Cluttercore is the interior design trend that’s turning heads—and homes—away from minimalist calm and toward something a little more joyful. If you’re someone who’s sentimental, a bit of a collector, or just loves to be surrounded by colour, pattern and meaningful pieces, then cluttercore might be exactly your vibe.
Put simply, cluttercore is a cosy, curated kind of chaos. It’s not messy or haphazard—it’s intentional, layered, and full of personality. While minimalism strips things back, cluttercore says bring it all out. And in a world that often demands we “declutter” constantly, this trend is a breath of fresh air.
How to use cluttercore?
So how do you use cluttercore in your home without it feeling overwhelming? Start with the things you love. Got a shelf full of books you’ve already read but can’t bear to part with? Display them proudly. Vintage tea sets from your gran? Pop them on a tray with a plant. At its heart, cluttercore is about filling your home with joy—and yes, that might include five different types of floral cushion on the same sofa.
Texture
It also embraces texture and pattern. Think velvet next to wicker, floral wallpaper against geometric rugs, and crocheted throws piled on gingham bedding. It doesn’t need to match—just coordinate through colour or mood. If you love dopamine decor (read my full post on that here), cluttercore is its warm, nostalgic cousin.
Make it personal
And don’t be afraid to make it personal. Your walls can become a gallery of memories: postcards, kids’ artwork, mirrors, handwritten letters or favourite quotes. A gallery wall is a brilliant way to bring cluttercore to life, and if you’re not sure where to start, I’ve shared some tips in my post on best interior design hashtags for Instagram that also work wonderfully for styling.
Cluttercore Shelving
Shelving is another essential. Forget hiding things behind doors—open shelving lets your treasures take centre stage. Group by colour or theme (for example, all your blue ceramics on one shelf) to stop it feeling too busy. This is especially effective in small homes or rented spaces where you want to inject personality without making permanent changes. I’ve also written about house names that add value—another great way to show personality from the outside in.
Plants
Plants are a lovely way to soften all that visual interest. Drape ivy along a bookshelf, tuck succulents into odd teacups, or add a big leafy monstera into the mix. Greenery brings balance and breathability to cluttercore spaces.
The benefits of Cluttercore
Even experts are starting to recognise the emotional benefit of this style. As design psychologist Sally Augustin told Architectural Digest, “Surrounding ourselves with cherished possessions can reinforce identity and well-being” (source). So it’s not just pretty—it’s powerful, too.
Cluttercore isn’t about showing off—it’s about showing you. Your travels, your stories, your odd little bits and bobs that make your house a home. So embrace the layers, break the rules, and let your decor speak from the heart.
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