A home is an important source of happiness. Making thoughtful choices to create a place to enjoy spending time makes a big difference in life. Slow interiors stand as a reminder to pause and create spaces that support your well-being. These are spaces that not only look beautiful but feel like a true oasis: cosy, safe, and uniquely yours.
What is slow living?
Slow living is a lifestyle philosophy centred around the idea of intentionally aligning your daily choices with your core values and beliefs. It invites you to pause and reconsider your approach to everyday life, to make it more fulfilling. Essentially, it’s about living with intention, being conscious of the long-term impact of your choices, and creating more meaningful engagement with your environment.
Draping Coral Blanket for an elegant touch. Photo by Anna Malmberg
How to create a slow interior?
In a slow interior, inhabitants and their mindfulness take centre stage. An interior is intended to make you feel at home. Create a sense of calm by designing a space that makes you feel comfortable, safe, happy, and supports your everyday life.
Identify the purpose of your space
Everyone has a unique lifestyle, which influences their choices in interior design in different ways. Do you want to have more family time in the living room? Creating a fun kids’ corner might be your priority. If you want to spend more time outside, then it might be good to focus on decorating an attractive outdoor space to enjoy alone and with the company of friends and family.
Create an outdoor lounge corner with Richard Armchair and Judy Side Table. Photo by Michiel Bosman.
Prioritise meaningful items
Declutter and only keep the items that serve a purpose in your life, whether that purpose is functional or energising. Choose furniture and decorations to love forever. Be aware of the process that preceded a unique product, and consider the value of craftsmanship.
Furniture and decor pieces that are thoughtfully placed and organised in a space foster a sense of peace, maximise space and allow for a clutter-free environment.
Showcase your beloved pieces with Mabo Plate. Photo by Michiel Bosman.
Set a calming ambiance
To help set a relaxing environment, integrating muted colour schemes with light tones, and colours that are found in nature can promote a sense of tranquillity as well. These timeless colour palettes help to maintain the enduring beauty of the space.
In slow interiors, lighting is soft and warm, enhancing a cosy atmosphere. Natural light is maximised and gentle, ambient lighting is used to create a soothing atmosphere.
An aesthetic kids' corner in the living room with Charlie Chair and Luisa Table. Photo by Carla Sofie Molge.
Take your time
Finally, choose quality over quantity and take them the time you need to make purchasing and styling decisions. Transcend interior trends, to make sure your home stands the test of time.
A slow interior is followed by a slow process. Creating a home in line with your values takes time, thought and is constantly evolving.
Slow living and sitting in the sunlight on Richard Armchair with Judy Side Table. Photo by Maison de Base.
True to your style and values
Being present and making thoughtful decisions, urges you to design an interior that matches your true style and core values, such as taking care of the planet and being kind to others. Helping you to achieve a home that’s an extension of your identity and vision for a greener future.
By rethinking your approach to life and becoming more conscious of yourself and your surroundings, you may find that a slower pace encourages you to find enjoyment in the small things and simplicity.
Enjoy a slower pace and notice the beauty of the everyday. With Richard Armchair and Frost Table. Photo by Anh Wisle and Jim Rosemberg.
Curious to know what it means to practice slow living when kids live there too? Read our story here.
Header photo with Coral Blanket by Anna Malmberg.
