic and oil paint. Each piece unique, each piece made to last.
Color: subtle or deliberately contrasting
In a minimalist interior, you have two choices when it comes to color. You choose a piece that blends into the space—earthy tones, off-white, soft gray. Or you deliberately opt for contrast: one piece that sets the tone for the entire room.
Both work, but they require a different approach. For the first choice, you pay attention to the undertone of your walls and furniture. Warm or cool? For the second choice, you select the artwork first and then coordinate the rest of the space accordingly.
Collision (40×50 cm) is a good example of a work that deliberately seeks contrast. Compact in size, but strong in presence—ideal above a desk or in a narrow hallway where you experience the work up close.
My own work often moves in earthy, warm palettes. Not because it’s 'safe,' but because those colors do something with a space. They make it more human.
— Jordy Koumans
Size: bigger than you think
The most common mistake with art in a minimalist interior: the piece is too small. A small painting on a large wall disappears. It has no chance to speak.
As a rule of thumb: choose a piece that covers at least two-thirds of the width of the wall or the furniture beneath it. A large piece on an empty wall is not excessive — it’s exactly right.
Reclaimed (61.5×122 cm) is the perfect example of this. Its elongated format works particularly well above a sofa or bed — it follows the horizontal line of the furniture and gives the wall direction.
Small size, big impact
Not every space demands a large piece. In a hallway, on a bookshelf, or as an accent next to a door, a smaller piece can be just enough. The key: hang it at eye level and give it space around it. No other objects vying for attention.
Union Square (20×20 cm) and Chelsea (30×40 cm) are works that excel in this role. Small in size, but with a composition that fills the space you give them.
City as inspiration, tranquility as result
Much of my work is inspired by urban environments—architecture, light, movement. But the result is always tranquility. That's the paradox of abstract art: it can come from anywhere, but it always brings you somewhere calm.
Soho (60×80 cm) is a good example of this. Warm earthy tones, bold accents, and industrial gray—the energy of Manhattan, translated into a work that doesn't make your room restless, but rather anchors it.
Frequently asked questions
Which art style suits a minimalist interior?
Abstract art, color field painting, and geometric works pair well with a minimalist interior. They add depth without overwhelming the space with figurative details.
How big should a painting be in a minimalist space?
Bigger than you think. A piece that covers at least two-thirds of the wall or furniture width is most impactful. Small works disappear in a sleek, spacious environment, unless you deliberately place them as an accent at eye level with plenty of space around them.
Can I use color in a minimalist interior?
Yes, absolutely. Color doesn't have to mean a space becomes busy. Earthy tones add warmth, and a deliberately chosen color accent can actually enhance tranquility by creating one clear focal point.
What is the difference between an original and a print?
An original painting has texture, layers of paint, and a physical presence that a print cannot replicate. In a minimalist interior, where every detail counts, this difference is visibly and tangibly felt.
Where can I buy abstract art for a minimalist interior?
At KOJO Art, you'll find hand-painted abstract originals and high-quality prints, created by Jordy Koumans from his studio in Tilburg. Worldwide shipping.
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About KOJO Art
KOJO Art is the brand under which I, Jordy Koumans, paint and sell. From my studio in Tilburg, I create abstract paintings in acrylic and oil paint. Besides originals, I sell prints and offer a monthly art subscription: Print Club. Worldwide shipping.
