You know that feeling when you walk into your minimalist apartment and it looks like a hotel room? Clean, yes. But it doesn’t feel like you live there.
If you’re Gen Z, you’ve probably noticed your friends who have “messy” rooms with plants everywhere, photo walls, and random collections seem way happier at home. Meanwhile, you’re sitting in your perfectly organised space feeling kind of empty.
This is totally normal. Nowadays, young Australians are moving away from boring white walls. Instead, they want homes that feel personal and warm. At www.mademinimal.com.au, we see more and more people making this change.
In this article, you’ll learn why your generation loves cluttercore and how to create that cosy, lived-in vibe without breaking your budget.
Ready to make your home feel like you? Let’s dive in.
What is cluttercore, and why are Gen Z home decor trends shifting
Cluttercore is the maximalist movement where young people display treasured items openly instead of hiding them away.
Think about your favourite Instagram accounts. You see rooms packed with plants, fairy lights, vintage posters, and collections of random stuff that somehow look amazing together. That’s cluttercore.
What makes cluttercore different:
- Personal collections become the main decor
- Every surface tells part of your story
- Nothing gets hidden in cupboards or storage boxes
- Mess becomes organised chaos with meaning
This aesthetic celebrates meaningful items scattered throughout your space. Your books, vintage cameras, concert tickets, and houseplants all become part of the decor.
But why are young people choosing this over the clean, minimalist look? Gen Z rejects cold minimalism because it feels fake and expensive. When you walk into a minimalist space, it looks like nobody lives there. But this generation wants the opposite. They want spaces that feel alive and personal.
The movement has gained huge momentum online, too. One proof is that social media platforms showcase thousands of affordable DIY maximalist rooms, which inspire creative young decorators.
The movement has gained huge momentum online as well. Social media platforms showcase thousands of affordable DIY maximalist rooms that inspire creative young decorators. What you see are real people in real apartments making magic happen with thrift store finds and creativity.
There’s more to it than just pretty rooms. According to research from The Conversation on generational design differences, this design style movement reflects deeper generational values about authenticity and self-expression.
How to create a maximalist design style on a budget
The best part about maximalist decorating is that you can achieve stunning results without breaking the bank.
However, creating a maximalist style comes down to three things: finding unique pieces cheaply, transforming what you already have, and layering textiles for instant personality. We’ll show you how to do each one.
Shop smartly for unique pieces
You don’t need to spend hundreds at fancy furniture stores. Instead, we recommend visiting thrift stores, garage sales, and Facebook Marketplace for unique pieces at a fraction of retail prices. Make this your weekend routine (you’ll be surprised what people get rid of).
What looks like junk to someone else becomes your treasure. When you’re browsing, look for items with character like old picture frames, vintage vases, or quirky sculptures. The goal is finding stuff that speaks to you, not what’s trending on Pinterest.
DIY your way to bold statement pieces
Once you’ve found some basic pieces, it’s time to make them yours. DIY painting old furniture in bold colours transforms boring items into conversation starters.
We’ve seen people grab paint from Bunnings (around $20 per tin) and completely change their space. So, why not paint that old bookshelf hot pink or turn plain wooden crates into colourful storage? These simple changes can completely transform how your room feels.
That’s what we do at Made Minimal. We help you make simple changes that create a big impact with less budget.
Layer textiles for instant personality
The final step brings everything together. Layering textiles like throw pillows, blankets, and rugs adds colour and texture immediately. You can completely change a room’s vibe with $50 worth of cushions from Kmart. Mix patterns, clash colours, and pile them up. Your space will feel cosy and lived-in instantly.
Self-expression through anti-minimalism in small spaces
Small spaces work perfectly for cluttercore because every inch becomes an opportunity for creative display.
If you’re living in a tiny apartment or shared house, don’t worry. You can still create a maximalist aesthetic that shows your personality. Here’s how to make it work in three ways.
- Maximise your walls for personality:
Your walls are your biggest canvas for showing who you are. Simple efforts like the following can make the wall look impressive:
- Create vertical photo galleries that go from floor to ceiling
- Install floating shelves to display your collections and plants
- Use removable wallpaper or wall decals (perfect for rentals)
- Hang fairy lights or string lights for a cosy ambience
- Put up tapestries or fabric pieces as art
- Choose furniture that works twice as hard:
Smart furniture choices help you store stuff while keeping your style on display. The key is finding pieces that can multitask in any space. Here are some top options:
- Ottoman storage boxes that double as seating
- Beds with built-in drawers underneath
- Coffee tables with shelves for books and magazines
- Desk organisers that become decorative displays
- Bookcases that divide spaces while showing off your stuff
- Work around rental restrictions:
Rental properties have rules, but you can still personalise without losing your bond. Here are some ways to add personality that won’t get you in trouble:
- Removable wallpaper won’t damage walls when you move
- Command strips hold lightweight decorations safely
- Floor lamps add personality without rewiring
- Rugs define spaces and add colour instantly
- Plants in pretty pots bring life without permanent changes
Remember that every item should serve your style and your practical needs at the same time.
Creating your personal maximalist space
Living in a space that feels like a showroom isn’t for everyone. Gen Z understands this and proves that homes should reflect who you are and what makes you happy. Cluttercore lets you surround yourself with meaningful things without spending a fortune.
What makes this movement special is how personal it gets. Your collections, photos, plants, and random finds all become part of the story your space tells. We at Made Minimal see more people choosing warmth over sterile perfection every day.
Ready to get started? Begin small and build your maximalist aesthetic over time. Hit up thrift stores, paint some furniture, and layer those textiles. Your space should make you smile when you walk through the door.
