Instead of cluttering your home screen with app shortcuts just add an MRU widget. All your most recently used apps show up automatically, ordered by last use.
Use the blacklist to exclude applications you don't want showing up in the widget.
Many styling options allow you to create a widget that fits your home screen theme.
*Requires usage stats access, you will be prompted to allow access if it is not already granted
*Some Samsung and LG devices are missing the Usage Stats APIs and are therefore incompatible. Check in device security settings for 'Apps with usage access' (near the bottom) to see if your device is compatible.