According to design experts, today's homes are being designed with personality in mind. Instead of minimalism, there's refined layering, curated antique pieces taking center stage, and "cluttercore." Designers debated this clutter-forward trend, but many are in favor of it — if it's done right.
The cluttercore trend encourages people to put their treasured trinkets on display. Think items you bought while traveling, sentimental books and photos, and vintage pieces that make you smile. It's not just putting something on a shelf to fill space, but rather finding ways to make your decor feel meaningful.
Here's everything to know about the cluttercore trend, including why it's popular now and how to pull it off in your space.
What Is Cluttercore?
Cluttercore is all about intentional clutter. The trend encourages homeowners to scatter about collections of knick-knacks and pieces that make them smile. Think of it as embracing your inner child through your home decor.
"Cluttercore is a trend that focuses on surrounding yourself with sentimental decor. While it’s similar to maximalism, there’s a push for the items to have a story and a meaning behind them. We’re all living in a constant state of stress and uneasiness, and I think everyone is seeking comfort. While there's not a lot we can control, we can control how we feel in our homes," says Rachel Mae Smith, author of Colorful Living.
Still, it's important to note that although "clutter" is in the name, the trend isn't about leaving random items all over the house. Think windowsills filled with meaningful trinkets or shelves with several pieces of related artwork.
Key Characteristics
Here are a few of the most important characteristics of the cluttercore design trend, according to designers.
- Layered shelves: "When I picture cluttercore, I see shelves layered with books and trinkets," says Cathryn Lindsey of Cathryn Lindsey Design. Embrace all of your favorite things at once, layering them in one space to create a design that tells a story.
- Floor-to-ceiling design: Don't be afraid to go all out—that means gallery walls that extend from floor to ceiling or bookshelves filled to the brim with novels, trinkets, and photos.
- Curated collections: "Maybe it’s a collection of shells you’ve been keeping from vacations over the years or the flower paintings you look for every time you go to an antique shop. Regardless of what you collect, find a place for it in your home and display it together," says Smith.
- Curated maximalism: Embrace maximalist design features like mixed patterns and layered art in a way that's meaningful to you. "It’s not about piling on stuff to be trendy, but layering in pieces that hold meaning—treasures from travels, favorite artwork, or collections you’ve built over time," says Heather French of French & French Interiors.
Tips From the Pros
Before you go ahead and embrace the clutter, make sure to consider these pro tips.
✔️ Collect over time: "Build your space over time rather than buying everything at once. Collect vintage artwork from thrift stores or a painting from each vacation," says Lindsey.
✔️ Think outside the box: "Maybe you can display your vintage plate collection as wall art or frame your grandma’s collection of doilies to make a gallery wall," says Smith.
✔️ Spread it out: "Instead of cramming everything into a curio cabinet, try featuring collections throughout your home—a cluster of small artworks in a hallway or vintage ceramics styled on a mantel," says French.
✔️ Embrace a lived-in home: "Cluttercore is a display of a life well lived. I think the Nancy Meyers trend was a spark of cluttercore because the characters in her movies lived interesting lives and their homes were a reflection of this," says Smith.
✔️ Don't just fill up space: "For example, I gravitate towards antique French goods because I studied abroad in France. Those pieces feel more meaningful and connected to my story. That’s the secret to making cluttercore work. It’s less about filling space and more about surrounding yourself with items that reflect who you are," says Lindsey.
✔️ Plan ahead: "The trick is to have a dedicated space for your items before you pull everything out. Organization is important to make it not feel overwhelming," says Smith.
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
