The art of home organization is real, folks. But it’s not about creating an army of practically arranged objects and a.k.a. neat abodes, although that’s a great side effect—you do receive the benefit of living more relaxed because of your space. And now I can honestly tell you from my own experience: It’s also not some mature or grown-up changes-only topic in the strictly domestic world. Though NYU press’s facetious title notwithstanding, minimalism offers plenty of freedom for any household to reimagine their residential ongoing drama.
Allowing each work of art or collectible to take center stage is how a minimalist display should look, if you ask me. That and simplicity are the two main reasons why I think displaying art and objects in a neat, tidy manner is best. There’s beauty in not crowding a space with too many visuals; there’s beauty in what Wigglesworth calls “empty” space between pieces. Even scientific backing exists for the alleviation of stress and anxiety that occurs when one is surrounded by an organized environment filled with beautiful items.
It’s hard to part with things that hold emotional significance. You might be troubled by the thought of forgetting or feeling uneasy about discarding memories. Yet, taking a new look at how you organize and display sentimental items can spark therapeutic change. Viewing your possessions in a new light might just help you prioritize what holds the most value, and aesthetically speaking in your life.
When you’re setting up a minimalist display, it’s crucial to put your existing items in order first. You need a clear idea of the peaceful, clutter-free space that the display will inhabit, which will serve as the basis for how you arrange (and often, what items you select to include) within the display itself. No muss, no fuss! Ultimately, keeping things simple is key—both with respect to the nature and number of items within the display and with how those items are arranged.
Put your art and trinkets into groups. Make piles for keeping and discarding, along with a pile for those items that are maybe in between. Then, go through each piece, considering its value (both monetary and sentimental). Move things on if they don’t fit the floor you’re trying to stand on; understand that doing so doesn’t mean you’re not appreciative of whatever led you to acquire them but rather means it’s time to create space without visual clutter.
Start with the things that speak most to your soul. These might light up positively intense emotions or connect to unique memories for you. If you’re absolutely stuck and not clear on what stays and what goes, think about how each item can enhance your space’s aesthetic and functionality. For instance, if you have multiple artworks, consider keeping only the truly singular pieces that make a statement while culling any duplicates or low-value pieces that do little more than take up space and onto which too many hopes haven’t been pinned.
When it comes to showcasing your artwork and trinkets, less is often more. Follow these simple techniques to ensure your space remains peaceful and balanced.
First, start with your artwork. Instead of blanket-covering a wall with an array of pieces, pick out the three (or so) most important works you have to display. Also, consider grouping similar art together, putting all your portrait paintings next to one another, for instance. This helps keep things visually interesting without becoming too jarring for the eye.
Next, move on to the knick-knacks that adorn various surfaces in your home. Again, try not to overdo it here; rules about multiples aside, don’t be afraid to limit yourself.
The right tools make decluttering simpler. Some are built into places of organization, like shelves or storage boxes, and simply help keep similar items together. Other tools are so basic that they barely seem worth mentioning, like dividers in drawers that let the small items stored there remain visible and organized. Then there’s my personal favorite: label makers – every home should have one and none should stay cluttered!
When it comes to making the most of your space, there’s no better authority to turn to than a professional organizer. These experts know how to help you not only declutter but also set up a space that functions at its optimal best, leaving you feeling more relaxed and focused in the process. But before hiring an actual organizer (which might be necessary if you’re dealing with extreme disorganization), is there anything you can do on your own to make better use of the spaces you inhabit? Yes! There are apps for that.
When it comes to choosing what to show off and what to stash away, you’re served well by being clear about which items truly speak to your persona or resonate with your artistic side. Displaying accents that fail to reflect your true self or connect with you on an emotional level ends up feeling like a space that’s short on personality.
Designing a minimalist space is not strictly a one-shot affair; it needs and deserves an occasional refresh. And really, when you think about it, what other type of design could survive with such lax maintenance? Minimalism requires the on-goer to be doing two thoughts: first, what new piece do I want to put in here, and second (and more important), how will this integrate with everything else that’s already in the space?
Every few months, revisit your display and reevaluate each item’s relevance and emotional value. Consider removing anything that no longer sparks the same magic it once did, especially if it clashes with the other pieces around it. For instance, if a photo has lost its luster in your eyes (or Relation Apps), consider storing it safely instead of displaying it halfheartedly. Balance is everything; make sure you’re not over- or underserving any particular “stars” of your display by maintaining a healthy mix of assorted items that reflect various aspects of your persona.
Don’t go wild with new purchases. Before bringing in something fresh, say goodbye to something old first. That way, the space maintains harmony and keeps a reasonable amount of visual interest up top. A good rule of thumb is to take an “in” with an “out,” where “in” refers to the new thing coming into your space and “out” signifies the old thing making its exit. If you buy a new piece at all costs, make sure it isn’t significantly larger or differently colored than anything already displayed there—an odd-sized or colored object will stick out like a sore thumb.
Occasionally reviewing the contents of your minimalist space and thoughtfully incorporating new items will keep your space feeling fresh and organized a perfect balance with maintaining only what is truly meaningful to you.
Your home. Your sanctuary. Where wouldn’t you like to be? With thought and intention, you curated the space around you, choosing exactly what makes it truly “you.” It’s not really about just cleaning up; it’s better organized now than it was a month ago. You know why: The meaningful stuff stays; everything else goes.
You reassess frequently because maintaining that pace and keeping your space looking its best is part of your well-being. And if it isn’t part of your well-being just yet, seeing a light at the end of this tunnel gives you hope for change with small steps that can lead to big results.
