The 'Messy Girl Aesthetic' Is the Most Relaxed Way to Decorate—Here's How to Pull It Off

The "messy girl aesthetic" is a breath of fresh air, inviting us to slow down, relax, and discover beauty in imperfection. Highlighting lived-in spaces, this trend champions a casual, authentic approach to style and home life that feels cozy, relatable, and wonderfully attainable.

What Is the Messy Girl Aesthetic?

Embracing effortless comfort and authentic charm without tipping into clutter, this latest aesthetic focuses on intentional chaos. Unlike homes where belongings pile up haphazardly, this new design trend thoughtfully layers textiles, cozy nooks, and carefully chosen personal items displayed in a way that feels warm and inviting rather than chaotic.

Different from Clutter

It’s important to distinguish the messy girl aesthetic from clutter. While clutter implies disorganization or neglect, the messy girl look is a deliberate embrace of imperfection that still feels cozy and intentional. It’s about creating spaces and styles that look easygoing and natural without seeming chaotic or careless. Importantly, messy doesn’t mean dirty. Your spaces are thoughtfully maintained and clean, with a relaxed vibe that welcomes life’s little imperfections rather than hiding them.

TikTok creator Melody, @saltyymelody, perfectly showcases the messy girl aesthetic in her cozy, lived-in bedroom filled with layered textiles, eclectic decor, and personal touches that bring warmth and personality to the space.

Layered Textiles

At the heart of the messy girl aesthetic is comfort, and layering textiles plays a crucial role in achieving that warm, inviting feel. Plush throws, oversized cushions, and tablecloths create tactile richness and softness that immediately make a room feel lived-in. A chunky knit throw casually draped over a vintage armchair next to a reading lamp creates a cozy nook perfect for curling up with a book.

These spots become personal retreats perfect for reading, relaxing, or simply unwinding, reinforcing the sense that your home is a place of comfort and ease.

Mixing Vintage Finds with Modern Staples

The messy girl thrives on personality and creativity, which comes through by blending vintage or thrifted furniture pieces with modern accents. A well-loved wooden dresser, an eclectic side table, or an old trunk can serve as focal points that bring character and history into the space. These pieces, when paired with sleek, minimalist modern staples, such as a streamlined lamp or simple shelving, create a balanced look that’s curated yet casual.

Pairing a mid-century wooden dresser with a sleek, minimalist metal floor lamp creates a balanced look that’s curated yet casual.  This intentional mix allows your space to feel uniquely yours, reflecting both timeless charm and contemporary style without feeling overly styled or staged.

Plants, Personal Touches, and Imperfect Walls

Bringing life and personality into your home is essential for the messy girl vibe. Adding houseplants, from trailing pothos to sculptural fiddle-leaf figs, softens edges and adds freshness. Alongside greenery, displaying personal collections such as books, records, postcards, and small art pieces on open shelves, casual stacks, or informal gallery walls creates a sense of intimacy and storytelling.

Embracing imperfect walls is part of the charm here—don’t hesitate to mix simple, mismatched frames or tape up photos and posters for a relaxed, eclectic look. Accent walls or patterned wallpaper can also add warmth and character, enhancing the lived-in feel that defines the messy girl aesthetic.