Clutter often gets a bad rap, seen as bulky and chaotic. However, the emerging trend of clustering invites us to celebrate our belongings rather than hide them away.
Designers are now encouraging us to embrace clutter as a means to personalize our spaces, creating homes that feel lived-in and loved. This approach transforms everyday items into a narrative that reflects our stories.
Experts in design and organization share insights on how to effectively incorporate clustering into your home, crafting the ideal maximalist retreat.
Understanding the Clustering Trend
Clustering promotes showcasing your items rather than adhering to strict minimalism. For many designers, this trend represents a refreshing change, allowing individuals to express their life stories through their decor—much like larger coffee table displays.
‘I’ve been anticipating this trend my whole life!’ says Bethany Adams, principal designer at Bethany Adams Interiors. ‘My home is filled with books and unique finds. I’ve always arranged them artfully, not realizing I was practicing clustering!’
‘It’s a delightful trend because anyone can use items already at home,’ she adds.
With over 15 years of experience in high-end residential design across the US, Bethany founded her firm in 2015 after a decade in Chicago.
To master clustering, ensure your items appear intentional. It’s about arranging them thoughtfully instead of allowing them to be scattered, which can resemble a chaotic style akin to cluttercore.
‘A skilled designer knows the fine line between “cluttered” and “collected,”’ notes Trish Knight, co-founder of Knight Varga Interiors. ‘Most clients are neither minimalists nor maximalists; they often want to incorporate their cherished pieces into the design.’
‘Even when not working with a collection, we style surfaces to infuse personality and warmth from the start,’ she explains.
Even professional organizers appreciate this intentional clutter approach, provided it serves a purpose.
‘Clutter can be beautiful,’ says Marie-Helene Riverain, founder of Love and Order LA. ‘Think of a minimalist home as a serene desert, while a cluttered home resembles a lush jungle—both have their charm.’
‘It’s about finding what suits you best. If clutter feels overwhelming, it might be time to sort through your items. If showcasing your collections brings joy, embrace it!’
Marie became an organizer while managing the chaos of her two kids, finding fulfillment in helping others achieve order through tidying.
Incorporating Clustering in Your Home
When adding clustering to your decor, consider what you display. Focus on stylish, timeless items rather than everyday objects that can create visual clutter.
1. Begin with Coffee Table Books and Candles
A simple way to embrace clustering is by stacking books on coffee tables and sideboards. This method subtly reveals your interests and personal style.
Shannon Eddings, founder of Shannon Eddings Interiors, always includes book stacks in her projects for their timeless and curated appeal.
‘We love to stack books, sometimes in a tall arrangement, to highlight their beauty. Adding candles or decorative pieces on top enhances the composition,’ she shares.
Shannon blends various design styles, creating unique spaces with a mix of antiques and vintage elements.
2. Choose Room-Appropriate Items
To avoid clutter appearing disorganized, select items that fit the room's function, advises Trish Knight. For example, don’t place towels in a living room.
‘In a powder room, use a narrow marble tray for a scented candle, rolled towels, and a small vase with fresh flowers,’ she suggests. ‘Adding plants brings in life effortlessly.’
As co-founder of Knight Varga Interiors, Trish’s firm is known for creating curated interiors across North America.
Jo Malone White Moss & Snowdrop candle | $125 at Net-a-Porter
This sculptural candle enhances any decor while providing a pleasant aroma, appealing to multiple senses.
3. Avoid Clustering on Work Surfaces
Clustering should be used thoughtfully, and knowing when to avoid it is crucial, warns Marie-Helene Riverain.
‘If your kitchen counter is cluttered, cooking will be a challenge!’ she notes. ‘Remember, curated clutter requires upkeep. Aesthetic clutter loses its charm if it collects dust and dirt. Keep functional spaces clear for ease of use.’
4. Channel Your Inner Curator
Selecting items for clustering is as important as how you arrange them, says Shannon Eddings. Emulate a museum curator by choosing pieces that reflect your personality and the narrative you want to convey.
‘I enjoy displaying my collection of feathers and rocks like museum artifacts on an antique dresser. It feels curated yet personal,’ she explains.
Choose items that align with your desired aesthetic, whether it’s dark academia or a cozy coastal grandmother vibe.
5. Incorporate Variety for Engaging Clutter
To create intentional clutter, utilize layering by varying the heights, widths, colors, and textures of your clustered items, advises Amanda Shields.
‘Incorporating trays and mixing materials adds character and depth to the room. This variety emphasizes intention, making your decor look purposeful and not haphazard,’ she says.
‘This trend allows me to showcase my clients’ treasured possessions while maintaining a visually stunning design, adding a personal touch to each project.’
Amanda is an award-winning designer from Newmarket, Canada, with extensive experience in creating unique spaces.
6. Extend Clutter to Your Walls
Clustering isn’t limited to surfaces, Shannon Eddings reminds us. You can create striking displays by clustering wall decor.
‘Groupings of paintings and artwork can form a captivating gallery wall. We love to go bold on one wall, showcasing various styles and frame finishes for natural variety,’ she notes.
When curating your gallery wall, consider vintage frames for added texture, and either keep original pieces or swap in prints that better fit your decor style.
Gallery Wall Print Set | $8.25 at Etsy
These gallery wall sets are ideal for creating a cohesive art display without the hassle of sourcing individual images.
7. Organize Clutter for Cohesion
If you’re worried about clutter appearing messy, consider visual strategies to reduce chaos.
Bethany Adams suggests using trays or platforms to visually group items, making them appear as a cohesive whole. ‘Using a tray or basket can help keep clusters organized, especially if you tend to accumulate items,’ she adds.
Scalloped Wood Serving Tray | Was $55, Now $26.98 at QVC
This scalloped tray is perfect for creating a curated look while maintaining a timeless appeal in any decor.
FAQs
How can I make my home cozy without it looking cluttered?
To create a cozy atmosphere, display personal items mindfully. Use the rule of three to arrange decor items, making them visually appealing without overwhelming the space. Adding a tray can help group items into a single coherent display.
How can I tell if my home is overly cluttered?
If you struggle to find items or constantly need to clear surfaces to use them, it’s likely time to declutter. A coffee table or counter that requires clearing before placing a drink is a sign of too much clutter.
The clustering trend is a timeless decor concept that we can embrace in the upcoming weeks, especially given its flexibility. Trish Knight emphasizes its adaptability.
‘This trend can range from simple displays to elaborate collections reminiscent of '90s sitcoms like Friends. While it may not suit everyone, revamping your coffee table this weekend could be a fun project!’
