What is the 'Intentional Litter' trend?

In interiors, ‘clutter’ has often been a dirty word. Slightly better than “clutter” and often bordering on “maximalism,” clutter tends to be in direct conflict with the perfect homes we are so used to seeing.

Lately, however, it has almost become a buzzword. Firstly we had Junk coreand then the recurring trend hit, which really makes professional organizers and minimalists shudder. But when we noticed “Intentional Clutter” 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 a beloved retailer Lulu & Georgiathe intentional clutter aesthetic honors homes that are reflective of those who live within its walls, who aren’t afraid to show off their personalities, and champions who get a little messy.

What is the trend towards intentional clutter?

eclectic living room with green velvet curved sofa and mismatched wooden furniture

(Image credit: STUDIO KEETA / Photography Ye Rin Mok)

So what is international junk anyway? Simply put, it’s a term coined on TikTok used to describe spaces with intentional, organized, and somewhat curated bags of trinkets, personal items, and random objects (aka clutter).

The result is a house that feels like the cross between maximalist and minimalist design – and a house full of personality.

“One interior design trend I’m loving right now is intentional clutter,” Ethan explained while on the call Lulu & Georgia. “I don’t know if that’s really a trend, I just really like that people are embracing and embracing the idea that your home is meant to be lived in and that 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 really like a house where, when you walk in, there are little Easter eggs everywhere that say something about the type of person living in the house. I really like how relaxing, effortless and casual it is to just let your stuff be in the house – it’s a good trend to embrace.”

an English shaker kitchen with burgundy red cabinets and warm yellow walls with open shelves and many styling objects

(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)

Similar to styling a vignetteWith intentional clutter, you can display and display your favorite items around your home to reflect who you are and which pieces bring you true joy.

“Intentional clutter can be tricky to master, but when done right, it takes a home to the next level, making it feel lived-in and authentic,” explains Kailee Blalock, co-founder of House of Bijenkorf. ‘It gives the impression that a home is functional, not sterile and that every item has a function, even if it is not completely tidy.’

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

Nancy Meyer's home office with striped walls and a cozy aesthetic with blue accents

(Image credit: Sarah Barholomew Design / Photography John Merkl)

“To achieve this look, it’s important to live in your home and embrace it as it evolves,” Kailee continues, explaining how, unlike a trend, this is an aesthetic that evolves over time. time will accumulate and get better and better as you and your partner’s family grows in the house.

“In addition, invest in items that you really want to see in your space. For example, consider omitting beautiful coffee table booksa curated collection of vintage ceramics, a stylish blanket draped casually on a sofa, or even investing in an attractive vacuum cleaner or kitchen pots and pans,” she suggests.

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

Eat and drink a nap: bring it home

LOEWE PERFUMES Bunny scented candle

Mango wood carved pedestal

stylized corner of a living space with a wooden sofa, stacked books and various eclectic decor pieces

(Image credit: STUDIO KEETA / Photography Austin Leis)

Kristina Chersonsky, founder of STUDIO KEETAis a big fan of this idea. “We call that organized, stylized clutter,” she explained.

“Gone are the days of impeccable minimalism, where houses look like no one lives there,” says Kristina. ‘Homeowners crave organization, yes. But more importantly, homeowners desire to live in spaces that reflect who they are and that is reflected in a collection of their things (books, art, sculptures, tchotchkes).”

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

eclectic vintage living room with two blue armchairs and a galley wall with antique furniture

(Image credit: Cathy Nordström/ Anne Nyblaeus)

“Leaving a few stacks of books and a few candles can give your home a sense of coziness and coziness that excessive tidying simply cannot,” the designer agrees Bethany Adams.

Look at your empty table tops, such as a dresser, shelves, input tableand kitchen worktops, and think about ways you can increase their styling potential. As many of our experts have said, a stack of books is a great place to start. They create a feeling of height and reflect your interests.

Additionally, candles, trinket boxes, plants and rays are all welcome items that help style your home while still looking considered. You should also prioritize items that have sentimental value. Framed photos, second-hand pieces, souvenirs from your travels and discarded items from your family will bring a sense of soul to the space.

Radicaln marble chess set 12 inches white and green

Sophie Bille Brahe velvet jewelry box

Equestrian pedestal object

The intentional clutter aesthetic is more than a TikTok trend, it’s one that allows you to lean away from the pressure of tidy, perfect interiors and encourages you to relax a little in your home. Which certainly can’t be a bad thing.