Jessica Alba’s Bedroom Console Breaks One Cardinal Decorating Rule – But Somehow, This Personal Look Works Beautifully

Forget empty surfaces and stark minimalism – Jessica proves that careful styling can be chic, not cluttered

Jessica Alba
(Image credit: Getty Images)

If there's one thing that celebrity homes have in common, it's a distinct lack of clutter. Picture-perfect houses are often defined by clean lines, open space, and an impressive sense of order – but Jessica Alba's living room proves that sometimes, breaking this cardinal design rule can be surprisingly effective.

While many designers swear by minimalist principles, making every effort to keep shelves perfectly styled and sideboards free from decor and trinkets, I've always had a soft spot for the intentional clutter trend.

Recreate Jessica's Chic Console

'Intentional' or 'curated' clutter is all about embracing the personal touches that make a home feel like your own. Peek into a celebrity's living space and it usually looks as stunning as a showroom – but Jessica Alba proves that a more casual design approach can look just as stylish.

Rather than keeping her console table clear – or hiding away her possessions in the handsome wooden drawers – Jessica styles each piece with purpose. A rustic tray (like Williams Sonoma's acacia rectangle tray) is used to showcase family photos and fresh flowers arranged in white ceramic vases. (You can get the look using H&M's mini stoneware bubble vases.)

Jessica uses the console as an opportunity to layer plenty of different textures, adding both warmth and personality to her space. Organic materials will always make a space feel grounded, and I love the contrast between the rustic base of the console and the more contemporary accents, like a gold textured lamp and a brass mirror.

Jessica shows that careful styling can transcend aesthetics to make a room feel truly unique. By proudly displaying personal touches, she proves that trinkets and accessories don't always look messy – and designers agree.

'It's very easy for styling to turn from chic to clutter, but Jessica Alba's console gets it right,' says our Head of Interiors, Hebe Hatton.

'There are family photos and trinkets that feel personal, but note how she's used trays to keep that decor within a dedicated spot. This means there's still negative space on the console, so each vignette has some room to breathe.'

Jessica's console transforms a traditionally untidy look into a masterfully styled surface. By taking a relaxed and yet intentional approach to her decor, she imbues her space with personality – and demonstrates that the 'lived-in' look really can be chic and sophisticated.


Martha Davies
Content Editor

Martha is a Content Editor on the Living team at Homes & Gardens. Her love for lifestyle journalism began when she interned at Time Out Dubai when she was 15 years old; she went on to study English and German at Oxford, before covering property and interior design at Country & Town House magazine. To Martha, living beautifully is all about good food and lots of colorful home decor.