'I'm an interiors expert - clutter is back in and here's why I'm obsessed'
Move aside minimalist homes, maximalist decor is the way to go embrace clutter Inspired by the 'cluttercore' of Bridget Jones' Victorian townhouse in Mad About The Boy? Then read on to find out how to make the most of the 'intentional clutter' look in your own home, in five simple, budget-friendly steps.
Curate your clutter
The concept of 'intentional clutter' is gaining popularity with people keen to display more of their own personalities – and 'stuff' – in their homes, while still keeping them stylish. In fact, online searches in the UK for maximalist decor have skyrocketed by 120% over the past year. Charlotte Ford, Marketing Director at Ruggable, explains, 'Intentional clutter is about curating, not hoarding. 'Avoid keeping items just for aesthetics and instead, showcase books you love, meaningful trinkets and souvenirs that spark joy.'
Keep colou
Charlotte says, '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 complements the mood and vibe you want to create.' Earthy tones like terracotta or sage green are a good option, alongside mustard and brown tones. They create a relaxing backdrop while allowing your accessories to shine through.
Harness plant power
Studies show plants, such as the ever-popular palm, can help boost productivity and mood, which is great if you work from home. 'Having pockets of nature in your home can bring about relaxation and add an organic energy,' Charlotte continues. 'To maximise that 'curated clutter' feel, opt for trailing ivy and towering monstera plants that will hang and wind around furniture. 'Hanging plants are also a good option because they draw the eye upward, helping to shift focus away from clutter on the floor. This makes the room feel less chaotic and more organised, even in a busy space.'
Turn treasures into art
Art can really bring a home to life, so why not showcase postcards, ornaments and paintings like your very own mini art exhibition? Experiment with colours and textures, like placing a postcard in an antique frame with a colourful backdrop, arranging your favourite books on a coffee table or dotting knick-knacks around shelves for an eclectic yet personal feel. Using items we already own is a more sustainable option than buying new things, and they're a talking point.
Incorporate vintage pieces
Vintage, second-hand pieces are an integral part of the intentional clutter trend. Charlotte adds, 'These pieces could've been passed down through generations or be something you have picked up and connected with. This is important because not everything in your home will match. 'Interiors are moving towards personalised spaces, with less focus on plain walls and generic artwork. Many are now gravitating towards homes that embrace lived-in mess and personal memorabilia.' Vintage rugs, especially colourful ones, are a great place to start as they are the focal point of a room. Then look for trinkets that clash with the colours that you can see.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Couple's Victorian home renovation is nearly perfect but one detail 'ruins' it
A couple who decided to transform their semi-detached Victorian property have been praised for their "beautiful" renovation - but some social media users can't get past one "offensive" detail A couple nearing the end of their meticulous restoration of a 1901 semi-detached Victorian home have been lauded for their "beautiful" decor choices. However, a small aspect of their renovation has drawn criticism for marring the otherwise sympathetic and traditional aesthetic. Tackling a home renovation is no mean feat; it's often expensive, disruptive, and laborious. Yet, once the dust settles, the fruits of such labour are usually worth it, providing a stunning, safe haven that perfectly suits the owner's tastes. While some proud homeowners take to social media to share their home refurbishment, others prefer to watch these transformations from afar, in the comfort of a dust-free environment. The pair behind @a. have shared their home renovation journey on TikTok, attracting a number of views thanks to their step-by-step process. They've managed to retain original features like the classic Minton floor tiles in the entrance hall, while also updating the property to be more energy-efficient, all without sacrificing its inherent period charm. In a recent post on the video-sharing platform, they offered followers an updated house tour, revealing six completed rooms with just two left to finish. The caption of the video read: "Updated house tour! 6 rooms completed; 2 to go", followed by a rundown of the specific paint colours and brands they've chosen for each room. The calming palette of blues and neutrals in the ground floor space generates an ambience that feels fresh, crisp and inviting. Across the dwelling, there are numerous nods to the home's Victorian roots through ornate fireplaces and period wall panelling, expertly merged with contemporary touches like bold statement artwork and signage. Yet, one particular element has sparked quite the debate amongst interior design fans on TikTok. Positioned at the far end of the kitchen sits a handy downstairs loo, distinguished by a bold black and white plaque declaring 'the shi**er'. In the comments beneath the clip, one observer penned: "Everything was absolutely perfect except the toilet door sign". The original content creators and property owners hit back with: "Not everything is to everyone's taste! We love it". Another remark stated: "Your house is stunning I don't like that loo sign tho". However, another TikTok user seemed baffled by the fierce backlash over the signage. They commented: "People so pressed over a toilet sign". Other social media viewers found the cheeky lavatory label rather entertaining. One fan remarked: "Well done, it's beautiful, still laughing at the sign above the toilet door downstairs". Praise for the property extended well beyond the divisive door decoration. One TikTok user gushed: "Beautiful home". Fellow users voiced their appreciation, with remarks including: "Beautiful and very tasteful" and: "What a fabulous transformation well done!" Another user heaped on the accolades, exclaiming: "Absolutely beautiful! A renovation done sympathetically and well! Best I've seen!"
