Clutter is one of those things that tends to spark strong opinions. For some, it’s the enemy of peace and order, something to purge with ruthless dedication. For others, it’s just part of living. But in recent years, the conversation around interior design has shifted. No longer does a perfectly curated minimalist space reign supreme. Instead, a new design philosophy is making waves, one that embraces the mess, or at least, redefines what a mess can be. Designing with clutter in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. It means recognizing that life is layered and chaotic, and that your space can reflect that without sacrificing beauty or comfort. Here’s how that works, and why more people are intentionally leaning into this look.

The Rise Of “Cluttercore”

Cluttercore isn’t about hoarding or letting your home spin out of control. It’s curated chaos. Think of an open shelving filled with books, trinkets, plants, and personal mementos. It’s lived-in, layered, and unapologetically personal. The style stands in contrast to minimalism, which often relies on strict rules and neutral palettes. Cluttercore celebrates individuality over uniformity.

This trend isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s deeply tied to how people want to feel in their homes: comforted, grounded, surrounded by memories and meaning. For many, especially those who’ve grown up in eras of economic instability, global crises, and rapid digital change, a home full of “stuff” can feel safe, real, and human.

How To Design Around Clutter Without Losing Control

The key to designing with clutter in mind is intention. There’s a line between expressive and overwhelming, especially in small homes. Here’s how to stay on the right side of it:

1. Group Items By Theme Or Color

You don’t have to Marie Kondo your shelves, but giving your objects some structure can go a long way. Try clustering similar items together, such as vintage cameras, blue ceramics, or framed postcards. This adds cohesion and helps the eye understand what it’s looking at, even when a lot is going on.

2. Balance Full And Empty Spaces

Even the most eclectic homes benefit from a little breathing room. If one shelf is packed with finds from your trips, let the next one be simpler, with just a few books, perhaps a small vase. Letting some areas rest makes the “busy” ones feel more intentional.

3. Choose Furniture That Can Handle Chaos

Go for pieces that complement a more cluttered style. Think of vintage wood, warm tones, or eclectic upholstery patterns that can hold their own next to a wall of art or a table covered in books and candles. Fragile, glossy modern surfaces might look out of place, but rich textures and earthy finishes help tie everything together.

4. Embrace Layering

One of the most defining traits of clutter-friendly design is arranging furniture in a certain way and layering. Stack books. Overlap rugs. Hang artwork over wallpaper. Let your collections spill onto each other a little. This adds depth and visual interest without needing everything to match.

The Psychology Of “Good” Clutter

There’s a reason some people feel better in a full room than an empty one. Psychologists have found that spaces filled with personal items can increase feelings of comfort and identity. It’s about creating an environment that reflects who you are, not just what you want others to think of you.

In that sense, cluttered design becomes a way of reclaiming space. It pushes back against performative minimalism and the pressure always to present a perfect home. It’s about building a space that works for your daily life, not just for your social media feed.

When Clutter Becomes A Problem

Of course, not all clutter is created equal. Emotional clutter, such as things kept out of guilt or indecision, can drain energy and add stress. The trick is to distinguish between items that tell your story and items that weigh you down.

Ask yourself:

●       Does this object have a story I love telling?

●       Do I use or enjoy this regularly?

●       Does it make me feel connected to a person, place, or idea?

If the answer is no, it may be time to part ways. This is especially true if you’re planning on relocating soon. You need to know how and why to declutter before a move. Decluttering before a move is the best way to simplify your relocation. It’s simple: less clutter - less packing. Cluttercore isn’t about keeping everything; it’s about keeping the right things.

Styling Clutter For Different Rooms

Clutter-friendly design isn’t limited to living rooms or bedrooms. Each room can handle it a little differently:

●       Kitchen - Use open shelves to display your favorite mugs, spice jars, and cookbooks. Let the cookware be part of the décor. Pegboards and hanging racks can add function and flair.

●       Bathroom - Stacked towels, candles, and bath salts in pretty jars; this is a great place for soft, clutter-free touches. Opt for wooden trays or storage baskets to corral items without losing the cozy feel.

●       Home Office - Art supplies, books, mood boards; these can be chaotic if left unchecked. Try pinning things vertically, using cork boards or rail systems to give structure without hiding your creativity.

●       Entryway - Let this space welcome people into your curated mess. A gallery wall, coat hooks, a vintage bench piled with scarves; it can all say, “someone lives here, and they have good taste.”

Final Thoughts: Clutter As A Design Statement

Designing with clutter in mind doesn’t mean giving up on beauty. In fact, it might be the most honest kind of beauty: a reflection of who you are, what you love, and how you live. The goal isn’t to impress; it’s to connect with your space, your history, and your own version of home. When styled with care, it’s not a mess at all, it’s a mood.