Moving into a new space is always an exciting adventure, filled with endless possibilities for decorating and making it your own. From picking out the perfect color scheme to finding the right furniture and decor, there’s no shortage of creative opportunities to turn your new house into a home that is uniquely yours. But it’s hard to resist getting everything decorated at once, especially with empty walls staring back at you.
Slow decorating is rooted in taking a thoughtful and mindful approach to furnish and decorate one’s living space. Rather than rushing to fill a space with mass-produced furnishings or decor, slow decorating encourages individuals to make deliberate and meaningful choices, considering quality, sustainability, and personal significance, items that you’ll hang on to for years to come.
6 Key Aspects of Slow Decorating:
1.) Intentionality: Slow decorating emphasizes the importance of intention behind every decor choice. Each furniture or decor item is carefully selected, aligning with the individual’s aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, and values.
2.) Quality Over Quantity: Instead of accumulating numerous items quickly, slow decorating focuses on investing in high-quality, durable pieces that stand the test of time. This approach often involves choosing timeless designs and materials that age well.
3.) Sustainability: Slow decorating often intersects with sustainable living practices. This includes minimizing waste, seeking eco-friendly materials, and supporting ethical production and sourcing methods.
4.) Personal Connection: Curate a space that reflects personal experiences, memories, and aspirations. It prioritizes the emotional connection between the resident and their living environment.
5.) Mindful Consumption: Individuals are purposeful in their purchases and often incorporate handmade or locally sourced items with unique stories behind them.
6.) Layered Approach: Rather than instantly furnishing a space, slow decorating embraces a layered approach, allowing the home to evolve gradually as the individual discovers new pieces or reimagines existing ones.
Slow decorating is about making your home you. Similar to slow fashion, it’s about quality over quantity and purchasing those everlasting pieces. “When you purchase with intention, you have a stronger connection to the items in your home,” says New York-based interior designer Amy Baratta. Your style is ever-changing, and it’s essential to have a space that represents you.
