Compared to maximalism, cluttercore has more of a vintage, collected feel, says design expert Beth Martin. “Maximalism is a movement that asks for over the top, and this is often achieved in bold colors, mixing lots of styles, and any sort of grand gesture you can fit into the space,” she says.
Gen Z Maximalism takes customization, self-expression and creativity through design choices to a new level, by embracing diverse influences and allowing for playful experimentation.
If Cottagecore is sunbeams peeking through fluffy clouds and a lazy afternoon, then Cluttercore is sitting by a warm hearth after a quick walk in a fall rainstorm. The art of achieving a clutter core aesthetic is to create an organized mess that feels like a big hug.
While eclectic (or 'maximalist') homes are filled to the brim with a wide range of furniture and décor, cluttered homes are filled to the brim with furniture, décor, piles of washing, and junk which can lead to frustration, procrastination, and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed.
A true maximalist design is carefully curated, with intricate attention paid to the design. It doesn't mean throwing a mishmash of ornaments, colours and materials into a room and expecting it to look great. By all means, let your creativity take the reigns, but bring some method to the madness.
Compared to maximalism, cluttercore has more of a vintage, collected feel, says design expert Beth Martin. “Maximalism is a movement that asks for over the top, and this is often achieved in bold colors, mixing lots of styles, and any sort of grand gesture you can fit into the space,” she says.
GUCCI under Michele has been known for its eclectic and maximalist aesthetic, which has drawn both praise and criticism from fashion critics and consumers. Nonetheless, he was able to deliver iconic products and unforgettable collaborations.
People with ADHD may tend to purchase items impulsively, accumulating unnecessary items and clutter. Additionally, the hyperactive and distractible nature of ADHD can make it challenging for individuals to stay focused on tasks, leading to unfinished projects and cluttered workspaces.
Eclectic style is characterized by a multitude of fabrics, patterns, and art items. "Home accents like rugs, paintings, objects d'art, and throw pillows are convenient ways to bring a considered mismatch into any room," says Joybird.
Cottagegore (also known as Goth Cottagecore or Dark Cottagecore) is similar to Cottagecore, in the sense it has a strong focus on country life, baking, and vintage items, but contrary to its name, it instead includes darker aspects of nature (including rotten mushroom or plant aesthetics, forest cryptids, spirits or ...
Cluttercore is a type of maximalist aesthetic, and a break from minimalism to surround yourself with collected things that are nostalgic, sentimental, and meaningful. It involves densely filling a space with belongings that are often eclectic and contrasting in a visually stimulating way.
Grandmillennial, vintage, and cottagecore continue to be favorites in 2024. Large-scale florals like chintz with its light background is an obvious choice. Anything with a sense of 1960s or 70s in bold colors and shapes is a good choice too.
By embracing “quiet luxury” and sustainable practices, Gen Z is setting a new standard for the fashion industry, one that prioritizes meaningful, responsible choices over mere affordability and trendiness.
Those seeking to cast blame have tried to pin Gen Z's supposedly accelerated maturation on vaping, makeup, cancel culture or karma. Some have suggested the anti-aging products and procedures used by Gen Z-ers have, ironically, made them look older.
According to Refloor's blog on interior design trends, boomers often favor traditional, maximalist designs filled with sentimental items, while millennials lean towards minimalism, influenced by environmental consciousness and a preference for clean, open spaces.
There are many kinds of obsessions and compulsions, and everyone experiences OCD in their own way. While some people may clean and organize constantly, someone else with OCD may engage in hoarding, for example. This can lead to a cluttered or seemingly disorganized environment.
Others have what is referred to as high-functioning ADHD. While this is not a formal diagnosis, it is a term commonly used to describe people who have ADHD but not to the point that it drastically interferes with their daily lives and responsibilities.
Ltd., said that the one-touch rule involves handling an item only once. “Rather than picking something up and setting it down temporarily, you place it immediately in its designated spot. This habit minimises clutter, and helps maintain organisation, and prevents items from piling up,” he said.
“Kerri Richardson's new book, What Your Clutter Is Trying to Tell You helps you clear the clutter in your life by figuring out why it's in your life to begin with. It not only helps you eliminate physical clutter, but emotional and mental blockages, too, creating space for your soul to be energized!
Coined by pro organizer Kayleen Kelly, the “Core 4 Method” breaks the decluttering process into four simple steps: clear out, categorize, cut out, and contain. In essence, it's designed to take the stress and overwhelm out of the organizing process.
Maximalism is the epitome of self-expression and personality when it comes to design aesthetics. The lack of rules and restrictions, allows a person to be themselves by serving as a reflection of their own character, for better or for worse.
They shared, “In 2025, maximalist modernism is making a bold resurgence, redefining spaces with vibrant hues, intricate patterns, and layered textures while maintaining the clean, functional essence of modern design. This trend celebrates individuality, creativity, and an unapologetic embrace of personality in design.
Dark Maximalism is a bold and opulent approach to decorating interiors, characterised by dramatic dark colour schemes, rich textures, and an abundance of sumptuous decor elements.