A Designers Perspective: Why Your Home Feels Cluttered & How to Fix It Fast
The Hidden Causes of a Cluttered Home
We've all been there: stepping into a room and feeling instantly overwhelmed. Maybe it’s the sheer volume of stuff or just a feeling that something's not quite right. But what exactly isn't working? The confusion and overwhelm can be frustrating, but don't worry—there might be some straightforward design reasons behind this cluttered feeling, and even easier solutions! Don't let a cluttered home to derail all your fantastic design efforts!
When More is Too Much
Let me ask you a question, have you ever found yourself bringing yet another thing into your space, thinking this will be the thing that pulls it all together, just to be left with that sinking feeling inside because it definitely did not in fact, pull it all together? Cause I have! More is not always the solution. It’s possible you’ve accidentally collected too much, hindering the visual flow of your space.
Throw pillows: they’re fantastic. I love them..a little too much sometimes! And unintentionally I’ve found myself with quite the collection. They can add color and coziness, but if you need to remove a handful just to sit down, it’s time to assess the situation (ask my husband, this is his biggest pet-peeve!). Too many in one space can be very visually busy. Try limiting the number of pillows to two or three per couch or bed. Choosing a set of matching pillows and adding a single smaller pillow in a complementing color/pattern will help simplify your space while still adding that color and cosiness.
“Pro tip: When buying throw pillows, always buy ones with removable covers. They can be washed, and you can upgrade the filler to a down-filled insert for a more expensive look.”
Speaking of colors, when we combine too many in one room, it can quickly feel overwhelming. Instead, aim for a consistent color scheme throughout each room. This doesn’t mean everything has to match perfectly (which in my opinion is kinda boring), but sticking to a palette of two or three main colors will make your space feel more harmonious and balanced. The 60-30-10 rule is a great one to follow when looking at colors in an area. Use your three main colors in a ratio of 60%, 30%, and 10%.
Just like too many pillows or colors can be a bad thing, the same goes for pictures. While they make our homes feel warm and personalized, too many can turn your walls or credenzas into a visual mess. Instead of scattering photos everywhere, why not create a focal point with a gallery wall! It’s important to have a unifying theme within your gallery wall, so using all the same size frames or just black and white photos are great places to start. Personally, I wouldn’t put this in my living room; I’d choose a more discreet location in my home. This way, my decor can still shine, and my photos can be seen—just maybe not right as guests walk through the door.
The last area where people often end up with too much is accessories. Accessories and small decor pieces, while they may be cute individually, can actually contribute to the cluttered feeling of your home. Having many of these little things sitting around can take away from the feeling and aesthetic you’re going for. So that small faux potted plant on the end table, it's probably time for it to go. And those wooden quote signs? You know the ones! Yep, donation pile. The issue with these signs is that your brain is subconsciously processing so many things at once that when there are things to read, your brain will naturally read them. The more visual stimuli, the more overwhelmed and overstimulated you may feel. So take this is your “sign” to ditch the signs and trinkets!
Containing the Clutter
Sometimes, if you're anything like me, you hit that "everything must go" phase and start a massive purge-a-palooza. But we can't always just throw out everything out, even if we want to sometimes. For those "eye-sore" areas that always seem cluttered but you can't get rid of, I like to find ways to contain and conceal the chaos. My vitamin regime that used to be scattered across the counter, is now all contained in a cute little basket. Woven baskets and containers are great ways to visually declutter a space. And please DO NOT spend a fortune on these! I found some just the other day on sale for $5, so this solution does not have to break the bank. I'm not saying you should rush out and buy every organizational tool from the Container Store. Getting the right organizers in the right spots is key! If not, they can add to the clutter if they're not the right tools in the right places. I've cut up cereal boxes y’all and used them as drawer dividers and they worked like a charm.
One of my favorite practical design tricks is using a tray, flat dish, or even a book to “corral” scattered items. Just place them on it, and bam! Your nightstand looks tidy and intentional. This visual trick works for kitchen counters too! Just the other day, our coffee station looked so jumbled. I grabbed a wooden cutting board, placed the items on top, and it instantly made the area look much better. And best of all, it was a free and easy solution! (Your girl loves free and easy!).
“Pro Tip: See-through containers are not always your friend when it comes to visually decluttering. These work great in closed off spaces like a cabinet or your pantry, but opt for the solid sided basket if it will be more readily visible. ”
Time to Declutter
I hate to break it to you, but your home might feel cluttered because, well, it is. Maybe it’s time to make a list of the areas you want to declutter and tackle two areas a week. Usually, it doesn’t take me half as long as I think it will! The longest part is hyping myself up to do it. If you have a hard time letting go of things, a helpful question to ask yourself is: if I spilled red wine on this thing, how hard would I work to get it out? If the damage would be a reason to toss it, then you should toss it. Need some ideas on where to start? Try these areas:
Papers and magnets on the fridge
The “catch-all” drawer
Your overflowing bookcase
Supplies for uncompleted projects
Electronics, cables, and cords
Your underwear drawer
The mail pile
A cluttered home can hinder all your great design efforts. Addressing over-accessorizing, ensuring everything has a home, and maintaining a consistent color scheme, are a few ways to start creating a more organized, peaceful and well designed environment.
Remember, the goal isn’t to have a perfect home but to create a space that feels good to you! Embrace these interior designer secrets to transform your home into a sanctuary where you can unwind and enjoy your space.
xoxo - Abby
