Like many people, I began the new year with big plans to rearrange, organize, and decorate my home. This usually means taking the leap and getting rid of any and everything that hasn’t been used for months, to begin with a clean slate. Well, that’s precisely what I did. Starting with my desk, I unloaded piles of old mail, receipts, more empty lip balms, and glosses than I care to disclose, and everything else that had no purpose. When I finished, my desk was clean (yay!) but also bare and boring.

It was, to put it simply, unsettling. While I like the idea of a clean desk, there’s something comforting about having items that are functional and beautifully arranged on top of it. I was at a loss as to what to do until I came across TikTok’s intentional clutter trend. An assortment of stuff, not just thrown about but perfectly placed to create a decorative yet clean look, was exactly what my desk needed, so I dug deeper.

Keep reading to learn more about this unique decor trend and how to make it work for you.

What Is the Intentional Clutter Trend?

Demystifying this trend isn’t difficult. As the name suggests, it involves using a smattering of items, from decor pieces to random objects, to create an intentional look. But instead of simply allowing the items to pile up ungracefully, each has its own place. The resulting look falls somewhere between cluttered and organized and never comes across as messy.

@neahhutchinson

styling my writing desk #apartmentdecor #homedecor #interiordesign #interiordecor #fyp

♬ original sound – luluandgeorgia

Where Does the Intentional Clutter Trend Work?

Though I used this trend to give my desk a fresh look, the intentional clutter trend works in just about every room. One of the easiest places to try it out is the kitchen. Countertops are like blank canvases that are perfect for adding a mix of items, like cookbooks, wooden boards (for cutting or decoration), a curated spice collection, kitchen tools, and more.

Bedrooms also have lots of potential for test-driving this trend. Like a countertop, dressers, and vanities have a good amount of surface area to fill with cosmetics and beauty necessities. But the intentional clutter trend isn’t simply limited to tabletops. You can also apply the decor treatment to an entire room by styling around larger pieces of furniture.

How to Do the Intentional Clutter Trend

@bethdesigns

‘Intentional clutter’ sounds way better than some alternatives. 🫣 #cluttercore #maximalism #ihaveaproblem

♬ original sound – luluandgeorgia

In the Kitchen

For open kitchen concepts, be sure to utilize wall space and pantry nooks. This will help keep the items from making the space look too cluttered.

@neahhutchinson

Perfume tray tour from my draft folder . . . . . . . #perfume #perfumetiktok #perfumetok #fragrance #byredo #tomford #santamarianovella #dsdurga #seattle #seattlecontentcreator #fyp #foryoupage

♬ original sound – neah

On a Vanity

If you’re working with a smaller tabletop, try gathering like items together to give your “clutter” a more cohesive look.

@jennaelleninteriors

Shelf styling masterclass 🧚🏼‍♀️✨ Here’s how to nail the art intentional clutter so your home decor looks dynamic and has some personality!! 🏡#creatorsearchinsights #intentionalclutter #interiordesign #interiordesigner #shelfstyling #shelfstylingideas #homestyle #homestyling

♬ calm – Lofi u

Bookshelf Styling

Great bookshelf styling is all about curation. Instead of using the area for random storage, try curating sections for different things. For example, designate one shelf for candle storage and fill it with a mix of candle styles and printed matchbooks that showcase your personality.