Introduction to Cluttercore
Cluttercore is the newest home aesthetic craze taking over social media feeds far and wide. For diehard minimalists, the act of discarding an object is euphoric. On the other hand, if thoughtfully justifying the inclusion of an item to the “keep” pile satiates the senses, Cluttercore might be for you. This design concept takes the ever popular Maximalism and turns it up a notch — but what exactly is it?
What is Cluttercore?
According to Better Homes & Gardens, "Cluttercore is a design trend that embraces a personalized, eclectic aesthetic by showcasing collections and meaningful possessions, often as a response to minimalism. It focuses on creating a cozy and individual space filled with items that bring joy, rather than simply accumulating clutter." Less is more is passé, more is more is en vogue — so, where does one go from here?
Understanding Cluttercore with Courtnay Tartt Elias
Houston’s very own matriarch of Maximalism, Courtnay Tartt Elias, principal and creative director of acclaimed design firm Creative Tonic, happens to know a thing or two about how to create a Cluttercore aesthetic that is more of a vibe and less of a mess. Elias recently shared her five tips for creating a perfectly-curated Cluttercore aesthetic.
Cluttercore vs Maximalism
“Cluttercore is really maximalism in a slightly different hat, I think! Both celebrate the idea that more can definitely be more. Where traditionally maximalism leans into bold color, pattern mixing (or drenching!), and statement pieces, Cluttercore is more about adding layers of personal storytelling,” she explains. “It is about making your home reflect who you are and what you love by displaying collections, mementos, and all the little things that make it yours. People crave spaces that reflect who they are, the same way they use their clothing or hobbies to express themselves. And beyond how the space looks, Cluttercore is comfortable. A warm, layered home full of art, books, and treasures, all collected and displayed with love, feels real and inviting, and definitely not too precious to kick off your shoes, get a little bit messy, and relax.”
Tips for Introducing Cluttercore to Your Home
Here are Courtnay Tartt Elias’ five tips for introducing Cluttercore to a home:
- Start Small: Begin with a few spaces and curate a layered display. Pull together existing collections and play with the arrangement until it looks cohesive. Focus on things that tell a story about collections, hobbies, or mementos that never fail to bring a smile to the owner’s face.
- Shop Your Own Home First: Before running out to buy new pieces, comb through your existing possessions. Group like items together and regroup them by color, texture, or memories. This makes it easier to spot what’s missing when you’re shopping.
- Group Like with Like: Collections look intentional when they’re styled together. Maintain a consistent thread throughout a space to ensure it doesn’t look random and haphazard.
- Don’t Forget the Function of the Space: Cluttercore doesn’t mean clutter for clutter’s sake — the space should still serve a person’s needs. A room filled with layers of personality should still be deeply functional.
- Mix in the Unexpected: Take unexpected items and make them into furniture. Be creative and think outside the box. Create a gallery wall with a bit of a twist and add in things that speak to the homeowner.
Conclusion
Cluttercore is a design trend that celebrates the idea of more being more. By embracing a personalized, eclectic aesthetic and showcasing collections and meaningful possessions, you can create a cozy and individual space that reflects who you are and what you love. With these five tips, you can introduce Cluttercore to your home and make it a warm, layered space that feels real and inviting. Remember to start small, shop your own home first, group like with like, don’t forget the function of the space, and mix in the unexpected. By following these tips, you can create a Cluttercore aesthetic that is more of a vibe and less of a mess.
