7 Simple Decorating Tips For An Uncluttered Looking Home
Simple decorating tips for creating an uncluttered-looking home that feels calm, spacious, and inviting, using what you already have.
Visual clutter in my home makes me feel anxious. Over the years, I have learned that when a space looks busy and distracting, it affects how I feel in it. Through a lot of trial and error, I found a few simple decorating strategies that help calm a room and make it feel more open and peaceful. These are easy habits I use in my own home, and they make a noticeable difference without requiring a major overhaul.
These ideas are meant to be simple and practical. Nothing here requires a big clean-out or a full day of work. Starting with just one surface or one small area can make a noticeable difference, and that momentum often carries into the rest of the home.
Decorate Flat Surfaces
Flat surfaces like coffee tables, end tables, buffets, nightstands, and consoles tend to collect things without us even noticing. When these areas look crowded, a room can quickly start to feel busy and unsettled.
This is usually the first place I start when a space feels visually cluttered. Even clearing and styling one surface can change how an entire room feels.
- Declutter first
Begin by removing anything that does not belong on the surface. I like to use a small box or basket to put everything in, then deal with it later. This keeps the process quick and stress-free. - Keep the decor simple
Instead of filling every inch, choose just a few items and give them space. Grouping items in threes often looks balanced and easy on the eyes. - Choose pieces that are useful and pretty
A lamp, a small stack of books, a seasonal arrangement, or a simple vase of flowers adds interest without overwhelming the space.
I notice that when flat surfaces are styled carefully and with thought, the whole room feels calmer and more pulled together.
The Rule of Three and And Less Is More Decorating are two posts that will give you helpful ideas for keeping flat surfaces in your home free of clutter and beautifully decorated.
Use Light Layers
In decorating, a layer is anything added to a surface or piece of furniture to create interest and comfort. Items like runners, throws, pillows, lamps, books, and small accents all count as layers.
Layering is important in decorating, but too many layers can quickly make a room feel heavy and visually busy. Using a lighter hand helps a space feel open and comfortable instead of crowded.
This was something I had to learn over time. I used to think more layers meant a more finished room, but I found that editing back often made my home feel much calmer.
- Add layers sparingly
Choose just a few elements that add interest, like a table runner, a throw on a chair, or a small arrangement. A few thoughtful layers go a long way. - Give your eye a place to rest
When too many items compete for attention, a room can feel distracting. Leaving some open space allows the layers you do use to stand out.
Using fewer layers often makes the pieces you love feel more noticeable and appreciated.
If you would like a deeper look at how layering works in a room, this post explains it in a simple, easy-to-understand way:
Layering Decor: The Art of Decorating A Room
Learning to layer with restraint is one of the simplest ways to create a home that looks uncluttered and feels comfortable to live in.
Add Flowers And Organics
Flowers and organic elements have a way of softening a room and making it feel more relaxed. Even one simple arrangement can bring life to a space without adding visual clutter.
I often turn to flowers when a room feels a little flat or busy. They add interest without needing anything else around them.
- Use real or faux flowers
Both work beautifully. What matters most is choosing stems that feel natural and easy rather than overly full or fussy. - Keep arrangements simple
One arrangement placed in the right spot, like a coffee table, kitchen counter, or dining table, is usually all that is needed. - Change them with the season
Swapping flowers or greenery as the seasons change is an easy way to refresh a room while keeping everything looking calm and uncluttered.
Flowers are such a mood-lifter for me and bring life and joy into our home. When I don’t have flowers, I put my plants in a spot it can be seen.
Make Every Space Function And Uncluttered
Spaces that are used every day, like coffee stations, desks, or kitchen counters, tend to attract clutter simply because life happens there. When these areas feel crowded, they can quickly make a whole room feel messy.
I noticed this especially after downsizing. The more intentional I became about what stayed in these hardworking spots, the easier they were to keep looking tidy.
- Start with a clean slate
Remove everything from the space and add back only what is used regularly. This makes it much easier to see what truly belongs there. - Add one simple decorative touch
A small tray, a simple container, or a decorative piece can make a functional area feel finished without adding clutter. - Do a quick daily reset
Spending just a minute or two at the end of the day putting things back where they belong makes a big difference.
I am always surprised by how much calmer a room feels when these everyday spaces are kept simple and intentional.
It’s amazing how easy it is to create functional areas that look uncluttered and attractive!
Keep Pillows Fluffed And Decorative Throws Organized
Pillows and throws add comfort and warmth to a room, but when they look rumpled or piled up, they can make a space feel untidy very quickly. A few simple habits can keep them looking inviting rather than messy.
This is one of those small things I do almost without thinking now, because it instantly makes a room feel cared for.
