Make Your Home Feel Curated, Not Cluttered

There’s something about clutter that makes me uncomfortable—physically and emotionally. It’s not just mess; it’s noise. It’s energy that doesn’t know where to go.

When people walk into my 700-square-foot apartment, they’re usually surprised by how open and elevated it feels. That’s intentional. I don’t like oversized furniture or filling every corner with “stuff.” I grew up in homes that had love seats, big sectionals, clunky china cabinets. Everything was heavy—visually and emotionally. That’s not my style. I like air. I like space. I want my home to breathe.

The Power of Slowing Down

I recently redecorated my living space, and I didn’t rush. I compared chairs. I saved options in my wishlist. I looked at what would actually work—not just in terms of size or price, but how it made me feel. My black-and-white palette came together over time, and every detail—down to the gold buttons on my chairs—has a reason for being there. They echo the gold buttons on my couch. Nothing’s matchy-matchy, but it flows.

The artwork? Same thing. I hung Liberated Tears next to Duality Pain because they’re speaking the same emotional language—grief, resilience, transformation. There’s black and white, and then there’s that one sharp accent of red that runs through both pieces. That one color tells a story, and I could’ve stopped there. But if I ever want to switch it up, Forbidden Gaze—which I currently have leaning against the wall, not even hung—could replace Liberated Tears and still keep the mood intact.

Art Sets the Tone—Not Accessories

When people ask me what to notice first in a room, it’s always the walls. Paint is one thing. I’ve had red walls, black walls, even glittery blue ones. But now? White. It took me a minute to get used to it, but now I can’t go back. White walls give you freedom. They let your art speak without competition.

Take my dining area. I placed The Awakening right next to the kitchen, where everything is white. The contrast of that piece—its haunting eyes, the white paint dripping like tears—it’s a moment. It draws you in. And it ties into the white flowers on the table, the glass-top dining table, the high-backed black chairs. Everything has a relationship with something else. That’s how I style. Not because I went to design school, but because I pay attention to feeling.

What Makes a Space Feel Cluttered?

The biggest mistake people make is assuming more equals better. You don’t need 10 pieces on your coffee table. A bold art book and a sculptural candle say more. You don’t need every inch of wall space filled. One large-scale piece in the right spot will command more attention than a gallery wall that’s all over the place.

I know this might sound unconventional, but I’m not into hanging family photos or wedding pictures all over the place. Those are intimate moments, and they belong in albums or private spaces. You want your home to feel like a sanctuary, not a timeline.

I also stay away from massive entertainment centers, china cabinets, and those “fancy” storage cubes people think are hiding the mess. If stuff is spilling out, it’s not hidden. Be honest with yourself: If it doesn’t serve a purpose or spark joy, put it away—or let it go.

Let Your Furniture—and Your Art—Breathe

Couches don’t have to be shoved against the wall. Area rugs don’t have to cover the whole floor. I believe in negative space. It gives your pieces room to shine.

In my home, I have three major works—Cracked Fusion, Tears Flow, and Complex—spread out across a large wall near the dining area. They’re not crammed together. They breathe. But honestly? That wall could’ve held just one of them, and it still would’ve made a statement.

Because real curation isn’t about what you add. It’s about what you refuse to add.

If you’re trying to style your home and feel stuck, start by subtracting. Then bring in one bold piece that speaks. Let it set the tone. Don’t be afraid of white walls or open space. That’s where emotion lives. That’s where story lives.

And if you ever need help choosing the right piece of art to elevate your space, that’s what I do. I’m not an interior designer. I’m a storyteller. And my work was made for collectors who want something rare, honest, and unforgettable.

Explore More:
• Milton Wes Art – Homepage
• Styling Guide
• About Corey Wesley