Contrasting Scandinavian Aesthetic: Cluttercore

The Scandinavian simplistic design and Cluttercore are two contrasting approaches to aesthetics, each embodying different principles and visual philosophies. Scandinavian design uses clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on functionality. It is also characterized by a muted color palette, often using neutral tones, to emphasize simplicity and create a sleek look. In contrast, Cluttercore represents abundance, mirroring a maximalist approach where excess, diverse patterns, and bright colors are used [1]. The style tries to create an overwhelming sensation, with many objects and decorations cluttering the space.

Cluttercore aesthetics applied to a room

If I used the Cluttercore principles in a plant vase, a significant outcome from the sleek Scandinavian look would occur. Because Cluttercore uses so many embellishments, a wide variety of colors, and unique materials, the minimalistic charm of the Scandinavian design would be replaced with a more convoluted and chaotic aesthetic.

Potential look of a Cluttercore-inspired plant vase

References

[1] Gore, Sydney. “Is ‘Cluttercore’ the Chaotic Good We Need Right Now?” Architectural Digest, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2022, www.architecturaldigest.com/story/cluttercore-chaotic-good-tiktok-trend.

Images

Featured: “Embrace ‘Cluttercore’: A Way to Show off All of Your Treasures …” Embrace ‘Cluttercore’: A Way To Show Off All of Your Treasures in a Chic Way, realtor.com, www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/embrace-cluttercore-a-way-to-show-off-all-of-your-treasures-in-a-chic-way/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2024. (Photo by @timeasley via Instagram)

[1] Grigsby, Lynda Lin. “Cluttercore Is the Trend Many Parents Need Right Now.” Parents, Parents, 20 Dec. 2022, www.parents.com/cluttercore-is-the-trend-many-parents-need-right-now-6892266. Image: ED FREEMAN / GETTY IMAGES

[2] “From Chaos to Composition: Understanding the Differences between Cluttercore and Clustercore.” Nell Hill’s, 5 June 2023, nellhills.com/from-chaos-to-composition-understanding-the-differences-between-cluttercore-and-clustercore/.