The 'Intentional Clutter' trend has exposed an interior designer's secret to creating more lived-in, relaxed spaces

In interiors, 'clutter' has often been a dirty word. Slightly better than 'mess' and often sitting adjacent to 'maximalism', clutter tends to be in direct conflict with the picture-perfect homes we're so used to seeing.

However, recently it has almost become a bit of a buzzword. First, we had Cluttercore, and then the recluttering trend hit, making professional organizers and minimalists truly shudder. But when we noticed 'Intentional Clutter' was trending on TikTok last month, we thought it seemed like a trend we could really get behind.

First introduced by creator Ethan Gaskill in a video for beloved retailer Lulu & Georgia, the intentional clutter aesthetic celebrates homes that reflect those who live within its walls, who aren't afraid to show off their personality, and champions getting just a little bit messy.

What Is The Intentional Clutter Trend?

So what really is international clutter? Simply put, it is a term coined on TikTok used to describe spaces that have intentional, organized, and somewhat curated pockets of knick-knacks, personal items, and random objects (a.k.a clutter).

The result is a home that feels like the middle ground between maximalist and minimalist design – and one that's full of personality.

'An interior design trend I am loving right now is intentional clutter,' Ethan explained while in conversation with Lulu & Georgia. 'I don't know if that really classifies as a trend, I just really like that people are embracing and leaning into the idea that your home is meant lived-in and clutter is just an organic part of that.'

'I'm also someone who loves my trinkets, and all my little things,' he continues. 'I'm very nostalgic. I do really love a house that when you walk into it there are little Easter eggs everywhere that kind of speak to the type of person that lives in the house. I'm really liking how relaxed and effortless and casual it is to just kind of let your stuff be around your house - it's a good trend to embrace.'

Similar to styling a vignette, intentional clutter allows you to display and show off your favorite things around the house to reflect who you are and the pieces that bring you real joy.

'Intentional clutter can be tricky to master, but when done right, it elevates a home, making it feel lived-in and authentic,' explains Kailee Blalock, co-founder of House of Hive. 'It gives the impression that a home is functional, not sterile and that every item has a purpose, even if it's not perfectly tidy.'

Here, interior designers share their thoughts on how to make your home look effortless with intentional clutter.

'To achieve this look, the key is to live in your home and embrace it as it evolves,' Kailee continues, explaining how differently to a trend, this is an aesthetic that will accumulate over time and get better and better as you and your family grow in the home.

'Beyond that, invest in items that you actually want to see in your space. For example, consider leaving out beautiful coffee table books, a curated collection of vintage ceramics, a stylish throw blanket casually draped on a sofa, or even investing in an attractive vacuum or kitchen pots and pans,' she suggests.

'When thoughtfully chosen, these items add charm and personality to a room, making it feel complete rather than cluttered.'

Kristina Khersonsky, founder of STUDIO KEETA, is a big fan of this idea. 'Organized, styled clutter we call it,' she explained.

'Gone are the days of immaculate minimalism, where homes look like no one lives there,' says Kristina. 'Homeowners crave organization, yes. But, more importantly, homeowners are yearning to live in spaces that are a reflection of who they are and that is shown through a collection of their things (books, art, sculptures, tchotchkes).'

'Intentional clutter is an organized accumulation of the personal possessions homeowners have acquired over the years that are a direct reflection of who they are, what their taste levels are, and how they live their lives.'

'Leaving a few stacks of books and a candle or two out can give your home a sense of cozy, lived-in-ness that excessive tidying just cannot,' agrees designer Bethany Adams.

Look to your empty tabletop spaces like a credenza, shelves, entry table, and kitchen countertops, and think about ways you can elevate their styling potential. As many of our experts have mentioned, a stack of books is a great place to start they create a sense of height and reflect your interests.

Additionally, candles, trinket boxes, plants, and rays are all welcome items of "clutter" that help to style your home but still look deliberate. You should also prioritize items that hold sentimental value. Framed photos, thrifted pieces, souvenirs from your travels, and hand-me-downs from your family will bring a sense of soul to the space.

More than a TikTok trend, the intentional clutter aesthetic is one that allows you to lean away from the pressures of decluttered, picture-perfect interiors and encourages you to relax a little into your home. Which certainly can't be a bad thing.