In this life, you fall into one of two camps: minimalist or maximalist. Do you find it impossible to leave the house without coming back with at least three completely unnecessary items? Then you, my friend, are a maximalist. You know damn well you really don’t need another salt cellar/ teacup/ pair of earrings/ insert current obsession here, but somehow, they end up in your possession. If, on the other hand, you’re the type who owns one nail polish, hates shopping and doesn’t see the point in cushions then yep, you guessed it, you’re a minimalist.
Sometimes, hoarders (sorry, maximalists) might dabble with the other side, trying their best to edit their wardrobe down to a capsule, chucking out stacks of favourite magazines, or clearing surfaces of beloved collections.
The barometer of fashion is currently favouring minimalism (blame the Scandinavians) and we’re being told that our stuff is now clutter. Stuff = bad. But collectors and lovers of things, do not despair, because the needle is slowing swinging back the other way, so embrace your inner (or outer) hoarder. These eight rooms show why having stuff rocks…
One advocate of the joy of things is stylist, blogger and designer Justina Blakeney, whose new work The New Bohemians is an ode to colourful maximalist style. The book is packed with inspirational homes of creative households, all of them utterly unique. If there’s one thing you can say about clutter, it’s a failsafe way to express your personality.
Photo: Courtesy of Justina Blakeney.
Clutter can’t be deemed clutter if it’s organised neatly, surely? Even doing something as simple as stacking belongings on the floor turn them from mess to artfully arranged objects. Keeping an element of symmetry is also a clever tactic to keeping clutter from looking untidy and integrating it into your scheme.
Photo: Courtesy of SF Girl By Bay.
Well, you can never have too many plates. Besides, they don’t really count as clutter, because they’re useful. Open shelving in kitchens not only gives you an opportunity to proudly display the equipment you’ve amassed, but also keep them close at hand, so you can find just the right one when the occasion arises. There will be an occasion, promise.
Photo: Courtesy of The Design Files.
A cabinet of curiosities! Finding just the right storage to showcase your things in is half the fun. Choose storage in a complementary style to keep your stuff looking curated, not out of control.
Photo: Courtesy of Enter The Loft.
Group similar items together – either by colour or type – to retain a feeling of order and organisation. If you live with a minimalist, this might just be your way around displaying your collections.
Photo: Courtesy of PlastoLux.
More proof that stacking and hanging can bring out the best in your hoard – although this Scandinavian home’s shrine of belongings is still relatively spartan. Grouping things on floors brings a relaxed appeal to a space and in a funny way makes more space as there’s no need for bulky furniture.
Photo: Courtesy of Lovely Life.
Again, we’re building a case for clutter being a practical choice. Who hasn’t found a item of clothing or handbag thought long lost at the back of their wardrobe? Well, no more. If you can see your entire collection, you can make a more informed choice every morning as you decide what to wear. Plus, you spent an arm and a leg on that Céline tote, why wouldn’t you want to show it off?
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERICA GANNETT.
How’s this for a workspace goal? This blogger’s desk is a lesson in the art of clutter. Populating your desk space with small souvenirs and momentoes is sure to inspire creativity and spark your imagination. Take that, minimalism.
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