Contrary to popular belief, minimalist design doesn't mean a home must be bare and boring. It can be hard to resist the temptation to fill every blank space, but you might be surprised how a minimalist look can make a splash. You can add a bit of personality to a space that still stays true to the sleek, chic aesthetic. Wall decor is a great place to start. (But, rule No. 1? If you don't love it, don't hang it.) From creating a gallery wall that features minimalist paintings and prints to mastering the art of styling your shelves with the perfect number of tchotchkes, taking a minimalist approach to your wall decor may be just the clean look you're craving. Here are five easy ways to nail it.

1. Pop some color into

Typically, minimalism is thought to be stark whites and pale beiges, but it can be so much more. Use neutrals as a base but then add some color as an accent. Let's say you are going with the typical neutral scheme, meaning the walls, furniture and fixtures are all in quiet tones. Wall decor is the perfect way to add pops of color. One tip: Consider hanging floating shelves in white, black or natural wood, but fill them with a few colorful items that stand out. A yellow vase here and a turquoise frame there can add some welcome visual energy.

2. Strike a balance

Framing your wall art — whether it's in the minimalist genre or not â€” doesn't mean you have to choose the simplest designs or materials. Framing can be simple, but there's something to be said for punchier frames in a predominantly minimalist room: Think carved, gilded or colorfully lacquered. It's about striking a balance between simple art and complex frames. A pro tip: If your living room is furnished with just a few neutral pieces, consider a gallery wall — a collection of disparate items hung in a grouping — filled with bold, eclectic art from your travels, to make a statement without adding clutter to the whole room. 

3. Think big

If gallery walls aren't your thing, think big. After all, minimalism is about making a statement but without a lot of visual clutter. When you're choosing a piece of minimalist wall art, size does matter. Opt for a large print that has an airy, simplistic vibe to make the room seem bigger. When it comes to personal photos, individually framing them using extra-large mats is a sophisticated way to give them a minimalist vibe, rather than having them feel too small or too busy on a wall if framed in small frames — especially if hung in a row or in a grouping. 

4. Hang art that highlights your hobbies

If you can't find minimalist wall decor that speaks to you, think about your hobbies. Wall decor doesn't have to be just photos, prints or paintings: You can hang all sorts of things on your wall, as art. If you have a collection of old cameras, arrange them on floating shelves. If you love bicycling, you can find a sleek bicycle wall sculpture and hang it as a reminder of your passion. If you love music, hang a row of vintage instruments. There really is something for everyone.