Just when you’re despairing at the mountain of stuff you’ve collected over the years, this blog will find you embracing clutter in your home decor!
I’ve discovered ‘cluttercore’ – which sounds like an excuse for not clearing out cupboards or keeping stuff tidy.
But maybe not! An article in Countryliving.com caught my eye, and I’ve picked out interesting points that I like the most.
Interior designer, Naomi Astley Clarke says “We are a product of the spaces we inhabit, so ensuring that you are surrounded by beauty and the things you love is crucial in making a home you can connect to and cherish. Be it an inherited teapot collection or a particular artist you admire – surround yourself by objects that represent you and your interests.”
Finding meaning
Decorating with lots of objects doesn’t glamorise mess so much as display the virtues of your most treasured and much-loved pieces. However, you don’t want to feel overwhelmed or bored by it all, so consider using meaningful pieces rather than something plonked down aimlessly to fill a space.
Start with your most precious objects and work from there. Naomi Clarke says: ”Think about connections between things – colour, texture, shape – and let that be how you shape the space.”
Get the foundations right
Ornaments, lamps, art that you love are added to your room after the furniture. They should complement the room, not be a nuisance when the room is in use.
Embracing clutter won’t detract from the function of a room. It’s there for its associations, exuberance and personality, not to get in the way
Colours, not chaos
Try using two or three recurring colours throughout your room. Don’t limit yourself or your colour palette. You can be clever by picking out any subtle threads or flashes of colour in upholstery or accessories and develop them. And by the way – be careful how you place patterned items. Polka dots side by side with busy florals may feel too much to take in. Try placing them separately with plain colours or different patterns. You’ll know when it feels right!
Collect your favourites
I had a friend who collected Oriental art and ornaments. She and her husband travelled widely. And while he was busy with business meetings in Hong Kong or Singapore, she would wander through the markets, seeking out beautiful pieces tucked away in junk shops.
In her main lounge (she had a big house), the central coffee table was dark teak and gracious (and western in style). Chairs were deep and comfortable, in black leather or dark green velvet. (no children or pets!) Floor length curtains were heavy taffeta in deep sea green.
There was a bowl of fruit, perfectly crafted in red jade, amethyst, green aventurine and Citrine. In one corner was a cabinet filled with delicate and exquisite Chinese porcelain. By the door was a 6ft lamp in red teak, hand carved in the shape of a dragon. ‘When I found it’, she told me, ‘it was dirty and dusty, and I got it for a song. All it needed was a good cleaning and polishing to bring out the beauty of the wood and the mastery of the carving.’
The overall effect was luxurious and comfortable – and beautiful.
Never stop searching
Enjoying your home, and arranging your home décor, is not a finite process. The joy and excitement of finding something you love doesn’t have to stop when the pictures are hung and you’ve chosen your furniture.
Award-winning interior designer, Matthew Williamson says “Always give in to your curiosity and if you love something, bring it home. I’m a firm believer that interior design is a life-long process.”
Enjoy the journey and the thrill of finding that unique something that you will love forever (mostly)
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