De-clutter “stuff” and curate “objects”
As I start to see the shoots of spring bulbs poke their heads above the cold and dark soil in my garden, I begin to feel ready to transform my home from a cosy, enclosed hibernation sanctuary into open rooms that are welcoming and bright. Magazines fill with inspirational images of bright pinks, yellows and blues of Easter and optimism and energy returns as I embrace the expectation of longer, warmer, brighter days. Yorkshire has felt especially cold for me this winter with lingering snow and ice, blasting cold winds and below freezing temperatures week after week. And yet on those rare blue-sky days of 2025 so far - I have thrown my doors and windows open and felt a calling to spring-clean, service, refresh and sort-out!
Where I was once happy to have ornaments, candles, diffusers, throws and cushions adorn every surface to wrap me up in warmth during the darkness of Winter - by the time I reach March I’m ready for a less is more approach that allows my rooms to feel more spacious, open and welcoming. And so it is time to seasonally de-clutter and look less like a hoarder.
To help me this year I’m applying the technique of “curated clutter” which refers to the art of arranging mis-matched bits and pieces to create an intentional look rather than a messy pile or untidy shelf. The approach is to view your home as a stylist might and create considered “vignettes” or little gathering of objects that tell a personal story.
I’m a big believer that a house should look and feel personal to the people lucky enough to call it home and so I relish this opportunity for such self-expression. For me, turning a stunning house into a home that you love and truly connect to, means using items you have bought, made, given or inherited along the way. So take a look around - it’s time to declutter. Put aside the “stuff” that you bought because you saw it in a reel or magazine and thought it looked great and box it away or preferably donate it to charity. Instead find those things that have meaning and stories behind them, that make you smile, that represent a good moment in your life or remind you of your favourite places and people. These are the important objects and make your home uniquely yours.
What’s brilliant about “curated clutter” is that you already have everything you need. It’s about displaying the things you love. It might be a mug you bought up Mont Blanc with your 80-year-old mum, books from your childhood, or a Danish monkey who watched over you as you studied Interior Design. Everything on display should tell a story about who you are. So long as you choose objects with real meaning over “stuff” - you won’t go wrong.
Next, it’s choosing where to create your “vignettes” - select carefully and don’t have too many otherwise your home will re-awaken in Spring looking a little messy and littered. Shelves, mantlepieces, furniture tops and windowsills are all natural spaces. Equally effective is a small table in a hallway that has no purpose other than to display your “vignette”.
There are a few golden rules to follow to make a successful, meaningful curated display.
Mix it up with old and new objects - the new stopping your display from looking like your family museum.
Use a variety of textures - curating wood, paper, sumptuous fabric and shiny metal together adds tactile interest.
Group your chosen objects in odd numbers - this will create a central focus for the eye.
Choose objects with different heights.
Keep the colours tonal - any collection of mismatched objects in the same colour tone will look great together.
So there you have it – “curated clutter” an interior design movement that is truly accessible to everyone.
Go on - whilst it is still cold and wet outside this weekend, put on your favourite music, pour a glass of wine, declutter your “stuff” and start curating your “objects” into meaningful vignettes.
You’ll be so glad you did.
Annie x
