Embracing Cluttercore – More is More! - Lesley
‘‘My own father believes I have no style’’
In a world where minimalism has taken center stage, there are individuals who boldly defy the notion that 'less is more.' By nature, I am a maximalist who not only embraces colour and bold patterns but firmly stands by the philosophy that "more is more." My home is a testament to my style, which unknowingly aligns with the current 'cluttercore' trend. This trend encourages us to fill our living spaces with an abundance of mismatched yet meaningful items that spark joy. I am a collector of all things with a talking point, and I have a penchant for coffee table books on artists and photography, such as Helmut Newton, Mert Alas, and Marcus Piggott. In my world, coffee tables are meant for books, candles, and trinkets, and there is one golden rule: no cups on the books!
My home is a burst of colour that defies the conventional wisdom of sticking to a single colour palette. Instead, my living space is a lively collage of hues and shades that come together in a symphony of vibrancy with every inch of the white walls adorned with art, pouffes and shelves piled with books and candles. My two favourite items, besides my art, are two leopard print rugs that I bought second hand from the Jean Queen, Donna Ida and a large blue chest that was upcycled by a young man raising funds to go travelling. Every room in my house exudes energy and life, highlighting my unapologetic love for colour. For me, colour is not a design choice; it is a way of life and part of my personality.
Cluttercore, the design trend that I unknowingly embody, celebrates organised chaos. It is about filling your space with objects that hold sentimental value, even if they seem mismatched to the eye. My home is a beautiful chaos of curios, artwork, and collectibles. Every item has a story to tell, and each piece contributes to the rich tapestry of my life. My home reflects the many journeys I have embarked on and the countless memories I have made along the way.
I often describe myself as a "frustrated artist" due to my belief that my execution doesn't match my creative ideas. However, in my opinion my home tells a different story. Each room reflects my artistic vision, it will never be to everybody’s taste and my own father believes I have no style; but isn't that the joy of art and our homes - ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’!
I collect a lot of art and my taste varies substantially. I have collected Nic Joly pieces for 10 years and have filled my entrance hallway full of them, I also love Anna Gammon and have an exceptionally large piece of hers in my living room as the focal point, amazingly contrasting two Bella Freud Giclée Prints. My latest love is Dan Jamieson who does hate plates for the wall – I love them!
In a world that often champions minimalism and the idea of decluttering, I celebrate the concept that "more is more." My cluttercore haven is a lively testament to my personality, filled with colour, chaos, and a love for all things bold and beautiful. For me, every corner of my home is a canvas for self-expression, a place where my maximalist tendencies shine brightly. I don’t just decorate; I tell a story with every piece. My world is a lesson in embracing individuality and cherishing the things that make you happy, regardless of what the trends dictate. In my world, more is indeed more, and that's perfectly fine.
“I am a collector of all things with a talking point, and I have a penchant for coffee table books on artists and photography”