Choosing Botanical Art That Feels Peaceful, Not Busy
Botanical art offers a unique opportunity to bring the outdoors into our homes through a variety of subjects (flowers, leaves, branches, etc.) which can soften the space we live in, provide a sense of calm and support us in feeling grounded. However, some botanical art can be very busy – so much detail, so much crowding, so much visual stimulation – which can make a space feel anything but peaceful.
In order to choose botanical art which provides a peaceful experience in the space where you live, it is helpful to approach the selection process intentionally. The following are three simple steps to help you choose a piece of botanical art which evokes feelings of peace, calmness and clarity, and helps to support restfulness.
1. Consider How Much Negative Space There Is in the Piece
Negative space is the area in a piece of art that is NOT the subject of the piece. In other words, it is the empty space surrounding the subject. While the importance of negative space in creating the overall “feel” of a piece of art cannot be overstated, it is often overlooked by those selecting art for their homes.
The amount of negative space in a piece of botanical art can greatly affect how peaceful it appears to be. A piece of botanical art with ample space surrounding its subject(s) will generally appear to be calmer than a piece of botanical art with no space or with very little space surrounding the subject(s). Therefore, when evaluating a piece of botanical art, consider whether the subject(s) of the piece have enough space to "breathe". Ask yourself:
Can I give my eyes a place to rest in this piece?
Are all parts of the subject clearly visible and defined, or do all parts of the subject compete for the viewer's attention?
When evaluating a piece of botanical art, a simple, uncluttered arrangement of a single branch, leaf, or bloom against a light-colored or neutral colored background will generally produce a greater sense of serenity than a piece of botanical art which presents a dense, jungle-like arrangement of multiple branches, leaves and/or blooms.
2. Limit Yourself to a Small Number of Soft Colours
Color affects the mood, and botanical art is no different. Colorful floral arrangements and lush greenery can add energy to a space, but they can also create a lot of visual activity - especially in spaces where you want to relax, such as bedrooms, reading nooks and living rooms. If you're seeking a peaceful atmosphere, limit your color palette when selecting botanical art.
Gentle greens, soft earth tones, cream, brown and soft blush colors are typically calming and grounding. Darker colors can also evoke a sense of calmness when they are used in moderation and are balanced correctly.
Here's a general rule-of-thumb: the fewer colors vying for your attention, the calmer the piece of art will appear to be. Botanical art does not have to scream to be beautiful.
3. Allow the Subject of the Piece to Take Center Stage
For botanical art to be most effective in producing a peaceful atmosphere, it needs to allow the viewer to focus on a specific subject or subjects. When a piece of botanical art attempts to show too many plants, textures, or decorative elements, it tends to create a cluttered, busy appearance - regardless of the beauty of each individual component.
Instead of trying to show as much as possible, look for pieces that focus on one primary subject - one leaf, one flower, one branch, etc. This type of focus produces clarity and stillness - both visually and emotionally. It encourages the viewer to slow down and really observe the natural subject being presented.
Think of botanical art as a quiet moment with nature rather than a catalog of everything that grows. When the artist focuses on just one element of a plant, the resulting piece of art is usually much more calming and meaningful than a piece of art that includes everything the artist could think of.
Creating a Sense of Peace in Your Home
Selecting botanical art that produces a peaceful experience is less about trends and more about how the piece of art makes you feel when you live with it every day. When you choose art that is calming, it adds to your space - it does not distract from it.
By focusing on the negative space, limiting the number of colors you use and choosing focused compositions, you can create a space that is balanced, peaceful and connected to nature.
Botanical art should create a sense of calm - not chaos. When selected thoughtfully, botanical art becomes more than decoration - it becomes a part of the atmosphere of your home.
Are you ready to start creating a calmer space that feels more peaceful and supportive? Check out my guide, How to Create a Calm Home in 30 Days, It will walk you through taking small, gentle steps to build a home that feels less overwhelming and a place where you can breathe.