If your home is filled with cherished keepsakes, mismatched furniture, stacks of books, and statement clocks, then congratulations, you might be living in the middle of a major interior design trend. 'Cluttercore' is having a moment, and it’s thanks (at least in part) to the return of a much loved, slightly chaotic character: Bridget Jones.
The new Bridget Jones film Mad About The Boy has not only rekindled our love for Bridget’s endearingly relatable personality, but also her Victorian townhouse in London- a treasure trove of character, colour and controlled chaos. Far from minimalist and sleek, her home is a glorious nod to what cluttercore is all about: creating warm, welcoming spaces brimming with personality, nostalgia and lived-in charm.
But what exactly is cluttercore? Far from simply being messy, this trend is about intentional clutter: curated collections of meaningful objects, layered textures, and eclectic finds. It's the antidote to beige minimalism, celebrating the beauty of the things we love, and making our homes feel genuinely ours.
Here’s how to embrace the cluttercore trend in your home, in 5 easy steps…
1. Curate you clutter
People are growing more keen to display more of their personalities in their homes, by making more of a feature of objects they own and love. In fact, online searches in the UK for ‘maximalist decor’ have skyrocketed by 120% over the past year. However, keeping it stylish is the key: intentional clutter is all about curating rather than hoarding!
A great way to strike the right balance is by avoiding keeping items solely for aesthetics, and instead focus on things which have a use or a value as well as being aesthetically pleasing. For example, showcase books you love on visible bookcases or shelves, next to meaningful trinkets or souvenirs that truly spark joy.
Clocks are also a brilliant way to embrace the trend as they offer practical value whilst doubling up as a design feature. Consider a large eye-catching
wall clock, or a quirky
mantel clock.
2. Keep colours harmonious
If your trinkets, books, and art are mismatched, try to keep the other colours in your space as harmonious as possible. Choose a colour palette that compliments the moon and vibe that you want to create. Earthy tones like sage green, mustard, and browns are a good option: these tones create a relaxing backdrop, allowing your accessories to shine through.
3. Incorporate vintage pieces
Vintage and inherited pieces are an integral part of the intentional clutter trend. These pieces could have been passed down through generations or be something you have picked up and connected with. A good tip here is that vintage style items can also work really well for this trend. For example, a vintage style wall clock, or a retro inspired mantel clock, are a great nod to nostalgia.
Interiors are moving towards personalised spaces, with less focus on plain walls or generic artwork. Instead, think about one-off pieces of art, or even a statement wall clock which can act as a work of art in itself.
Vintage rugs, especially colourful ones, are a great place to start as a focal point in a room that also brings warmth and comfort. Then look for trinkets, clocks, and soft furnishings that will ‘clash’ with the colours in the rug.
4. Turn treasures into art
Art can really bring a home to life, so why not showcase postcards, ornaments, and paintings like they’re your very own mini art exhibition?
Experiment with colours and textures, like placing a postcard in an antique frame, or propping a large bright print up against a wall rather than hanging it. Arrange your favourite books, knick-knacks and desk clocks on shelves for an eclectic, personal feel. This way, even your shelves become a talking point!
5. The power of plants
Having pockets of nature in your home can bring a sense of relaxation, and are also the ideal addition to a ‘curated clutter’ space. Trailing ivy or a string of pearls will hang and wind around furniture and wall art, whilst a striking monstera will bring a natural and artistic vibe.
