Move over boring! There’s a new look in town and it is gorgeous, collected and not a bit minimalist.
By Alan Samons
Cluttercore is the current antidote to minimalism: a warm, maximalist approach that celebrates personal belongings, sentimental collections and a deliberately “lived-in” look. It isn’t simply mess for mess’s sake; cluttercore asks you to surround yourself with objects that tell stories—vintage plates, piled books, travel trinkets, framed postcards, ceramics, plants and small artworks—arranged in a way that feels abundant but intentional. It is richly layered, and ‘curated clutter’ is at the order of the day. It speaks of late-night reading, romantic suppers by candlelight and philosophical fireside chats (even if you don’t have a fireplace use candles.)
The trend bubbled up on social platforms such as TikTok and Pinterest during and after the pandemic, when people started reassessing what they really value in their homes and, for many, choosing to display rather than hide treasured things.
The origin story is less a single moment than a cultural correction. Minimalism and Marie Kondo-styled decluttering dominated interiors for a decade; cluttercore emerged as a reaction, especially among younger people who wanted rooms that reflected identity rather than showroom sterility. Social media accelerated it: short videos showing book-filled nooks, over-stuffed shelves and table-top altars made the aesthetic instantly replicable. Critics argue it risks becoming a consumptive performance, but advocates point out the emotional benefits of living among meaningful objects—comfort, nostalgia and sensory richness—rather than only pristine surface.
What cluttercore looks like in practice is recognisable: layered surfaces (coffee tables, mantels and sideboards smothered in items), gallery walls packed edge-to-edge with frames, stacks of mismatched books, a profusion of plants, and an overall “more is more” colour and pattern palette. Yet the key word is curated: the successful cluttercore room reads as purposeful storytelling, not hoarding. Designers recommend editing ruthlessly for relevance—every object should mean something or at least be visually interesting—and arranging like objects in groups so the eye can rest amid the abundance.
If you want to try cluttercore without it tipping into chaos, here’s a practical, stress-free approach.
Start with a “story edit.” Pull out the objects you already love—souvenirs, small artworks, inherited items—then sort them into themes (travel, family, ceramics, books, curios etc.). Work with what you have first; cluttercore is most authentic when it grows over time rather than being purchased in one go. Aim for resonance rather than volume.
Designate display zones. Cluttercore works best when items are anchored to specific areas: a mantel becomes your miniature museum, a bookshelf your story archive, a console table your rotating gallery. Limit the footprint of the “clutter” to one or two feature spots per room, so the home feels abundant without overwhelming every surface. Shelving, picture rails and ledges are invaluable—vertical displays create layers without taking up floor space.
Group with purpose. Small objects gain presence when clustered in odds and when grouped by colour, material or theme. Vary heights and textures—stack a few books horizontally, place a small vase on top, balance with a taller candlestick next to a low ceramic. This variation creates rhythm and prevents the arrangement from looking like random clutter. Use trays and bowls to corral tiny items; they both tidy and visually signal an intentional collection.
Balance chaos with calm. To stop a room becoming visually fatiguing, ensure you have calm, neutral zones—an expanse of plain wall, a single uncluttered side table, or a reserved reading chair. These breathing spaces are important because they let your eye appreciate the curated zones more fully. Lighting helps here too: layer ambient, task and accent lights so that displays can be spotlighted and less important surfaces stay subdued.
Embrace display furniture and flexible storage. Open shelving, glass-fronted cabinets, and vintage bookcases are perfect for cluttercore because they show items while offering structure. Consider a display cabinet with internal lighting for fragile or small pieces. Use stylish boxes and baskets on lower shelves to hide less decorative necessities without spoiling the look. Rotating displays seasonally keeps the look fresh and prevents accumulation from becoming static.
Colour, pattern and texture are friends. Cluttercore loves layered rugs, patterned cushions and mixed finishes—wood, brass, rattan, glass. A consistent colour thread (for example, a recurring accent colour or metallic tone) will unify eclectic pieces and make the whole feel considered rather than haphazard. Plants—big and small—soften the look and introduce life and scent, which are central to the cozy aspect of cluttercore.
Be intentional about maintenance. Cluttercore is not an excuse for neglect. Regularly reassess: donate what no longer sparks joy, dust and reorganise displays, and resist the impulse to keep everything simply because it exists. The look can be especially healing for parents or people with busy lives because it accepts the presence of kids’ artwork, toys and everyday detritus—provided items are grouped and displayed with care rather than scattered randomly.
Mix high and low. Set an antique vase next to an inexpensive decorative item from a big retailer. If it works, it works. Don’t be overly precious, but rather bring some fun and humour into your interior.
Finally, remember the ethical and mental-health dimensions. The trend can feel lavish, and some critics say it privileges looks over sustainability. The kinder, smarter way to cluttercore is second-hand treasure hunting, upcycling, and celebrating objects already in your life rather than buying new to “perform” the aesthetic. And if you have hoarding tendencies or struggle with organisation, seek a tempered version of cluttercore—one that emphasises meaningful curation over accumulation.
Cluttercore is ultimately about personality: homes that look like the people who live in them. Done well, it turns rooms into tactile, story-filled places that invite lingering, remembering and comfort. If you’re tired of white walls and staged minimalism, cluttercore offers a joyful permission slip: keep what you love, give it space to be seen, and arrange it with intention. Your home, after all, should be an ongoing, ever-evolving scrapbook—messy, marvellous and unmistakably yours.
Layer generously – mix books, trinkets, art, and keepsakes so surfaces feel lived-in.
Display collections – whether it’s ceramics, vintage tins, or glassware, show them proudly.
Mix patterns – combine florals, stripes, plaids, and bold prints for a joyful clash.
Use rich colour – deep hues and mismatched tones add warmth and personality.
Embrace nostalgia – family photos, heirlooms, and quirky souvenirs bring heart to the space.
Stack and scatter – let piles of books, records, or magazines create visual rhythm.
Art everywhere – hang pieces salon-style, even overlapping, or lean framed works against walls.
Layer textiles – throws, cushions, rugs, and tapestries add softness and abundance.
Blend eras – pair antiques with modern pieces to create charming juxtapositions.
Prioritise joy over rules – let your personality shine through; cluttercore celebrates individuality, not minimalism.
