When we hear the word ‘decluttering’, many of us picture a sterile space devoid of personality like a showroom rather than a home.
But true decluttering isn’t about removing everything that makes your space feel like you. It’s about editing with purpose, styling with intention and letting your favourite pieces shine.
Whether you’re preparing your home for sale or simply refreshing for the new season, here’s how to declutter without sacrificing warmth, character or soul.
Decluttering vs Depersonalising: There’s a Difference
Decluttering is about creating space and clarity not removing the identity from your home. While real estate styling often calls for a clean slate, that doesn’t mean hiding everything you love. In fact, thoughtful personal touches (done right) can:
- Make your home feel warm and inviting to buyers
- Add charm and uniqueness to your interiors
- Reflect who you are, without creating visual noise
The key is culling excess, not emotion, and knowing how to curate, not eliminate.
Styling with Intention: Tips for Curating Decorative Pieces
Here’s how to keep your favourite items on display while creating a sense of calm, cohesion, and style.
Group Similar Items Together
Rather than scattering trinkets or photo frames throughout a room, group similar pieces to create a curated feel.
- Display ceramics or vases in odd-numbered clusters (three or five often works best)
- Group books by colour or size to reduce visual clutter
- Keep collections contained in one area rather than spread throughout the home
This gives the eye a clear focal point and stops the space from feeling busy.
Stick to a Cohesive Colour Palette
You don’t need to remove all colours, just refine your palette.
Choose a few key tones and style your cushions, artwork and accessories around them. Repetition of colour creates harmony and helps even eclectic décor feel pulled together.
Use Symmetry to Add Balance
Pairing items like lamps, armchairs or framed prints can help calm a space and make it feel intentional.
- Match bedside tables and lighting for a polished bedroom look
- Flank a couch with matching side tables
- Align artwork or mirrors symmetrically above a mantle or console
Symmetry offers instant visual order without stripping out personality.
Create Breathing Space
One of the most powerful styling tools is space. Leaving empty space between decorative elements allows each item to stand out and gives the room room to breathe.
- Don’t feel the need to fill every shelf or bench
- Keep kitchen counters largely clear, with maybe one tray or bowl of fruit
- Let bookshelves include gaps, it makes styling feel deliberate, not cluttered
When everything has space, everything looks better.
Edit, Don’t Erase
Choose your most loved or interesting pieces and pack away the rest (especially if preparing to sell).
- Display a few family photos, but keep them in matching frames or a gallery wall to reduce visual distraction
- Keep one or two conversation-starter pieces in each room
- Rotate items seasonally if you can’t bear to part with them
Editing allows personality to shine through without overwhelming.
The Mental Clarity of a Decluttered Home
Decluttering isn’t just about aesthetics. A calm, edited space can have powerful effects on your mindset and wellbeing. A well-organised room can:
- Reduce stress and decision fatigue
- Improve focus and creativity
- Help you feel more in control, even on busy days
Especially during seasonal transitions, like winter to spring, refreshing your home can feel like hitting a personal reset button.
Preparing to Sell? Curated Still Feels Lived-In
Buyers respond to homes that feel cared for, not cold. When styling to sell, don’t aim for bland or impersonal, instead:
- Keep the décor minimal but warm
- Let natural light and neutral tones lead, but layer with texture and a few standout features
- Allow potential buyers to imagine their life in the space without losing the sense that real people live there
Remember, people don’t just buy houses, they buy how a home makes them feel.
Make Room for What Matters
Decluttering doesn’t have to mean minimalism. It’s not about removing everything that makes your home yours, it’s about keeping what matters most, styling it with intention and letting each space tell a clear story.
Whether you’re resetting your home for the new season or preparing to welcome new owners, curating your space can bring clarity, calm and a renewed sense of joy.
Need some advice? An Elders Expert in your area can help.