- Fluff pillows daily
Taking a moment to fluff and straighten pillows, especially in living rooms and bedrooms, makes furniture look fresh and welcoming. - Be intentional with throws
Fold throws neatly, drape them over the arm of a sofa or chair, or place them in a basket nearby. When throws have a place, they look decorative rather than random. - Choose pillows and throws that work together
When colors and textures relate to each other, even a few pieces can look pulled together instead of busy. - Rotate with the seasons
Swapping pillows and throws throughout the year keeps rooms feeling fresh without adding more items.
I have found that when pillows and throws are kept simple and tidy, the whole room feels more relaxed and ready to enjoy.
A Tight Color Palette Equals An Uncluttered Look
Too many colors in one space can make a room feel busy, even when it is neat and well-kept. A tighter color palette helps everything work together and creates a calmer, more cohesive look.
This is something I pay close attention to when a room starts to feel unsettled. Often, it is not clutter at all; it is simply too many colors competing for attention. Our eyes don’t have any place to rest.
- Limit the number of colors
Choosing three to five main colors helps a room feel balanced and intentional. These colors can show up in different ways throughout the space. - Use neutrals as a foundation
Neutral tones give the eye a place to rest and make it easier to layer in other colors without overwhelming the room. - Repeat colors from room to room
When the same colors appear throughout a home, spaces feel connected, and it becomes much easier to move furniture and decor around.
I have found that when the color palette is simple, everything else in the room feels calmer and more pulled together.
Use What You Already Have
One of the easiest ways to keep a home looking uncluttered is to work with what is already there rather than constantly adding new things.
That camel colored chair you see in the photo has been with us for almost two decades. It has lived in several rooms and still feels right. Moving familiar pieces around keeps a home feeling fresh without introducing visual noise.
- Look at your home with fresh eyes
Items tucked away in closets or storage often work beautifully when brought back out and given space to shine. - Move pieces from room to room
A lamp, chair, or small table can feel completely new in a different space and help avoid over decorating. - Edit before adding
Removing one or two items often does more for a room than adding something new.
I have learned that when I pause before buying and use what I already love, my home feels more personal and far less cluttered.
Creating a home that looks calm and uncluttered does not require perfection or a major overhaul. It is often the result of a few thoughtful decorating choices and small habits practiced over time.
I like to start with just one surface, one room, or one simple change that can make a noticeable difference. When a space feels peaceful to look at, it becomes more enjoyable to live in.
Take these ideas one step at a time and use the ones that work best for your home and your life. An uncluttered-looking home is not about having less; it is about creating space for what truly matters.
More Decorating Ideas You’ll Love
10 Minute Decorating Ideas That Make a Real Difference in Your Home
Quick, practical ideas that show how even a few minutes of thoughtful decorating can noticeably improve a room’s looks and feel.
Decorate Your Living Room To Stand The Test Of Time
Helpful ideas for creating a living room that feels comfortable, pulled together, and lasting rather than trendy or overdone.
Simple Decorating: How To Decorate With Less
An encouraging look at using fewer decorative items to create a home that feels more open, intentional, and easy to live in.
10 Tips For Creating A Timeless, Curated Home You Will Love
Thoughtful decorating tips focused on choosing pieces that work together and feel right year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creating An Uncluttered Home
Here are some of the most common questions I hear about creating an uncluttered-looking home. The answers are short and practical, meant to offer real help without overthinking the process.
What I’ve learned over the years is that this usually has more to do with visual noise than with dirt. Too many items on flat surfaces, heavy layers, or a mix of unrelated colors can make a space feel busy even when it is tidy.
No, and this is an important distinction. An uncluttered-looking home can still feel warm, lived in, and personal. It is not about removing personality; it is about allowing favorite pieces to stand out instead of competing with everything else.
I always recommend starting with one flat surface because it works for me at home. Clearing and restyling a coffee table, nightstand, or kitchen counter is manageable and often changes the whole room’s feel.
If your eye does not know where to rest, there is probably too much going on. I often step out of the room for a few minutes and walk back in. What feels distracting right away is usually what needs editing.
Absolutely. I have learned that sentimental items feel more meaningful when they are given space. Displaying fewer special pieces at a time allows each one to be appreciated rather than overlooked.
Small habits matter more than big efforts. Fluffing pillows, straightening throws, and doing a quick evening reset of frequently used spaces keeps rooms looking calm without feeling like work.
Happy Decorating!
Yvonne….you mentioned in one of your recent articles that you have a robotic vacuum. Could you possibly share the name and model? We are searching for one and unsure what features to look for?
Thanks~
This is a helpful post with well-described ideas. Thanks!
Recovering from surgery, I have time to read all the posts I haven’t had a chance to read and to read some over again! My family is doing ALL the housework so I am practicing mindfully HOW TO IGNORE what I can’t do! I look forward to being able to get busy again! Thank you for your blog. PS… you were the inspiration for our kitchen remodel 6 years ago.
