If you've read Southern Living at all in the past few years, you've undoubtedly seen at least one article about tidying up. We've published articles on conquering clutter, decluttering for spring cleaning, how to declutter before the holidays, how to get a clutter-free home in 31 days, and more. We're pretty much against clutter. That being said, there's a trend going around the internet called cluttercore that we're a little curious about. This decorating style is the opposite of minimalism and allows you to incorporate and show off all of your favorite things in your home. See if you fall into the cluttercore category.
What is clutter core?
Cluttercore is a maximalist approach to decoration where more is more. It's about displaying and arranging what you have and like, rather than cluttering your room or filling it with piles of stuff, as the Hoarders do. As the BBC puts it, “Cluttercore isn't about filling your room with tattoos, it's about loving what you already own.” It is a matter of clever placement on the wall. Instead of keeping them in the cupboard for special occasions just because you love them, display all your depression glasses and vintage milk glasses.
iD Magazine describes Cluttercore as a design aesthetic where “objects are lovingly chosen and displayed, and their owners keep them for reasons that may not be important to you, but are totally important to them.” I can see what you're doing,” he said.
It is an approach that expresses individuality. These are not popular items or mass-produced items that are not nostalgic, but items that have been carefully selected as memories of a person's life that provide comfort.
Why is it popular?
People are crazy about Cluttercore and social media is full of mentions. The #cluttercore hashtag has over 143 million views on TikTok and over 43,000 posts on Instagram as of this writing. Despite years of minimalism and Marie Kondo preaching the gospel of tidying up, why have we become more prone to clutter? Well, according to Jennifer Howard, author of Clutter: An Untidy History, interviewed by the BBC. , says the rise of cluttercore may have something to do with the pandemic. “We want to feel safe, we want to feel comfortable, we want to feel protected and valued. Things can act like a literal cocoon,” she says.
How do you decorate with Cluttercore?
If the word “clutter” makes you want to search the trash can or donation box, you're not alone. But in this context, “messy” is not a negative word. That's not all. This is the kind of mess you shouldn't be stressed out about. You should be proud to show off your precious collection that you've amassed over years of scouring thrift stores. And you can keep collecting while having fun. The collection of accessories you've built since your teens needs time to shine. The blue and white pottery that has been passed down through the family does not deserve to be brought out only on special occasions. Stack these pieces on a shelf and display them upright, or use color to set the mood of the room. Collage gallery walls are fun, but remember that walls aren't just for photos. You can hang kitchen utensils from baskets, plates, utensils, and frying pans to rolling pins. Cluttercore can do more and organize more.
What are similar decorating styles?
Displaying sentimental items, collectibles, and heirlooms has sparked other trends as well. Cozy décor started trending during the pandemic, and rightly so. Holiday souvenirs, small items from your childhood home, and your grandmother's table lamp will add nostalgia and comfort to your room. Similarly, maximalism focuses on the use and display of collections, but is not necessarily sentimental.
Whatever the reason for the increased selection of clutter, it's a fun excuse to try something new (and bring all the cabbage products out of storage). But soon, some of us will be returning to make cleaning easier.