Yahoo Lifestyle 6 Interiors That Prove Cluttercore Can Be Stylish
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If you’ve spent time scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram, and your feeds are anything like the editors of Country Living, chances are you’ve come across images of rooms filled to the brim with stuff. At first glance, it might be a bit overwhelming, especially to those of us who love a good organizing session, but the deeper you dive, the more intriguing those spaces become. It’s not just stuff but bona fide, valuable collections displayed in a happily haphazard manner. And now, this frenetic design style has a name: Cluttercore.
When cluttercore first went viral on social media, my feed was inundated with some of the coolest, kookiest collected spaces I’d ever seen—and I’ve seen A LOT of spaces. This decorating ethos has become popular amongst design aesthetes and vintage collectors alike, and for good reason. Read on for an in-depth explanation of what the style is, what it isn’t, why its sudden popularity makes a whole lot of sense, and see some of our favorite examples of how to bring it to life.
What is Cluttercore?
Before we dive into what cluttercore is, let’s be clear about what it is not: Cluttercore is not the exaltation of everyday detritus. This is not an excuse to leave your kitchen counter covered in papers or purses. A more accurate name for the trend is ‘collectioncore,’ and that’s the lens through which we’ll explain the style.
Simply put, cluttercore is a design aesthetic based on a love of stuff. It’s fueled by a free-spirited, almost childlike approach to interior design, and much like maximalism (more on that later), cluttercore celebrates a more-is-more mindset. After all, why have only three wicker baskets stacked on top of your antique armoire when you could have ten?
Cluttercore gained popularity as a response to the growing design monolith—the somewhat inescapable feeling that everything, everywhere should look the same, preferably in an algorithm-friendly shade of beige. Cluttercore is the opposite of that. It’s happily chaotic, less precise, and a lot more authentic.
There’s been loads of psychological research to back up the popularity of this style, too. In an essay for The New York Times, author Rob Walker, who penned Lost Objects: 50 Stories About the Things We Miss And Why They Matter, cited the 1981 book The Meaning of Things by a research duo. In the book, the researchers studied the human relationship to materialism. Their results shouldn’t shock you: “Things are cherished not because of the material comfort they provide, but for the information they convey about the owner and his or her ties to others,” the duo wrote. But it’s Walker's following observation that explains their findings best: “That’s why your weird old clutter is probably more important [to you] than whatever It-object innovation you might acquire next.” Cluttercore is popular because, at the end of the day, humans love the things that remind them of their happiest times.
What’s the Difference Between Maximalism and Cluttercore?
The difference between maximalism and cluttercore is subtle. Maximalism focuses on curating a visually stimulating space through color and pattern mixing; cluttercore is more about the artful display of a myriad of physical objects. It’s safe to say that all cluttercore homes are likely maximalist, but not all maximalist homes exemplify cluttercore. For a deeper dive into what maximalism is and how it differs from cluttercore, read our maximalism design guide.
How Do You Do Cluttercore Well?
Edit Until You Can’t Edit Anymore
In order to make cluttercore livable, you have to edit. A grouping of 50 random plates may feel overwhelming when hung on a wall. But 50 trout-themed plates? That’s an amazing collection worthy of the spotlight. Prioritize sentimental items you can’t imagine living without, but be equally willing to get rid of things that don’t fit your overall vision.
Master the Art of Display
Once you’ve edited your clutter down to the things you love most, it’s time to find the perfect display spot. Treat your house like a museum, especially if your collections are worthy of one. For interesting objects, try open shelving. (Just be sure to follow these pro tips on the best way to execute it.) If you have a ton of art, an overflowing gallery wall is the most logical choice. Even with an abundance of things, be sure to follow the old adage: “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”
Examples of Cluttercore Done Right
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