When we declutter, we’re not just tidying—we’re reclaiming space, sanity, and a little bit of style. Let’s be honest, we’ve all done the last-minute shove—stuffing everything into drawers and cupboards before guests arrive. And yes, everyone has a “drawer of shame” (or three). I even have a tiny pot of shame, just to keep things interesting.
But clutter doesn’t just cramp our space—it messes with our mood and disrupts the natural flow and harmony of our homes. The truth? You can’t have a spotless home and a full life without a squad of live-in cleaners (and even then, good luck).
The key difference between tidying and decluttering is intention. The latter is thoughtful and freeing, and when done well. In this post, we’ll dive into the art of stylish, clever decluttering—with tried-and-true interior designer tips to help you make space and make it beautiful.
Table of Contents
The Big Question: Why Declutter?
Decluttering tends to trigger an overwhelming urge to procrastinate—and honestly, who can blame us? It can be emotionally taxing and physically exhausting. That’s why it’s so important to start by asking yourself why you’re doing it in the first place. Take a moment to define your intentions, breathe deeply, and step in with purpose. Think about how you really want to live in your home. Decluttering isn’t about chasing minimalism or perfection—it’s about creating space for meaning, comfort, and wellbeing in a world that already throws more than enough stuff our way.
Decluttering, One Room at a Time
I’m a big fan of hybrids—being a European blend myself, with parents and grandparents scattered across the continent, it’s in my DNA to mix things up. When it comes to decluttering, I say take a page from Margareta Magnusson’s The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, sprinkle in a dash of Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” philosophy, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a hybrid decluttering road map worth following. Done right, decluttering is liberating, stylish, and—dare I say—surprisingly joyful. It’s intentional living at its finest. And trust me, your future self (and your future heirs) will be raising a glass to you for it.
Living Room
How to Edit Decorative Accessories
Decluttering doesn’t mean you have to go full-on minimalist—perish the thought! Think of it instead as curating your own personal gallery, where the “art” is that quirky vase, pair of vintage candlesticks, or sculptural bowl that makes your heart do a little pirouette. Keep only what you truly love or what adds to your home’s story, and graciously let the rest move on to a new stage in someone else’s life. After countless ruthless clear-outs, I can assure you I’ve never once pined for my paint-splattered 1980s radio cassette. Somewhere out there, I’m sure it’s living its best life, perfectly in tune with someone else’s décor.
Styling Tips: Fewer Pieces, More Impact
Resist the urge to cover every surface like you’re prepping for a homeware store photo shoot. Give each piece breathing space so it can shine. A single bold object can do more for a room’s personality than a dozen smaller knick-knacks competing for attention. Remember, many interior designers swear by styling and layering accessories in groups of three; it’s the magic number for balance and visual harmony.
Storage Disguised as Décor
I’ve never been much of a hoarder, and when it comes to keepsakes, I like to keep things practical. My children are well into their teens now, and I’ve resisted the urge to hang on to every glitter-glued masterpiece or mismatched action figure—though I’ve made an exception for their beloved wooden train set and Lego. Other children adore bringing them out when they visit, and in the meantime, they live inconspicuously in beautiful baskets in my living room.
Baskets are my ultimate go-to for stylish storage; they come in so many delightful shapes, textures, and weaves. But they’re just the beginning. You can hide a multitude of sins in lidded ceramic jars or classic ginger jars (perfect for remotes and coasters), or tuck away extra blankets in oversized planters. Hand-carved wooden bowls with lids are practically functional sculptures. Statement sideboards or credenzas in bold hues or intricate woodwork can swallow up everything from board games to barware, while stylish wall-mounted cabinets—whether glass-fronted or solid with textured finishes—turn storage into an art form. And let’s not forget ottomans with secret compartments, which moonlight as chic seating.
And here’s a little styling tip: many designers swear by grouping accessories in threes. It’s the magic formula for balance, harmony, and that effortless “just right” look.
Kitchen
Let’s face it—kitchens are the unsung dumping zones of most homes, and truth be told, they deserve an entire blog post of their own. But for now, let’s talk tough love. Do you really need five oversized spatulas and three lemon zesters? (Unless you’re running a secret pancake stand, probably not.) Think of your countertop as prime real estate—only the essentials earn a place there. Keep a beautiful basket or tray as your “catch-all” zone, but make it a rule to clear it out regularly before it becomes a black hole for orphaned gadgets. Master the art of pantry and drawer zoning—they’ll become your new culinary BFFs. After all, we’re creatures of habit, and most of us reach for the same pots, pans, and utensils time and time again.
