From Instagram Influencers to TikTok viral videos, the intentional clutter trend is everywhere. It is moving from a trend to a lifestyle and one of the best interior designers' secrets to creating more lived-in spaces. The art of intentional clutter in home decor is not about losing control but creating a home full of character. Rethink your home decoration choices with intentional clutter, an exciting aesthetic that celebrates personality and is inspired by the idea of displaying treasures over typical home décor pieces.
We are so tired of picture-perfect interiors
The art of intentional clutter in home decor is chic, eclectic, and bold, but never vulgar or chaotic. Striving for social media’s perfect interiors is the new beauty trap in interior design and home decor. Embracing intentional clutter in home decor is to create spaces with a deep love for little things, nostalgia, and authenticity.
Intentional clutter is a way to avoid this beauty trap and not get stuck in by the idea of immaculate, stunning interiors with unrealistic styled rooms. To manage this interior designer’s secret and art, embrace the following mantras:
-
Home is a living space, not a static set piece.
-
Trend-dependency is the new beauty trap for spaces and interior design.
-
Balance magazine-worthy interiors with functionality and comfort.
-
Replicating or re-creating social media posts kills authenticity.
-
Context is everything. The architecture, lighting, size, family habits, and personal taste influence the final result.
-
Social Media, interior design magazines, and blog posts are a starting point to explore ideas and learn. Nothing more.
What is intentional clutter?
Good Intentional clutter in interiors is a term coined on TikTok and growing on Instagram to describe spaces with organised, relaxed, effortless, curated items or furniture pieces to create lived-in, warm, comfortable spaces. It’s the opposite of mess or chaotic spaces. This term reflects homeowners more concerned about enjoying their spaces instead of creating perfect, immaculate homes. You can mix many interior design trends, including maximalism, mindful approaches, and eclectic piece curation with intentional clutter.
The social media trend
Instagram and TikTok are tired of picture-perfect interiors, leading the trends of intentional clutter art. From vintage pieces to rare items, contemporary designs and souvenirs, all elements work to create a home between minimalist and maximalist design. Intentional clutter is an organic part of a home full of personality.
Hannah Nguyen
Hannah owns a modern eclectic soft in San Francisco, USA. Her Instagram reels about intentional clutter are one of the favourite Google results to explain this concept and went viral online.
According to Hannah, intentional clutter interiors are possible by “carefully curating your favourite items and displaying them in a way that tells your unique story.”. From choosing little personal touches and accessories to statement furniture and designs, it’s not about chaotic spaces but bringing warmth and personality to the home. It is about making it feel welcoming and personal, away from perfect, museum or event boring vibes.
Ethan Gaskill
Ethan is the voice of one of the most viral audios for TikTok videos and Instagram reels about intentional clutter, where is explains this trend as maybe a trend where “your home is meant to be lived in.”.
Pieces and tips to make your home look effortless with intentional clutter
It is a living and dynamic aesthetic
Think about creating a home that doesn’t look like an overnight design but is improved and created over time. You don’t need to fill every space with this intentional clutter aesthetic. You don’t want to overdo your home with pointless items.
Consider beautiful vintage pieces
Vintage furniture is the new chic, timeless choice of cool spaces. The challenge is to pick the pieces you love and curate items that work together and tell one cohesive story. A balanced colour palette is a must.
Go for all your favourite colours and designs
One of the first steps is to avoid designs, pieces, colours, or details that don’t appeal to you. Find things you don’t need but want, that have meaning to you.
Art, candles, framed photos, and plants always work
We need a plant, meaningful art, candles, or framed photos in every room to tell your history and create warm atmospheres.
Display treasures over typical home decor pieces
Spend years improving your home. Collect treasures from flea markets, thrift stores, disruptive furniture marketplaces, or even your grandma's home. Beautiful coffee or side tables, armchairs stacked with books, bookshelves displaying art pieces, sofas that are conversation starters, sideboards that hold memories for you, and lighting pieces that provide a lovely, welcoming environment are always better over typical home decor pieces.
Conclusion
It is easier to say than done, but you should try it! Take it slow, rare piece by rare piece for a planned and purposeful home. Intentional clutter in home decor is a love that will last for decades if you curate the right furniture and designs for your home or your interior design projects. To embrace intentional clutter art in home decor and create well-decorated spaces it is mandatory to have a plan and blend beauty with functionality.
Sources
Homes & Gardens, The 'Intentional Clutter' trend has exposed an interior designer's secret to creating more lived-in, relaxed spaces.
Livingetc, The “Intentional Clutter” Trend is Social Media's Mindful Approach to Maximalis.
The Times, I’m not untidy, honest — I’m just building a museum of me.
Little blue deer, the art of “good clutter”.
