If youve spent time scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram, and your feeds are anything like the editors of Country Living, chances are youve come across images of rooms filled to the brim with stuff. At first glance, it might be a bit overwhelming, especially to those of us who love a good organizing session, but the deeper you dive, the more intriguing those spaces become. Its not just stuff but bona fide, valuable collections displayed in a happily haphazard manner. And now, this frenetic design style has a name: Cluttercore. When cluttercore first went viral on social media, my feed was inundated with some of the coolest, kookiest collected spaces Id ever seenand Ive seen A LOT of spaces. This decorating ethos has become popular amongst design aesthetes and vintage collectors alike, and for good reason. Read on for an in-depth explanation of what the style is, what it isnt, why its sudden popularity makes a whole lot of sense, and see some of our favorite examples of how to bring it to life. Jump to:Looking To Build Your Own Collection? Start Here:What is Cluttercore? Before we dive into what cluttercore is, lets be clear about what it is not: Cluttercore is not the exaltation of everyday detritus. This is not an excuse to leave your kitchen counter covered in papers or purses. A more accurate name for the trend is collectioncore, and thats the lens through which well explain the style. Simply put, cluttercore is a design aesthetic based on a love of stuff. Its fueled by a free-spirited, almost childlike approach to interior design, and much like maximalism (more on that later), cluttercore celebrates a more-is-more mindset. After all, why have only three wicker baskets stacked on top of your antique armoire when you could have ten? Cluttercore gained popularity as a response to the growing design monoliththe somewhat inescapable feeling that everything, everywhere should look the same, preferably in an algorithm-friendly shade of beige. Cluttercore is the opposite of that. Its happily chaotic, less precise, and a lot more authentic. Theres been loads of psychological research to back up the popularity of this style, too. In an essay for The New York Times, author Rob Walker, who penned Lost Objects: 50 Stories About the Things We Miss And Why They Matter, cited the 1981 book The Meaning of Things Whats the Difference Between Maximalism and Cluttercore? The difference between maximalism and cluttercore is subtle. Maximalism focuses on curating a visually stimulating space through color and pattern mixing; cluttercore is more about the artful display of a myriad of physical objects. Its safe to say that all cluttercore homes are likely maximalist, but not all maximalist homes exemplify cluttercore. For a deeper dive into what maximalism is and how it differs from cluttercore, read our maximalism design guide. How Do You Do Cluttercore Well? Edit Until You Cant Edit AnymoreIn order to make cluttercore livable, you have to edit. A grouping of 50 random plates may feel overwhelming when hung on a wall. But 50 trout-themed plates? Thats an amazing collection worthy of the spotlight. Prioritize sentimental items you cant imagine living without, but be equally willing to get rid of things that dont fit your overall vision. Master the Art of DisplayOnce youve edited your clutter down to the things you love most, its time to find the perfect display spot. Treat your house like a museum, especially if your collections are worthy of one. For interesting objects, try open shelving. (Just be sure to follow these pro tips on the best way to execute it.) If you have a ton of art, an overflowing gallery wall is the most logical choice. Even with an abundance of things, be sure to follow the old adage: A place for everything, and everything in its place. Examples of Cluttercore Done Right Brie Williams for Country LivingBambi Costanzos welcoming entry is the perfect spot for her favorite antique finds. Tour the rest of her collected cottage here.Alpha SmootHomeowner Justin Reis shows how to master the artful displays with this happily jumbled collection of wicker baskets in his entry. Tour his stunning Georgian-era farmhouse here. Ali Harper for Country LivingA small space such as a powder room keeps clutter contained while also allowing for maximum visual impact.Robert Peterson for Country LivingAn overflowing craft room is the perfect spot for a bit of cluttercore. Just be sure to invest in the right kind of storage. The Junk Gypsies, who designed this space, prefer antique pieces.Read McKendree for Country LivingHave a ton of art but not enough wall space? Throw out the design rule book and hang your pieces wherever you please!Dave WaddellBar cabinets are the perfect display spot for intriguing collections. Tour More Houses That Get Cluttercore Right:Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!