Bedroom
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary for rest and replenishment—not the household’s overflow storage unit. Let’s be honest, most of us don’t have the luxury of a meticulously organised, movie-worthy walk-in wardrobe. I, for one, share mine with my husband, and it’s hardly sprawling. In fact, I can proudly admit there’s only one lone jacket on his side (and I’m resisting the urge to sneak in a second).
The one-in, one-out rule for clothing is the holy grail of wardrobe organisation—especially in our era of fast fashion, which clutters not only our homes but our planet. When it comes to storage, remember: out of sight, out of mind.
Think clever under-bed storage that doesn’t turn into a chaos cave. Embrace decorative baskets and boxes—stack them neatly on open shelves for a curated look that hides the mess. An ottoman bench at the foot of the bed is both a stylish perch for putting on shoes and a secret stash spot for blankets, pillows, or handbags. Consider headboards with hidden compartments—move over tufted upholstery; some designs hide slim shelving or secret cubbies for your bedside essentials. And for a touch of luxury, a built-in window seat with storage transforms a cozy reading nook into the perfect place to tuck away linens or the novels you’ll “read someday.”
Bathroom
I’ll admit it—I have a “basket of shame” hiding under my bathroom sink. It’s a mysterious abyss where extra toiletries, rogue razors, and toothbrushes go to disappear… and I dare not confess what else. Every so often, usually when I’m crouched down hunting for toothpaste and discover there’s not a single tube in sight, I take it as a sign from the décor gods that it’s time for a ruthless declutter.
I’m equally guilty when it comes to towels, clinging onto frayed, twenty-year-old rags while my pristine, hotel-worthy ones sit untouched like bathroom royalty. Let’s be honest: life’s too short for sad towels, expired products, or that three-year-old bath bomb you’re “saving for a special occasion”. In fact, I’m tossing that towel the moment I finish writing this… or cutting it up for dust cloths until it waves its final goodbye.
For a bathroom that feels serene rather than chaotic:
- Decant shampoo, conditioner, and soap into pretty pump bottles for instant visual calm.
- Rolling carts can live in a corner for everyday items and be wheeled away when guests appear.
- Drawer dividers are the unsung heroes of the “no more rummaging for tweezers” movement.
- Slimline wall cabinets double as décor when finished in mirrors or chic paint, all while hiding extra toiletries.
- Over-the-door storage hooks and shelves make vertical space work harder without eating into floor space.
- Stackable baskets or boxes keep under-sink chaos in check—bonus style points if you label them.
Because in the end, a well-styled bathroom should feel like a spa retreat, not the lost-and-found department of your local gym.
Designer Secrets to Make Decluttering Stick
As we’ve already discovered, the world of stylish storage is vast, and trust me, your home can be both organised and stylish. Start by defining clear zones: a cosy reading nook for your novel-and-tea moments, a dining area that actually welcomes diners, and a workspace that whispers “productivity” instead of “chaos”. Clutter is the sneaky villain that blurs these boundaries, turning purposeful rooms into confused multi-taskers. By editing out excess furniture and banishing those “I’ll-deal-with-it-later” piles, you’ll free up not just space but also movement. Suddenly, your home flows effortlessly, guiding you from one zone to the next with ease. The goal is a space that works with you, never against you.
5-a-day for clutter challenge. 30 days. A whole new home
When to Call In Help
If you’ve tried the five-a-day-for-clutter challenge and your interiors still feel like they’re holding onto more than they should, it might be time to bring in reinforcements. Professional organisers, interior designers, or even that brutally honest friend can help you see what you’ve stopped noticing. Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes (and hands) can clear in a day what you’ve been putting off for years.
Make Space for What Matters
Decluttering isn’t just a weekend project—it’s a lifestyle shift. And no, it doesn’t mean you have to live in a bare, echoey white box. Think of it as editing your home so it reflects you today, not the version of you from three decades (and several questionable décor trends) ago. An emptier space isn’t empty at all—it’s full of breathing room, light, and the freedom to enjoy what truly matters.