Expert advice

Top Houston designer's 5 best tips to adopt the buzzy Cluttercore trend

Cluttercore is the newest home aesthetic craze taking over social media feeds far and wide. For diehard minimalists, the act of discarding an object is euphoric. On the other hand, if thoughtfully justifying the inclusion of an item to the “keep” pile satiates the senses, Cluttercore might be for you. This design concept takes the ever popular Maximalism and turns it up a notch — but what exactly is it?

According to Better Homes & Gardens — yes, even they’re on board — "Cluttercore is a design trend that embraces a personalized, eclectic aesthetic by showcasing collections and meaningful possessions, often as a response to minimalism. It focuses on creating a cozy and individual space filled with items that bring joy, rather than simply accumulating clutter."

Less is more is passé, more is more is en vogue — so, where does one go from here?

Houston’s very own matriarch of Maximalism, Courtnay Tartt Elias, principal and creative director of acclaimed design firm Creative Tonic, happens to know a thing or two about how to create a Cluttercore aesthetic that is more of a vibe and less of a mess. Elias recently shared her five tips for creating a perfectly-curated Cluttercore aesthetic that CultureMap readers can implement in their own homes.

“Cluttercore is really maximalism in a slightly different hat, I think! Both celebrate the idea that more can definitely be more. Where traditionally maximalism leans into bold color, pattern mixing (or drenching!), and statement pieces, Cluttercore is more about adding layers of personal storytelling,” she explains.

“It is about making your home reflect who you are and what you love by displaying collections, mementos, and all the little things that make it yours. People crave spaces that reflect who they are, the same way they use their clothing or hobbies to express themselves. And beyond how the space looks, Cluttercore is comfortable. A warm, layered home full of art, books, and treasures, all collected and displayed with love, feels real and inviting, and definitely not too precious to kick off your shoes, get a little bit messy, and relax.”

Courtnay Tartt Elias’ five tips for introducing Cluttercore to a home:

1. Start small
People who are new to maximalist interiors don't need to dive in head first. Instead, begin with a few spaces (think: the mantel, an entryway console, or bookshelf) and curate a layered display. Pull together existing collections, whether that's ticket stubs from travels, china, or candlesticks, for example, and then play with the arrangement.

Swap out pieces (or add another layer) until it looks cohesive. The key is to focus on things that tell a story about collections, hobbies, or mementos that never fail to bring a smile to the owner’s face.

The holidays are the perfect time to ease into Cluttercore. Instead of clearing surfaces and shelves before pulling out seasonal decor, layer festive pieces into what's already there. Use a heavier hand than normal, but in concentrated areas, to allow an owner’s eye to get used to seeing the space a bit more "done."

2. Shop your own home first
People likely have a treasure trove on their hands and don't even know it. Before running out to buy new pieces, people should comb through their existing possessions.

I like to shop my home by going room-by-room and gathering like items; for example, all candlesticks, picture frames, or vases. Once I've laid them all out together, I can re-group them by color, texture, or even sometimes the memories they evoke. Grouping and regrouping allows people to see what they have with new eyes and makes it easier to spot what's missing when they’re (finally) shopping.

People should shop their grandparents' or parents' homes, too. Gather up things that were in your home growing up, such as magazines or comic books from a person’s youth, Playbills from shows families saw together, china or silver that doesn't get much use these days, etc.

Think outside of the box. A person could create a tray for a coffee bar with a coffeemaker, enhanced with grandma's teacups to hold sweetener packets, stirrers, etc. Perhaps a person’s parents collected coffee stirrers from their family's travels — framing a selection of them over your display is cohesive and a lovely reminder of those times.

Don't forget to ask what they've got stored away in the attic. Adding a touch of history and nostalgia with a personal story is, quite literally, at the heart of Cluttercore.

Similarly to people shopping their homes, they should think of what they love to do and then brainstorm creative ways to bring that into their home. For example, a foodie might want to start collecting matchbooks from their favorite restaurants and bars, whether to display in a decorative bowl in the living room (a great conversation starter!) or frame for the kitchen or dining room.

3. Group like with like
Collections look intentional when they're styled together. Whether it is by color, texture, material, function, or type, maintaining a consistent thread throughout a space ensures that it doesn't look or feel random and haphazard. It doesn't all have to be the same, though.

For example, a person who loves floral arrangements might display all of their vases on bookshelves rather than in the pantry, despite the mix of colors and materials. The reception telegraphs their passion for florals and gives anyone who comes into their home a hint of who they are. Variations in color, size, shape, and texture only make the collection seem more like it was curated over time.

4. Don't forget the function of the space
No matter how much someone loves a look, if it isn't functional, it will grate on them over time. Cluttercore doesn't mean clutter for clutter's sake — the space should still serve a person’s needs. A room filled with layers of personality should still be deeply functional.

For example, a needlepoint enthusiast might like a comfortable chair in the living room, upholstered in a lush fabric, of course, with a complementary throw pillow and blanket, and storage nearby to hold their tools. Think: baskets, decorative boxes, vintage cracker tins, and more. A nearby wall might hold an ever-rotating series of semi-finished and finished works, mixed with some family heirlooms, or favorites they’ve collected over time.

That way, the functional needs are met and the person has included a bit of themselves into the layers of the design.

5. Mix in the unexpected
Take unexpected items and make them into furniture. Stacks of books can make great drink tables or small side tables, especially in areas with limited space. Garden stools are the perfect size and durability for the shower.

