“Intentional Clutter” Is the Key to a Stylishly Relaxed Home

      Clutter is typically viewed negatively. It consists of unnecessary items that clutter surfaces, making a home feel cramped and disorganized. However, a recent trend aims to change this perspective. It appears that clutter does not have to mean chaos, and it could be the key to achieving the thoughtfully styled home you've always envisioned.

      Consider how the interiors in Nancy Meyers's films appear effortlessly warm and inviting. You'll find stacks of books on the coffee table, bowls of fruit and utensil crocks on the kitchen counter, and lamps in every corner. These spaces may not be meticulously organized or entirely tidy, but that’s precisely what lends them their charm. This idea is now referred to as “intentional clutter,” and it’s an excellent way to create a cozy, welcoming, and personalized environment.

      Continue reading to discover what intentional clutter looks like and how to find the ideal balance between curated and chaotic.

      What is Intentional Clutter?

      The concept was introduced by Los Angeles content creator Ethan Gaskill in a video for home retailer Lulu and Georgia, which quickly went viral. Gaskill expressed, “I just really like that people are embracing and leaning into the idea that your home is meant to be lived in and clutter is just an organic part of that.” This resonates with many and challenges the notion that homes must be spotless and organized to be aesthetically pleasing.

      It’s important to clarify that intentional clutter is not an excuse for letting random items accumulate. It doesn’t refer to the pile of mail on your counter that needs sorting or the packaging from online orders that you've yet to discard. The "intentional" aspect comes from thoughtfully curated displays of items that are meaningful to you or bring you happiness. This is a chance to showcase souvenirs from trips, thrifted finds, trinkets that represent your hobbies and interests, or items you've collected over time. By displaying these personal belongings, your home will truly reflect your personality and feel much warmer and more inviting than one that is perfectly neat.

      How to Embrace Intentional Clutter

      Decorate in layers

      Layers are essential for executing this trend in a manner that feels purposeful and curated rather than as if you’ve simply neglected to tidy up. Just placing a vase or two on a shelf won’t suffice. To craft an appealing vignette, incorporate items of different sizes, shapes, and textures to create depth. For instance, you could use a decorative tray or a stack of books as a base for layering candles, vases, picture frames, or other decorative pieces. To introduce additional height, lean a mirror or art piece behind the arrangement or display a tall vase filled with flowers or greenery. The individual elements should not appear isolated but rather be integrated into a cohesive display.

      Create collections

      If you already have a collection, the intentional clutter trend encourages you to showcase it. If not, now is the perfect time to start one. Collect matchbooks from restaurants you visit and arrange them in a dish on your coffee table. Gather vintage plates to hang on a wall or mugs to exhibit on a rack. Compile coffee table books to fill shelves or to stack on various surfaces. Displaying these items in groups will enhance their impact, and the act of collecting can be immensely enjoyable and rewarding.

      Make it personal

      The core of the intentional clutter trend is that it should be distinctly personal. While styling matters, the items themselves will convey the most significance. Surround yourself with your favorite belongings and items that evoke memories of your travels, hobbies, loved ones, or other precious experiences. Not everything needs to be sentimental; it could be something simple like a tray that organizes your everyday jewelry and favorite perfume bottles on your dresser. All of these items reflect who you are and how you live, which is precisely what a beautiful home embodies.