Let’s talk about the ‘messy girl aesthetic.’ It’s all about creating warm, welcoming environments that are totally liveable and not overly staged. This trend encourages us to relax and appreciate the beauty in little imperfections around us. It’s a super casual yet charming way to style your home and your life, making it cozy and inviting without feeling cluttered.
What Exactly Is the Messy Girl Aesthetic?
At its core, the messy girl aesthetic focuses on a comfortable and authentic vibe, avoiding the pitfalls of being messy for its own sake. Unlike homes that look like a whirlwind hit them, this aesthetic layers different textures, comfy corners, and lovingly curated personal items to create an inviting atmosphere, sort of a casual organized chaos.
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It’s Not Just About Mess!
There’s a critical difference between the messy girl trend and actual clutter. Clutter feels disordered and unmanaged, while the messy girl aesthetic celebrates a happy, lived-in charm that still offers an effortless cohesiveness. It’s all about making spaces that ooze a natural, easy-going vibe; think lovely but not irresponsible. Importantly, ‘messy’ doesn’t equate to ‘dirty.’ These spaces are kept clean but give off a chill atmosphere, inviting life’s imperfections—with grace.
TikTok influencer Melody, known as @saltyymelody, does an amazing job highlighting this aesthetic in her warm and welcoming bedroom, which is filled with layered textiles, quirky decor, and personal touches that pump out personality.
Cozy Layers of Textiles
The backbone of the messy girl vibe is all about feeling comfy, and that’s where layering textiles comes into play. Think plush throws, fluffy cushions, and lovely tablecloths. These elements add a tactile richness that instantly makes a room feel lived-some. Picture a chunky knit throw just casually draped over an old-school armchair beside a reading lamp—boom! You’ve got yourself a perfect reading nook.
These comfy spots are your oasis for diving into a good book, chilling out after a long day, or just catching your breath, reminding you that home should feel easy and relaxed.
Mixing Old and New
The secret sauce of the messy girl style is its eclectic nature. Combining aged or secondhand furniture with modern touches creates a personality-packed environment. A cherished wooden dresser, an interesting side table, or even an antique trunk can become the focal point of your room, adding depth and history. Pair any of these historical gems with some sleek, modern pieces like a clean-lined lamp or minimal shelving, and you’ve got a space that balances curated elegance with laid-back charm.
For instance, placing a vintage wooden dresser next to a modern metal floor lamp works perfectly to marry old-school warmth with minimalist simplicity. This thoughtful mix reflects your unique style while keeping the look refreshed and casual.
Add Some Life with Plants, Personal Decor, and Unique Walls
Splashing in life and charm into your digs is essential for nailing that messy girl aesthetic. Bringing in houseplants, from graceful pothos to eye-catching fiddle-leaf figs, lightens up your living spaces and brings a touch of nature indoors. Next, display your personal treasures—maybe books, vinyl records, fun postcards, or small art pieces on bookshelves or easygoing walls—to weave a narrative that feels intimate and genuine.
Let’s not forget about imperfect walls—they’re also part of the charm! Feel free to mix and match frames, get creative with how you display your pics, or add some accent walls or mural wallpapers to infuse warmth and character, accentuating that cozy, lived-in element characteristic of the messy girl aesthetic.
For more on this style, check out the original piece on Better Homes & Gardens.
