Why Slow Decorating Is The Way Forward From Design Overwhelm
The excitement of a new home or renovation is, well, exciting! But at the same time planning a new interior can come with a lot of stress. Time deadlines. Your money budget. What items are actually available for decorating? The list goes on. That’s why the concept of slow decorating is so appealing…
What Is Slow Decorating?
Slow decorating is just about taking time to design your space. It means not rushing to design and decorate all at once. It’s more about you getting to know your space and how best you use it. Then design to your specific needs and purposes.
And of course enjoying the process, of taking the long route of creating a comfortable and timeless home. For yourself and the family.
With slow decorating there’s less chance of big costly renovations down the line. Because you haven’t rushed into decorating in the first place. But slow decorating doesn’t necessarily mean taking years to finish your space.
It’s about being intentional with planning the spaces in your home. Letting the design of your home evolve organically. And finding the right design solutions at the right time. Rather than all at one time.
Slow decorating is focused on the journey of creating a space that’s just perfect for you. And although never quite finished, you’re happy with your space that’s evolving over time.
Why Slow Decorating Could Work For You?
the benefits of slow decorating
Slow decorating isn’t for everyone. If you’re not the patient type, then this probably isn’t for you.
And there are times when you will need a room put together quickly. If you have young children, the slow route might be something for the future. As slow decorating means your home won’t be “finished” for a while.
But here are some reasons why slow decorating could be the way for you…
No Time Pressure
No time boundary could be seen as a negative and a positive. When it comes to decorating your space, there are certain styles and furniture available at a certain time.
With slow decorating you don’t have to feel forced into buying furniture because of it being available right now. You can take your time and see if the item is going to be right for you and your home.
With no time pressure you’ll have a chance to develop your own style. Rather than just what’s out there for the moment.
Your Own Timeless Style
By designing your home slowly, it will feel unique to you. As all homes should. But there will also be less chance of your space being outdated. Or just selecting everything from one home retail showroom.
When you slowly collect pieces over time, it’s difficult to pinpoint a particular style. Or a trend that might have been big in a particular year. You won’t have to worry about making too quick a design decision!
Money and Budget
There’s nothing wrong with having a budget. But when you’re doing a room all at once you’ll probably have to compromise on more than a couple of things.
With slow decorating you can save for the pieces you really want. And work out your top priorities to which pieces come first. Without having to cut costs in other areas. You can spread the cost over time.
In the long run saving for the pieces you actually want will save money in the future. Because you’re not having to replace items that you weren’t right in the first place.
A More Sustainable Approach
When you’re taking the slow approach and being more intentional. Resulting in a more sustainable but inspired home. When you do decide to purchase, they will be quality items. And furniture items that will fit your needs. Or the furniture will be a reminder of a memorable time in your life.
How To Decorate Without Overwhelm: Slow Decorating Tips
1. Get To Know Your space
One of the most important tips to slow decorating, is getting to know your space. And not how you think you’ll use your space. How you actually use your space. This is especially true in a new home.
Lots of different factors will come into play about how you use your home. From your morning routine to where the sun is positioned around the day. All these and more will play a part in how you use your home.
It’s only after some time of living there, you’ll get a good idea of what you need for where.
2. plan your space
Once you have a good idea of how you use each space, you can start putting your ideas together. You can create Pinterest boards and mood boards for how you can design each room.
This is the inspiration phase of slow decorating. Which means although you’re picking ideas from others there’s no pressure to go and pick out the exact same pieces. Because you’ll know what’ll work for you.
3. cancel trends
Slow decorating is not about interior trends. As trends tend to be temporary. Though you might pick and choose pieces that are popular from time to time, it’s not about creating a space around one trend.
A completed look around one specific trend isn’t what we’re going for. If it’s an item that will fit into your home long term, that’s great. Mixing old and new furniture pieces and styles will help achieve a timeless look.
But most importantly you’re decorating to your style and values.
4. big furniture pieces
Yes, slow decorating is a process. But none of us can go too long without some foundational home pieces. Like having a sofa, bed and dining table. So start with your big furniture pieces first.
These main pieces are going to be what you use the most. The bigger pieces play an important part in every room. Because the room is designed around those bigger pieces. So make sure you invest wisely and choose pieces that you love.
5. QUALITY ITEMS
Quality furniture items means knowing when to spend and where to splurge. Everything should be quality items but that doesn’t mean a big expense every time.
Think of when you will have to buy things brand new from the store. But also when you can get quality items elsewhere.
This might mean items that have been passed down in the family. Or quality second hand finds from vintage and thrift stores. You can up-cycle and repurpose furniture to meet the needs of your home.
Maybe you have artisan decor items and furniture from your travels? Some things that can be bought at a much lower price than if purchased locally. Will have a significant memory attached to it, making it more personal within your home.
With buying quality items it also means taking the time to look after them properly. So they will last for the long haul.
6. BEING INTENTIONAL
Before something comes into your home, think if you actually need it? Even when it’s a quality item, that doesn’t mean that it belongs in your home. Was this item a part of the plan? Does it fit in with your lifestyle and your home? Do you love it?
If not, that means waiting a little longer for the items that will actually work for you. Patience is definitely a virtue in this journey. The Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi is all about being intentional.
7. YOU’RE NEVER FINISHED
It’s a good thing! You’re never finished with decorating your home. It’s an ever changing and ongoing journey. With slow decorating you’re never “completed”. Just evolving over time.
And you should be enjoying it! Because in the end you’ll be designing a home that you love. That’s unique and tailored to your style and personality. And reflects truly who you are. So really there’s nothing to rush…
Chloe
