This article is about how to make room less cluttered (especially when you want an eclectic apartment!)
After some years, we finally noticed that millennial gray is too boring and simple. Eclectic style came back, people started enjoying maximalism again, and somewhere in this equation, we also decided to add a pop of color to make our apartments cozy. But let’s be honest, this “pop of color” is not as easy to add as it seems.
Have you ended up with a space that feels messy, cluttered, and far from amazing cozy eclectic apartments you saw on Pinterest? No worries, let’s try to recreate it together to enjoy all the perks of dopamine decor and warm homes!
Read as well: Dopamine decor – living room furniture for small apartments
How to Make Room Less Cluttered: Creating a Cozy, Eclectic, and Functional Space
When discussing cozy, colorful living rooms and contemporary eclectic decor, we often forget that balance is key. Too many elements can make a space feel chaotic rather than curated. The good news? You don’t have to choose between personality and tidiness. Here’s how to make a room less cluttered without sacrificing aesthetics.
Step 1: Declutter, but Make It Fun
Decluttering doesn’t have to be about minimalism—it’s about curating. Start by removing items that don’t contribute to the overall aesthetic or function of your space.
- Store all the decor items in one place: Colorful cushions, art, plants, throw blankets, pictures – you name it. Gather it in one place, to see with what you work.
- Organize by color or category: Divide the items by color, style. Try to find things that go well together and create different piles for them.
- Get to know your base: When you have your rooms minimalistic, you can see do your main furniture work. This is the moment to revaluate the space – maybe the bookshelf will work better in the other room? Is the couch placed that you can comfortably walk around the room and reach for different stuff?
Read as well: Mid Century Eclectic Living Room Ideas To Know In 2025
Step 2: Zoning Your Space for Purpose and Style
One of the best space-saving hacks is creating zones within a room. This method is especially useful in apartments, where one room might serve multiple purposes.
- For a cozy colorful living room: Arrange furniture into small sections—a reading nook with a comfy chair, a main conversation area with mismatched living room furniture, and a statement decor piece that anchors the space.
- For bedrooms: Keep bedside tables minimal, add layered lighting, and use under-the-bed storage to maintain an uncluttered yet stylish feel.
- For open apartments: Use rugs or shelving units as dividers to define different areas while keeping an airy, trendy apartment decor vibe.
- For work-from-home spaces: Designate a specific spot, use stylish organizers, and keep cords neatly tucked away.
Read as well: Eclectic Boho Bedroom Ideas For a Cohesive Look
Step 3: Smart Storage for a Stylish, Clutter-Free Home
Even when you aim for cozy dopamine decor, you don’t want to show everything. Storage is the secret ingredient to mastering how to style an apartment while keeping it functional. Make sure you have options to hide your stuff and display only what you want – that is the main rule how to make room less cluttered.
- Baskets and decorative boxes can store magazines, blankets, and small items without ruining the aesthetic vibes of your space.
- Floating shelves add visual interest and provide a spot for books, plants, or art.
- Multipurpose furniture like a daybed or a convertible desk keeps things stylish and practical.
- Under-furniture storage maximizes every inch of space in a small apartment.
- Over-the-door organizers make great use of vertical space, perfect for storing shoes, accessories, or cleaning supplies.
- Hidden storage. Ottomans, benches, and coffee tables with storage compartments are lifesavers for maintaining a warm apartment aesthetic.
Step 4: Make It Personal but Not Overwhelming
Now it is time to get back to your divided by color and style pieces. If you have them organized, perhaps you already see how they can go with different zones in your house. Choose only what you like. Try different configiuration and see how it works.
- Gallery walls work best when they follow a theme—be it color, subject, or frame type.
- Books, plants, and candles instantly add charm without contributing to clutter.
- Display collections in a curated way—use trays, shelves, or shadow boxes instead of scattering items around.
- Rotate decor items seasonally to keep the space feeling fresh and intentional.
- Personalize with meaningful decor. Choose items that tell a story rather than just filling space.
Read as well: Eclectic Maximalist Bedroom: Your Guide to Bold and Unique Spaces
Step 5: Still messy? Check if you don’t make those mistakes!
Personal touches make a home feel lived-in and inviting. However, too many sentimental items on display can make a space feel busy rather than warm. Sometimes it is not even how you display them rather than the size or pattern itself. Make sure that you follow those rules (or at least some of them!):
- Choose statement pieces over many small decor items. One large art piece has more impact than several tiny knick-knacks.
- Mix and match textures and patterns. To maintain a warm apartment aesthetic, combine soft textiles with bold patterns but keep a unifying color palette.
- Use mirrors strategically. A well-placed mirror reflects light, making the room feel bigger and more open.
- Opt for quality over quantity. Instead of having many inexpensive decor items, invest in a few meaningful pieces.
- Use textiles to your advantage. Layer rugs, cushions, and throws for warmth without overcrowding the space.
How to Make Living Room Less Cluttered While Keeping It Eclectic
The living room is the heart of the home, and we want it to reflect personality without feeling overwhelmed.
- Opt for mismatched living room furniture, but balance the chaos. If you love an eclectic decor living room, ensure there’s a color or material that ties everything together.
- Layer lighting. A mix of floor lamps, table lamps, and string lights enhances the apartment’s aesthetic cozy vibe.
- Keep surfaces clear. Decorative trays can hold essentials while preventing surfaces from looking too busy.
- Use open shelving sparingly. Keep it tidy by arranging books, art, and plants in a thoughtful manner.
- Incorporate nature. Houseplants not only bring warmth but also create a more tranquil environment.
Read as well: 10+ Small Cherry Wood Bedroom Ideas You Need to See
Final Touches: Trendy Apartment Decor Meets Functionality
The goal is to create a space that feels curated, not crowded. Here are a few last touches to perfect your cozy rooms:
- Switch to decorative storage. Woven baskets, vintage trunks, and stylish cabinets hide clutter while adding charm.
- Rotate decor seasonally. Instead of having everything out at once, swap items every few months for a refreshed look.
- Choose quality over quantity. A few well-chosen pieces make a stronger impact than a room filled with random decor.
- Incorporate personal elements sparingly. A well-placed vintage find or handmade item can bring warmth without overwhelming the space.
- Utilize neutral backdrops. Keep walls and larger furniture pieces in neutral tones so colorful accents stand out without clashing.
Read as well: Insanely Unique Small Eclectic Style Kitchen Ideas
How to make room less cluttered? Embracing the Cozy, Curated Aesthetic
Creating a cozy eclectic home doesn’t mean sacrificing order. By following these steps how to make room less cluttered, you can enjoy an aesthetic, clutter-free space that feels warm, inviting, and perfectly you. Whether you’re mastering how to make a bedroom less cluttered or bringing harmony to a cozy colorful living room, the key is balance—curate, organize, and embrace the beauty of an eclectic, well-styled home.
By making small, intentional choices, you can transform your apartment into a warm, stylish sanctuary that reflects your personality without feeling chaotic. Now go forth, declutter, and enjoy the stylish, cozy apartment of your dreams!
