Sheila’s Take: Cluttercore Is In — Just Not When You’re Selling
As Kenney & Co.’s in-house staging and design specialist, I help homeowners get market-ready with spaces that feel fresh, open, and irresistible to buyers. So when a design trend starts making headlines - like cluttercore - I can’t help but look at it through the lens of what sells.
The layered, personality-rich cluttercore trend may be great for living — but staging is definitely great for selling.
Cluttercore is everywhere right now. Designers are loving the bold layers, beloved collections, and personality-packed rooms. House Beautiful even highlighted it as a top style comeback.
And while it’s cozy and super fun for everyday living…
Cluttercore is the worst trend to embrace
when you’re preparing your home to sell.
Here’s why:
When selling, buyers need to see their story — not yours
Cluttercore celebrates your travels, hobbies, and memories. But staging is about clearing the visual noise so buyers can instantly imagine moving in. If your stuff takes center stage, the house won’t.
Too much décor = distraction
Collections, patterns, and overflowing shelves may be charming to you — but to a buyer, they can make spaces feel smaller and photos feel chaotic. The house itself should shine.
Decorating ≠ Staging
Decorating: Personal. Expressive. “This is me.”
Staging: Neutral. Spacious. “This could be you.”
Both are great — just not at the same time.
If cluttercore is your love language — keep loving it
Just temporarily pack things away while your home is on the market. You’ll be unpacking again soon anyway!
Bottom line:
Cluttercore is trending for living — but staging is strategic for selling. If you want your home to appeal to the widest pool of buyers, less is more.
Thinking about selling soon? I’d love to help you create a staging plan that brings out your home’s best.
📌 Source: House Beautiful — “Cluttercore Design: How to Do It Right”
About Sheila
Sheila Gibbons is a licensed Realtor® and the in-house Staging & Design Lead for the Kenney & Co. Group at KW Consultants Realty. She partners with homeowners and valued industry partners to transform lived-in homes into buyer magnets — from smart styling and spatial flow to photo-ready finishing touches.
Connect with Sheila:
Sheila Gibbons, Realtor® | Kenney & Co Group at KW Consultants Realty
📞 614-264-1800 | 📧 sheila.g415@gmail.com | 🌐 kwkenneyandco.com, 🌐 teresakenneyrealty.com