Hi Penny! I hope you are fully recovered soon. It does sound like you are enjoying and making the most of your down time! Good for you! God bless you and give you a speedy healing.
Thanks, Yvonne, for another wonderful post! You have been such a great help in decluttering our home! I was one to have too much decor around. Now, my home is looking so much better!
I always enjoy your posts! They are always full of great ways to improve your home and make it look its best!
Thanks for all you do in helping us make our house a home that we love!
Hi Mary Ann! I’m so thrilled this post helped you!
Yvonne, where did you get your white chair by your fireplace? Thanks!
Hi Sue, you can see them here:https://rstyle.me/+b3zALxSOYdIh98FN6b-Umw
The chair in the link you supply is definitely NOT the chair you have in your home. Your chair has the carved wooden frame around the seat cushion and the seat cushion from Ballard is not made like the one in your own chair. Is your actual chair more expensive than the one offered by Ballard designs? Your chair is much prettier and sturdier looking than the one from Ballard.
Hi Becky, the spindle chairs in the living room were from Ethan Allen and a big splurge. However, they are not offered any more. This chair is very popular right now so I tried to find one that is the best representation in quality, price point (yes, ours were more expensive) and style. Hope this help.
Hello!
I LOVE the lamp to the left of the large clock!!! It looks like a mesh/metal base with wood strips. Would you share where you purchased it?
Thanks so much!
Janice
Hi Janice, I found that lamp years ago at Pottery Barn. I don’t see it anymore on their site.
Hi Yvonne, Can you share where you purchased the botanical print in the bedroom picture above?
Love all your decorating ideas and tips. Thanks!
That is a popular question. I found the prints locally and have not been able to find a source. Sorry!
Thank you so much for posting all your special decorating techniques. I love them all and I try to put them into effect at my place and yes everything you mention is very true and simple or oversimplified for true implementation. For instance using what you have, looking at other objects just to try placement and yes sometimes I get a very overwhelmed But it’s what I love to do and I’m just trying to take one bite at a time and not eat a whole apple. Your blog or this information is very very helpful so don’t leave me.
I am not going anywhere, God willing! I’m thrilled StoneGable blog is helping you!
Hi Yvonne, thank you for sharing your beautiful hone and great decor ideas. You have helped me tremendously with decorating a guest bedroom and revisiting my living and dining room. Thank you!
You are so welcome, Nancy!
I am trying to use a lighter touch in decorating. And it is a work in progress! I know it can be easy to get attached to items that do not necessarily enhance the home, and I only want the nicest things, not cute clutter! I am happier with letting things go that just don’t do what I want them to at home. I want it to be serene and breezy, not “knicknack” filled.
You go, girl! If you want your home to be serene just keep working at it, Tracie. Good for YOU!
I’m a big clutterer so this post resonated with me. You made it seem easy to fix that problem. Thank you!
Clutter drives me a little crazy especially on the kitchen counter so I am always trying to keep everything put away and neat.I also shop my house with spray paint in hand to make something old new again.Great tips Yvonne and I love the mesh lamp !
The urge to unclutter and simplify my decor peaks in the month of August and again in January. One time due to hot temperatures and the other after the Christmas excess.I guess every 6 months it’s time to change our rooms to a more peaceful style. Thanks for all your good tips on how to do this. No matter how many blogs I read yours remains my favorite.
I read every post and love your decorating style. However, I would like to see it in use. All your photos are magazine ready, which is why I don’t read magazines anymore. So staged, it looks like no one actually lives there. Please show more of your decorating style with function and color??? My salt and pepper shaker is always out so I try to make sure they look nice. My pot rack needs some style but I can’t remove my everyday pots and pans that have marks and scuffs. Most of my decor items must be functional and ready to be used. How can I make my “everyday” more stylish?
I am beginning a new decor style and I want to tell you that your blog is a big help to me. In two weeks they will begin moving some cabinets around, new countertops, and appliances. Then the painting of the cabinets, with new hardware will begin. I am excited and am going to use a lot of your posts! One rule at my house, if “they” cannot find it, they ask me where it is. This happens a lot. So I need functional items in view for my own peace of mind. For example, I now only use glass jars for storage, they take up less space and “they” can see what is in them.
Love your inspiring tips for keeping our homes clutter free, but beautiful. Thank you for sharing pictures of your lovely home,
Hello Yvonne
I always enjoy reading and using your advices in my home great tips.
