Thoughts: Reflections from FT Weekend Live

As a professional declutterer and home organiser, I’m often immersed in the world of functionality and practicality.

My goal is to create spaces that aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, but also sustainable and liveable.

This September, when I attended a session at the FT Weekend Live, “The Joy of Clutter: A Celebration of Colour, Curios, and Maximalist Creativity,” I knew I was in for an interesting journey into the world of maximalism — a world that thrives on the rich layers of history, personal collections, and bold, vibrant design.

• Panel speakers included: Alidad, Designer  & Lucinda Chambers, Fashion designer, stylist and co-founder of Collagerie
• Moderated by: Lucy Watson, FT House & Home commissioning editor

One of the standout moments for me was hearing designer Alidad and fashion icon Lucinda Chambers discuss how to merge creativity with functionality.

Alidad’s concept of making “cut-outs” of rooms and furniture immediately resonated with me. It’s something I have done in the past, when I am unsure of how to best fit and lay out furniture in a room.

As a declutterer, I love this idea of visualising spaces in a fun, and playful way, even before moving a single item.

The discussion shed light on how, even in a space overflowing with colour and objects, purpose remains key.

At the end of the session, I posed a question to the panel: How do you balance the need for charm and creativity without allowing the space to become overwhelming?

The panel emphasised a thoughtful approach, with three main goals. 

Personally, I also encourage clients to think about the purpose behind what they keep; basically a little bit of ‘Does it spark joy?‘.

Whether an item is functional or sentimental, it should bring value to the space. Even in maximalism, intentionality is key.

From the largest furniture to the smallest décor, everything should contribute to the harmony of the room.

The second crucial takeaway from the session was the idea of editing.

Lucinda Chambers spoke passionately about the importance of being selective with what remains in a space. It’s not about stripping away personality but carefully curating objects that evoke joy, memories, or inspiration.

This aligns with my own style — just because you’re decluttering doesn’t mean losing the soul of your home. Instead, it’s about preserving the best bits.

It’s not about stripping away personality but carefully curating objects that evoke joy, memories, or inspiration.

The last point was giving new life to objects that may no longer fit in a space.

The panel suggested car boot sales or gifting items to loved ones as a way to honour their value.

For me, this is such a sustainable approach — decluttering doesn’t always mean disposal.

Whether it’s rehoming or simply taking a picture of a sentimental item before letting go, there are ways to keep the memories without keeping the physical.

In the end, this session reminded me that creativity and practicality are not opposing forces. Spaces, no matter how maximalist or minimalist, should serve a purpose. And sometimes, editing is the most crucial form of design.

Whether through repurposing, rehoming, or simply curating, there are always ways to bring out the best in our homes while still maintaining function.

I left the session feeling inspired and equipped with new ways to help clients infuse their homes with both charm and practicality.

If you’re struggling with a space that feels too cluttered or chaotic, remember: edit with purpose, and don’t be afraid to give new life to your treasured items.