Clustercore Is Chic Collections, Not Chaos

In a buzzword-heavy design landscape where suffixes can turn anything into a decor microtrend, it’s understandable if clustercore (not to be confused with cluttercore, which is also a thing) doesn’t stand out. It’s just maximalism with an emphasis on multiples, right? More is more, and quirk reigns supreme?

Well, yes and no. Clustercore is both an aesthetic and a system, and the personal logic of display itself is what makes it so appealing. “Your space should be a true representation of who you are, and clustercore is the perfect way to celebrate individuality and self-expression in a visual way,” explains Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson. “I like to think of our favorite items as a reflection of our unique identities, so I encourage shoppers to embrace them with pride and let them shine. To avoid the feeling of clutter, consider grouping items by vignettes to create a cohesive look, while still reflecting your personal style and bringing you joy.”

What sort of cohesive looks are we talking about here? We’re so glad you asked.

There’s a fine line between displaying lots of things in a way that feels stylish and satisfying and doing so in a way that just feels busy, and it’s all about visual coherence. “When displaying clusters of collections, it’s important to find a balance between showcasing your items and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look,” Dayna explains. “Create focal points with a few standout pieces — like artwork or plants — and play with different scales and textures that complement each other to draw attention without overwhelming the space.”

If Brooklyn designer Leyden Lewis can put his Batman figurine on display (and treat it like sculpture, no less), your kitschiest tchotchkes can come out to play. “In an increasingly automated world, shoppers are looking for ways to celebrate their individuality and turning to concepts like clustercore that allow them to embrace their unique taste, interests and personalities,” Dayna says. “The aesthetic allows them to curate their spaces in a way that reflects their authentic selves, while infusing both nostalgia and sentimentality.”

The next time an accessory catches your eye and you can’t settle on your favorite hue, consider choosing all of them and creating a display like this one, where dozens of jewel-bright glass votives function as composite art above a breakfast-nook banquette. This creates maximum visual impact with minimal effort.