Shoes don't have to stay in the closet. Beautiful evening shoes make a lovely, eye-catching moment on a bookshelf! Brooches don't have to stay in the jewelry box, but can add sparkle to the sofa's throw pillows. Be creative!

Create a gallery wall with a bit of a twist and add in things that speak to the homeowner — board games, tennis rackets, golf clubs, or grandma's plates, all mixed in with family photos and/or art they love. One tip for gallery wall frames — keep them similarly sized or of the same hue to ensure a cohesive overall look.

Photo by Julie Soefer

Mix in the unexpected, like a favorite pair of shoes, with boxes, books, and trays.

cluttercore home-design

Marburger Farm updated

Round Top's 43-acre antique show unveils renovations for spring 2026

Courtesy of Marburger Farm

Visit Marburger Farm March 24-28.

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus believed that the only constant in life is change. Since 1997, the Marburger Farm Antique Show, which typically closes out both the spring and fall editions of the Round Top Antiques & Design Show, has largely remained unchanged. As enthusiastic Marburger tailgaters listen for that opening triangle to ring, everyone has their well-established and particular beeline-paths prepared in advance. But this year, change is a’comin’.

When the fall show closed last October, Marburger began a huge renovation project that included the full restoration of its historic buildings, including the original Marburger Farmhouse, Legler House, Coufal House, Zieger House, Silver Dollar Saloon, Gulf Warehouse, Dance Hall, Bingo Hall, Blacksmith Shop, and the General Store. Notably, the restoration has made it possible to add heating and air conditioning to these structures.

New additions debuting this spring include The Canteen, which is a large food pavilion overlooking the previously-underutilized pond; The Parlor, a design showcase space; a live music stage; enhanced pathways; and a communal green space designed for gathering and celebration. Over the summer, the addition of two large climate-controlled sheds and updated seating and lounge areas throughout the grounds will complete the project.

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“This is a much more intentional undertaking to really breathe life into those buildings,” Marburger CEO John Sughrue tells CultureMap. “It’s going to be very obvious — when on the property — what we’ve done. The vision for what we’re doing was establishing a greater sense of place, and a greater sense of community.”

While fans may worry that these improvements may impact the charming and rustic aesthetic that shoppers have come to expect at Marburger, the overall experience should remain the same. Once randomly strewn across the 43-acre property, the historic structures have been gathered together around a newly-hardscaped central square. New green spaces are intended to evoke a sense of nostalgia, the layout inspired by the Texas Courthouse Square. At one end, the western-facing pavilion will overlook the pond and rolling hills, and adjacent to that, the familiar 90,000-square-feet of tented shopping remain unchanged.

“One thing that is apparent about Marburger is that people have a real sense of connection with it, a sense of history, and take a personal interest in it,” says Sughrue. “You’ll see that in the level of craftsmanship, the placemaking, and how we have, in essence, redeveloped the existing historical buildings.”

One of the things Sughrue is enthusiastic about is the ability to participate in the winter show, as well as inviting exhibitors who left for climate-controlled venues to return home to Marburger. Improved facilities for their local and beloved food and beverage vendors make for expanded offerings and shorter lines — a notion sure to please even the most staunch Marburger purists.

“We are trying very much to maintain the Texas heritage of Marburger,” Sughrue says. “I consider us guardians or stewards of the brand. I consider Marburger a brand like Blue Bell Ice Cream or the State Fair of Texas. There is something very much rooted in the land, very much rooted in how generations now have engaged with Marburger and in Round Top. We are trying to hold tight to being a heritage brand, while positioning for the future — that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Sughrue is all too aware of some of the sentiments that were shared five years ago when Marburger was purchased by “these Dallas guys” [real estate development firm Brook Partners]. In the last four years, they have listened to vendors and guests alike to learn how they can improve the show experience for their core audience: top exhibitors, designers, architects, and vendors. While he finds the relatively-recent glitterati element in Round Top to be amusing, it’s not something he’s interested in attracting or catering to specifically. So, everyone can let out a sigh of relief on that concern.

“These are designers who come into Round Top, and to Marburger in particular, and they are very important to our success. We attract some of the best exhibitors in the country, if not the world,” explains Sughrue. “Day one they meet with designers who have flown in from all over the country. Our focus is being a resource to those designers and architects — that’s what’s driving our business. We are not a lifestyle offering, and we are not trying to be all things to all people.”

At the end of the day, Sughrue’s overall goal is connecting the best exhibitors to the best buyers. “Everything else that happens in Round Top is just noise.” He loves the generational aspect of Marburger, oftentimes noticing three generations shopping together in the tents.

“Y’all make a tough crowd, I’ll tell you that,” Sughrue says with a laugh. “I think we are going to get more of it right than wrong, and what we get wrong — we are going to listen very hard to people — we are going to make that right. I promise you that. Marburger captivates me. It just devours all of my time and attention, but how lucky am I?! All these issues surround purpose-driven lives, and we get to work on Marburger to bring a community of people together to celebrate design, antiques, Texas. It’s like the American Dream is alive and well on the Round Top fields during Marburger. It’s just an incredible collection of people.”

Visit the refreshed Marburger Farms from Tuesday, March 24 to Saturday, March 28. Purchase tickets at marburgerfarm.com.

Courtesy of Marburger Farm

Visit Marburger Farm March 24-28.

marburger farm round top shopping