Simone (United Kingdom)
I just love your tips. For a year now we are transitioning to a neutral color palate and I feel lighter too. Decorating I am only keep what I love. Confession I fluff my pillows everyday before I go to work to have an inviting couch to come home to. You have helped me more than you know. I really appreciate you. Thank you
Thank you for all the wonderful tips and sharing your talent and home with us! I always admire your greenery, plants, and florals. I know you often use fresh flowers, but where do you find the artificial ferns and other botanicals that look so real. It seems that all I find look so fake. Any suggestions on where to purchase nicer, more realistic plants would be so appreciated!
Thanks, Michele
I love all your tips – these are just what I need – thanks!
Simple and practical recommendations.
Love this information and guidance!
Thank you for the great tips!
I love your home
Great post!!
Decorate flat surfaces right away!! YES! My mom taught me that one right from the start!
Thank you for all of your practical ideas for having a beautiful home and displaying some of my favorite things without the clutter. I’ve followed your advice so many times on making a vignette that looks clean and uncluttered.
Thank you- you always have the best tips! I appreciate your posts.
Love your blog!
Such a happy and inspiring way to win. Thank you
Proves the old adage…simpler is better!
Yvonne,
Oh my goodness, Harvey’s greeting us at the door on the New York Apartment tour was adorable. He sure did make his apartment look very inviting….
We live in a modest-sized log home so am looking forward to figuring out this process of uncluttered decorating. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
The article reminded me to put stuff away and try not to clutter with decorating!
I love these ideas! My problem is I don’t have room on countertops because space is limited. But I can add flowers to our coffee table!
I have always kept a tidy home. I didn’t know the rule of three. Thanks for explaining that. I hate to dust so I never had much on my flat surfaces. But now I know the rule of three.
Hi Yvonne,
I greatly appreciated this article on decorating in a way to avoid clutter. I loved all of your suggestions! Brilliant ideas with a beautiful effect. Thanks so much for sharing these with us. I will definitely keep these in mind as I decorate in our new home.
Can you tell me where to find the realistic plants in the vases you use in this article? Thank you for your inspiration!
Hi Vicki, I have several places I look for realistic faux plants and florals. Look on Afloral, Pottery Barn and Terrain. They all have beautiful, realistic plants. Also, I get many of my faux florals locally. Make sure to check out any local decorating shops in your area. Please keep in mind you get what you pay for. Realistic plants and florals can be pricey! However, I like to get them over time and on sale. It’s also important to fluff, bend and arrange fauxs properly to make them look more realistic. Here is a post to read that will help you;
https://stonegableblog.com/how-to-make-faux-flowers-look-more-real/
I bought several hydrangeas and cherry blossoms from Alice Lane Home. Many have mistaken them for the real thing. They are even realistic to the touch.
Good to know, thanks!
I absolutely love the color scheme that you use. Your design work is beautiful! I always learn something new Thank you for sharing!
Trudy
Such great tips! I need to do some uncluttering, and your ideas are a great inspiration!
I find myself running to my computer every morning with my tea or coffee to read your blog! This one really hits home…especially about the three rule for vignettes! It put a smile on my face since my friends & family have always stated that I have a compulsive disorder in decorating with three items….LOL! Now I have an expert on my side! you are my very favorite of all my bloggers that I follow…which just so happen to be many of yours!
Great tips! Thanks!
I love the uncluttered look of your decorating style and it always inspires me to streamline the things that end up littering my kitchen island.
Please keep inspiring me!
Love all the tips on shopping my own home
I recently read that the best way to keep a clean, uncluttered home is to not have pets…or children…or a husband! ?
I enjoy your posts!!
LOL! But it would not be as fun!
I enjoy your blog very much and have used many of your tips. I will start to declutter our coffee area today! I have question/opinion to ask of you. I have a very large sectional in our family room (L shape 90” each side). I can’t find a perfect size coffee table. Do you have a suggestion?
Thank you!
Hi Paula, There are so many options! However, you should look for a coffee table that is one half to two thirds as long as the sofa. A small coffee table will look a bit awkward. Hope this is helpful.
Thanks for all the great tips. I love the vase with the summer flowers. Is that still available somewhere?
Hi Angie, I found it locally. Sorry I don’t have a source for you.
I love your color palate! Trying hard this year to. implement a lot of your advice. May I ask where you got the canisters on your coffee bar. I love them!
Here you go:https://rstyle.me/+Dc-EYBsgxGOBt-FpVfEHYA
Que dicas e idéias maravilhosas! Vc torna o simples em beleza e funcional. Parabéns e obrigada por compartilhar.
Mirian said:What wonderful tips and ideas! Becoming simple in beauty and functionality. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
How sweet Mirian! Thank you!
Nicely written…a lot of useful suggestions and ideas…???????? !!!
Thank you Harriet!
I am just getting back to discovering my love of all things home and the blog world and so glad to have rediscovered yours!
Blogging is the best~