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A home is more than a place of residence. It is a haven of meaning, comfort, and belonging that reflects the memories and personality of its inhabitants.
The “messy girl aesthetic,” also called “you-core,” is a trending interior design style celebrating and embracing hominess, individuality, and a bit of chaos, Real Simple reports. Think stacks of well-loved books, layered throws, unmatched pillows, and curated displays that tell stories of their owner’s life and adventures. Here is how to add a little more “mess” to your life.
What is the Messy Girl Aesthetic?
The messy girl aesthetic is about expressing personality and style. “We are all about spaces reflecting who lives there, and this aesthetic does just that when done well, making a home feel personalized and lived-in,” Liz Goldberg, a designer, tells Real Simple.
Despite its name, this vibrant and eclectic style is not about unintentional clutter, according to House Beautiful. “I feel the messy girl aesthetic is often misunderstood because of the word ‘messy,’” Francesca Grace, a designer, tells House Beautiful. But I see it in a completely different light. There’s intention in the messiness. It’s about warmth, comfort, and expressing yourself without worrying about perfection,” she adds.
Curate Controlled Clutter
While it may seem random, the messy girl aesthetic is actually carefully curated asymmetry and chaos. Kerith Flynn, a designer, explains that the space should “feel organic and relaxed yet thoughtful, not haphazard.”
One trick is to arrange items in a slightly and deliberately asymmetrical way — think a sofa bookended by a side table bearing books or with a plant, rather than one with matching lamps on both sides.
Vignettes also add to the cozy, lived-in vibe. For example, place an open book, a half-burned candle, and a ceramic dish together on a coffee table. Bookshelves are another ideal location for showcasing trinkets, art, and, of course, novels stacked in a variety of ways.
There are even more ways to follow this trend to bring hominess and coziness into your home. Layer silk, velvet, cotton, and linen. You can also stack books or fill pottery with accessories to create a warm and personal feel.
The rule of thumb is that all displays should be thought-out and deliberate. “You never want the space to feel overwhelmingly cluttered; it should be balanced and full of life,” Goldberg tells Real Simple.
Showcase What You Love
A “You-Core” home is filled with meaningful pieces, such as a painting by a loved one, vacation souvenirs, and collections of vintage items that tell their owner’s story.
House Beautiful suggests bringing in greenery and houseplants to soften and freshen a space. Group paintings into galleries that fill the wall. Use a seemingly-random series of meaningful wall hangings, incorporating black and white photos, colored images, textured pictures, scraps of fabric, and three-dimensional wall hangings.
Choose a Palette and a Focal Point
The messy girl aesthetic pairs well with a dark, bold, or earthy palette. To get started, choose a signature, stand-out piece, like a colorful statement rug, an antique table, or an ornate chair.
Then, Real Simple adds, allow your stand-out piece to guide your color palette. Planning the furniture should always be the first step in designing. And, when looking for your messy girl furniture, look for well-loved, textured, and vintage pieces.
You-Core is about having a home that shows who you are at your core. So, surround yourself with the things you love, embrace the beauty in imperfection, and let your home tell your story.
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