Slow living is a lifestyle approach that has caught on in recent years. Essentially, it means being more centred around how time, space and daily routines are experienced in connection with one another. Rather than constantly prioritising the pace at which things are done, the desire to be ever-more productive or the level of consumption individuals can live with, slow living encourages us all to focus on quality, balance and mindfulness in our everyday lives. Consequently, the way we arrange our domestic time, living spaces and lifestyles has a big part to play in the adoption of slow living principles.
There’s more to it than simply focussing on interior design. Nevertheless, the choices we make for our homes can have a big part to play in the success, or otherwise, of a slow lifestyle. Read on to find out more about how interior design choices play their part.
Create a Home Environment in Which Slow Living Can Thrive
To begin with, the most basic measures you can take are ones that can be adopted quite simply and with very little expense. For example, using softer lighting tones with a different choice of light-bulb can create a calmer atmosphere throughout the home overnight. What’s more, reducing unnecessary clutter is cost-free. If you want to make everyday living spaces feel more peaceful, then simply get rid of items you rarely use or – at the very least – put them into storage where you can access them without tripping over them every time you enter a room.
For many people, slow living also means introducing natural textures and materials into their homes. What you want is a more relaxed interior style – one that feels cosy and welcoming, not austere. If you redecorate, then design rooms around comfort and routine rather than picking up on the latest trends alone.
Choose Furniture That Supports Slow Living
Spending a bit more on furniture is always worth it for extra comfort. What you want is high-quality, timeless pieces that won’t go out of fashion, offering better value over time. If you want to buy dining chairs, then you can do so without replacing the dining table unless there is a specific need to. Mismatched tables and chairs often generate a feeling of warmth and cosiness, meaning mealtimes become a place for social gatherings that linger, not a mere place to eat. Adaptable furniture that can be used in multiple contexts, such as patio seating which also works indoors, is another wise investment for those who want to engage more with slow living principles.
Use Interior Design to Create a Sense of Place
You don’t always need extra rooms for specialist purposes in the home. A cosy reading nook under a good lamp is an enticing way to get offline and spend more time in a place that reminds you to live slower, for example. Cut down on visual noise, especially when it comes to the décor choices you make for bedrooms where quiet serenity should be prioritised. Finally, consider integrating more house plants into your chosen interior design style because natural items always help us to unwind and relax.
