The Cluttercore Trend Makes Chaos Cool—Why Designers Want You to Try It

Odds are, you're familiar with the cluttercore design aesthetic even if you don't know it by name. Here, we're sharing details on what cluttercore style entails, how you can get the look in your own home, and what specific design tips you will want to follow while decorating your space.

What Is Cluttercore?

Cluttercore has risen in popularity over the last several years. The design trend is "all about celebrating organized chaos," says Melanie Summers, a professional organizer and the owner of I Speak Organized. "Unlike minimalist trends, cluttercore embraces your favorite things and gives them a place of honor."

As such, cluttercore style spaces are cozy, color-filled, and welcoming. They are perfect for collectors who cannot imagine keeping any of their prized items behind closed doors and are eager to showcase everything from books to artwork to trinkets.

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Key Characteristics of Cluttercore

There are eight main key characteristics of cluttercore.

Personal Pieces

Unlike bland rooms with pieces that were all sourced at one or two retailers, cluttercore style spaces are personal and greatly reflect their owners. This means showcasing sentimental pieces, Summers says.

Maximalism

Cluttercore and maximalism go hand in hand. As Summers says, one key component of cluttercore is "embracing a 'more is more' approach"—now is not the time to hold back and limit yourself to what is on display.

Filled Walls

You won't find blank white walls in a cluttercore-style space. Rather, cluttercore enthusiasts enjoy filling their wall space to the brim. Keep in mind that you don't just have to stick with traditional artwork here—hang pots and pans on the wall in the kitchen, display team pennants in the basement, or show off some beautiful scarves and textiles, just to name a few examples.

Vibrant Colors

The more color in a cluttercore-style space, the better. These happy homes are filled with vibrant hues of all kinds. Don't worry about sticking to a specific one or two color scheme; embrace the entire rainbow if you wish.

Quirky Elements

The quirkier your pieces, the better. Cluttercore spaces steer clear of the conventional and instead celebrate funky elements, whether those include witty prints or silly looking trinkets.

Natural Touches

Many cluttercore spaces feature plants or flowers of some kind. Of course, green friends and fresh bouquets are another simple way to add some extra color to your home, too.

Comfy Seating

Cluttercore spaces are meant to be cozy, not rigid. So bring on the bean bag chairs, extra throw pillows, and soft blankets—your guests will thank you for considering these touches.

Laid Back Feeling

Cluttercore spaces are never going to be too precious—you shouldn't be afraid to enjoy food or a drink in the living room or worry about plopping down on the sofa. Formal and stuffy are two words that certainly do not apply to this aesthetic!.

4 Tips for Decorating With Cluttercore

Keep these tips in mind to decorate in cluttercore style like a pro.

Stay True to Yourself

When embracing the cluttercore design trend, do not simply fill your home with anything and everything.

"I think it’s most important to highlight pieces that are meaningful to you or feel intrinsically you," says interior design content creator Samantha Klein.

Klein advises displaying anything from seashells to books to dolls and beyond.

"As with any design motif, focus on pieces you want to look up at and feel reflected back on you!"

Forgo Perfection

Stop worrying about your cluttercore style space looking perfect at all times, Summers says.

"Embrace the unique and imperfect arrangements that give your space character," she says.

Create Focal Points

Summers recommends styling a focal point within a room, options she shares include a bookshelf or gallery wall. This will give the eye somewhere to turn to upon setting foot in your space.

Mix and Match

Cluttercore is by no means about curating a matchy matchy look; rather, have fun with a combinations of prints, textures, and more within your space, Summers encourages.