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
GMB's Charlotte Hawkins wows in 'absolute perfection' Boden dress that's now 40% off
The 50-year-old presenter was seen wearing Boden's summery dress on Good Morning Britain Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins has left viewers swooning over a 'knock your socks off' summer dress. And the best part? It's currently on sale at 40% off. The 50-year-old looked 'stunning' in the Amara Embroidered Jersey Dress from celeb-loved retailer Boden on Thursday's show. Though it comes in four colourways, Charlotte opted for the vibrant red option with pink detailing, pairing it with some red court shoes. Usually £120, the frock is currently on sale for £72, saving shoppers nearly £50 off the RRP. Made from 100% cotton, the dress is ideal for wearing in the warm weather or for taking on holiday, boasting a 'flattering' fit and flare shape, detachable belt and side seam pockets. It has a notched V-neckline and on trend puff sleeves, with the tiered skirt falling to the mid calf, so it can be paired with heels or flats easily. For a similar look, Next is selling this Another Sunday Red Puff Sleeve 100% Cotton Embroidered Tiered Midi Dress for £70, available in sizes 8-18. Crafted from cotton, it features a flattering V-neckline with delicate rickrack detailing for a touch of charm. Amara Embroidered Jersey Dress £120.00 £72.00 Boden Buy here Product Description Alternatively, Nobody's Child is offering their Red Starlight Midi Dress for £85. This puff sleeve midi dress features button front detailing that falls to a flowy, A-line shape. GMB's Charlotte loved the Boden dress so much, she immediately shared a snap to Instagram wearing it. Her followers were quick to compliment the star, writing: 'This dress is so gorgeous.' Another person said: 'Charlotte is absolutely gorgeous. Queen of hearts,' while a third addded: 'stunning dress.' And is not just Charlotte's fans who loved it, either, with the swishy number racking up several five-star reviews on the Boden website. One said: 'Fits superbly fabulous knock your socks off red lovely embroidered detail wearing it in the hot sun is a dream.' 'I saw a lady with a beautiful dress at the airport,' another said. 'She happened to be in the same flight as me and I couldn't resist asking her where she had bought it. The rest is history, I love the dresses, they fit perfectly and look so unique.' It missed the mark for others, though, with one saying it was 'underwhelming'. They wrote: 'This dress is nice enough. Good quality lots of compliments but not my favorite. Design wise it's a little underwhelming in person. It's user friendly and easy to wear.' A fourth added: 'This dress is absolute perfection. The fabric and embroidery quality is excellent. It is heavy and well made, but still very comfortable. I love the pockets, and the length is just right, hitting just above the ankle (I am 5'4" for reference). I got several compliments the first time I wore it.' For another celeb-approved Boden pick, Lorraine Kelly sported the Boden Chirstabel Cotton Midi Dress in a 'gallery blue and walled garden' print as she jetted off to Zimbabwe over the weekend. She'd worn it for her final Lorraine show before her holiday, too. Meanwhile, Cat Deeley recently wore Boden's Halter Linen Dress, which comes in at £146. However, customers at Boden can currently save 15% off new dress styles with the code W7XC, taking the total down to £124.10.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Charlotte Tilbury's 'perfect' lip oil that 'lasts a long time' now under £20 in set
This new duo set lets Charlotte Tilbury fans bag two of the brand's new lip oils for less Charlotte Tilbury recently launched a range of tinted lip oils that shoppers can now grab for less. The Unreal Lips Healthy Glow Nectar Oil Duo allows fans of the iconic makeup brand to save 5% compared to buying each product seperately. The set includes two of Charlotte's new lip oils at £39, meaning shoppers get each item for £19.50, which is cheaper than purchasing one of the products individually (£21). Customers can pick from shades such as Juicylicious Cherry Glaze - a glossy pinky red - or the clear Juicylicious Coconut Water that's ideal for adding over the top of lipstick. Other colours available in the Unreal Lips Healthy Glow Nectar Oil Duo include Juicylicious Pink Watermelon, the brown-pink shade Candy Fig, a light pink named Juicylicious Strawberry Vanilla, and the Juicylicious Pure Peach. The lip oils feature hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to keep pouts hydrated and a clever gel applicator. All of the lip oils contain PH-Powered Filter Tech that adapts to the PH of skin for a shade that's unique to the wearer. Other lip oils available to shop right now include the Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil which is £24 from Cult Beauty. As a beauty writer it's one of my favourites, and shoppers agree with one saying: "Honey Gold is super glossy, hydrating, and gives your lips a hint of golden shimmer. It looks luxe and feels like a treat every time you apply it." Clarins' super popular Lip Comfort Oil comes in 13 shades and went viral on social media. It's currently available at Next for £25. At Boots, customers can also shop the viral Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil for £33. One shopper said of the product: "This is a lovely non sticky lip colour. Lasts longer than others and is a lovely natural colour." Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lips Duo £39 Charlotte Tilbury Shop here Product Description If beauty buffs have got their eye on Charlotte Tilbury's Unreal Lips Healthy Glow Nectar Oil Duo then we don't blame them, but one shopper did mention they felt the scent didn't last long enough, writing: "Cute coconut images adorn the lip oil tube, perfect for summer and it glides on smooth. I would give it five stars but I need the scent to last longer. I still use it every day since I received it, great ingredients as always in a Charlotte Tilbury product." Another wasn't impressed with the gloss' price point saying: "Fine lipgloss. But not worth the money tbh." However, the overwhelming majority of reviews for the oils on the Charlotte Tilbury website are positive, with the duo having gained an overall star rating of 4.8 out of five from 108 customer reviews. One shopper said: "Charlotte Tilbury is my go to for multiple makeup products! I love them! I'm very skeptical when it comes to a PH type changing lipstick or gloss. This one hits the mark. It doesn't go super pink or super dark like some others. It's the perfect pink glossy pout. The smell is amazing and the consistency is good, not too thick and not too thin." Another happy customer said: "This lip product glides on so smoothly and feels amazing on the lips. It's the perfect in between, not too sticky but doesn't feel oily either and lasts a long time. "I put it on before I start my workout and when I finish an hour later my lips are still perfectly glossy and hydrated. I also love the very subtle tint it adds, as well as the scent. It's the perfect addition to my lip combo for summer time!"
