Meet intentional clutter: a warm, playful trend that’s giving minimalism a break. “Intentional clutter is the art of deliberately filling and layering your space with objects and pieces that matter,” says Maretha Geyser, Head of Interior Design at IIE Vega. “Those that bring you joy, spark conversations or tell a personal story.”
So no, it’s not the same as chaos. And it’s certainly not about being messy just for the sake of it.
Instead, intentional clutter features curated items with significance – consider carefully selected keepsakes, cheerful trinkets, and soulful design.
The softer side of maximalism
Unlike traditional clutter (the kind you really should Marie Kondo your way through), or even the loudness of maximalism, intentional clutter feels softer and more personal.
“It is the gentle rebellion against the minimalist grey, black and white sterile interiors we have seen over the years,” says Maretha. “Instead, intentional clutter reintroduces warmth, colour, joy and playfulness back into the spaces where we live, work and connect.”
It’s the interior version of a happy sigh – where books are stacked with love, family heirlooms share shelves with thrift shop treasures, and every item has a story.
“People are hungry for rooms that lift their spirits, radiate happiness and surround them with objects that remind them of joyful times and cherished memories.”
Balancing curated and chaotic
Here’s the million-dollar question: how do you keep your joyful jumble from spiralling into chaos? The answer? Be intentional.
“Every item should carry meaning, whether sentimental or functional,” Maretha explains. Her advice? Start with one statement piece that sets the tone.
“This could be an artwork, a statement vase, a sculpture or your favourite piece of furniture, see it as the joyful hero of the space.” Then, build around it with smaller pieces that complement it – in terms of colour, texture, or theme.
Let your own happiness be your guiding star. “Choose pieces that bring a smile, spark curiosity or evoke a memory.”
And here’s a tip: remember to give your space room to breathe.
“Allow for negative space… give the eye a chance to rest. When you strike the right balance between lively clusters of objects and calm breathing spaces, it ensures the room feels vibrant without becoming chaotic, messy or unplanned,” Maretha says.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
We’ve all been there: one moment you’re crafting a lovely vignette, and the next, it appears as if a flea market has gone off. According to Maretha, one of the biggest mistakes is believing that having more possessions means having more style.
“Intentional clutter is putting thought into where objects are placed in a space to create a unified story that feels balanced and personal,” she says. It’s not merely about shoving everything you own onto a shelf.
Another common trap? Monotony
The fix is simple but often overlooked: “Avoid overloading the space with only one kind of object, for example, filling it only with books, as this can often feel flat. Mix up the objects and ensure various heights and shapes to create depth and interest.”
Sourcing the good stuff
Intentional clutter doesn’t originate from a chain store. It comes from you.
“Intentional clutter celebrates an individual’s personality, and therefore personal items should be central to it,” Maretha says. “Items that bring you joy, souvenirs, quirky objects, family heirlooms, things you’ve buried away in your cupboards for years.”
That means it’s time to explore your memory box, revisit the charity shop, or even take a walk in nature.
“Vintage and thrifted items add character to the space, which new store-bought items might lack. Nature can also be a source of inspiration – stones, plants, shells can all bring texture and warmth to a space.”
Embrace the clutter (yes, really!)
At its core, intentional clutter isn’t merely a trend; it’s a heartfelt homage to stories, nostalgia, happiness, and the charming randomness of life – a curated chaos that celebrates personality over perfection.
It’s about surrounding yourself with items that spark joy, not just fill space.
So go ahead, stack those art books, display that quirky ceramic chicken, and finally give your living room the bold personality it has been craving.
Just remember: clutter with intention, not confusion. Or, as Maretha puts it, “See each object as a piece of the joyful artwork you are producing.”
