The Chaotically-Chic '70s Design Trend That's Making A Major Comeback

Maximalism has a new baby cousin, and the "more is more" design trend's newly named family member is "shambolism." While its naming was recent, shambolism is a rebranding of the eclectic, personalized, and homespun feels evoked by lots of 1970s decor. But it goes a few steps further. If you're not familiar with shambolism's parent word "shambolic", this term describes something that's clearly disorganized. Most of us don't aspire toward this look; it just happens naturally.

Yet, shambolism is much more nuanced than simple disorganization. Designers are using this coinage to refer to rooms that celebrate imperfections, like mismatching and off-trend pieces. Shambolism brings back the '70s with lots of texture and visual interest and calls for elements that please the senses. As Karen Spector, the creative director and designer for Lovers Unite, told Vogue, shambolism is "about embracing sensuous chaos — the beauty that emerges when things aren't perfectly resolved."

One stand-out characteristic of '70s style was how people used design to represent their individuality. Likewise, one of the main aspects of shambolism that makes it so accessible is that it's meant to be personalized. Outfit your rooms with things that are meaningful and that tell a story. Unfurl a shag rug to dig your toes into, hang your aunt's circa '73 macrame creation above the sofa, and make space for all the knickknacks that remind you of beloved people, places, and experiences. The end result should be a comfortable celebration of all things "you."

So many '70s staples nestle perfectly into a shambolic room. Incorporate the fabric trend that's a maximalist's dream with layered textiles, natural fibers, and rich colors. Revive hues from decades past like burnt orange, avocado, and deep wood tones. If you're lucky enough to have one, sling an afghan crocheted in period colors by a loved one over the back of a sofa or chair.

Family photos, mementos from travel, and art class creations not only fit beautifully into shambolism, these memory-filled items are an integral part of the trend. Don't hold off on displaying beloved pieces because they don't match or they're not in perfect condition. In Japan, the beauty of imperfection is celebrated by the concept of "wabi-sabi," and shambolism echoes that approach. It's hard to find fault with this fault-flaunting phenomenon. Aged finishes on wood or metal are practically part of shambolism's definition, and chipped ceramics have just as much right to space as perfectly intact ones.

No shambolic room is complete without the abundant houseplants you may remember from faded family photos. Dip into the handmade aspect of shambolism by rigging up cascading plants in homemade fiber art like a DIY adjustable plant hanger adorned with beads or a macrame plant hanger that doubles as wall art. Whatever you include in your shambolic space will be as unique to you as your fingerprint.