Though it’s seen to some as chaotic, the cluttercore aesthetic feels welcoming and familiar to those that embrace it. This look, while not for everyone, is certainly having a moment at this point in time. If you’ve always wondered about what exactly cluttercore entails and how to successfully achieve it, keep reading.

We asked three interior designers to speak to the official definition of cluttercore and how to embrace this style in your home without it appearing tacky.

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What Is Cluttercore?

Do not confuse the concept of cluttercore with the pure presence of clutter in a home.

“Cluttercore celebrates the art of meaningful accumulation—layering objects, books, textiles, and vintage finds in a way that tells your story,” says Krystal Reinhard, the founder of Old Soul Design Studio. “It’s maximalism with intention: a curated mix of pieces you love, not random items piled up.”

One result of embracing cluttercore in your home is that it’s easy to create a space that truly reflects your personality—you’re essentially designing the opposite of a blank, white box.

“Thoughtfully displaying meaningful art and objects can bring so much warmth and soul, as long as it’s done with intention,” says Kristin Kostamo-McNeil, the founder of Anne Rae Design. “A curated mix of textures, patterns, books, and personal artifacts can spark joy and make a space feel deeply authentic.”

Lauren Saab, the founder of Saab Studios, shares similar views, and notes that today, people are gravitating toward more personalized spaces. “

This look celebrates the stories that objects can tell,” she says.

How to Style Cluttercore Without It Looking Tacky

Designers agree that one of the best ways to embrace the cluttercore aesthetic without a home appearing chaotic as a result is to group items using some sort of specific strategy—maybe that’s styling pieces that are the same color together, for example.

You also don’t want to overwhelm your entire space with stuff, adds Reinhard.

“Incorporate negative space—a quiet shelf, a clean tabletop, a solid-colored rug—to give your collections breathing room,” she says.

When displaying your items, remember to keep basic styling principles top of mind as well. For example, Reinhard encourages people to mix heights and textures in the vignettes that they’re creating.

You’ll also want to strategically style your pieces to showcase those that are most important to you or the most eye-catching.

“Allow your most significant and memorable objects to be the focal point in your vignette,” Saab says.

Additionally, don’t display pieces that you do not truly love. Do not confuse cluttercore and maximalism with showcasing items that don’t have any true meaning.

“Choose pieces with emotional resonance or craftsmanship,” Reinhard says. “When everything has meaning or beauty, nothing feels like ‘junk.'”

Other Popular Home Style Trends to Try

• Maximalism: While very similar to cluttercore, maximalism is its own aesthetic. “Maximalism shares cluttercore’s love of personality but leans bolder, with dramatic patterns, eclectic collections, and a ‘more is more’ philosophy that celebrates visual abundance,” Kostamo-McNeil says.
• Grandmillennial: Another trending style as of late, the grandmillennial aesthetic is ideal for those who appreciate florals, chintz, pattern mixing, and sweet details, like bows and scallops. Kostamo-McNeil says that grandmillennial spaces are “layered and cozy without ever feeling stuffy.”
• Heritage Modern: Old world craftsmanship is having a major moment and is reflected in the trending heritage modern aesthetic. This look, Saab says, “pairs an older world craftsmanship with newer clean architectural lines.” In a similar vein, antique and vintage pieces are also top of mind for many, adding character to any home, as Reinard says.