March Journal: Slow Decorating
Welcome to our March Journal! This month, we want to bring the concept of “slow decorating” to the table, or, how we incorporate slow decorating into our homes. Slow living is another concept we’ve talked about before, and we consider slow decorating to be a subcategory of this; niched down to focus solely on the home. Both concepts are a lifestyle outlook, one that encourages a slower approach to aspects of everyday life.
When it comes to the home, slow decorating is exactly as it sounds. Taking your time to decorate, furnish, and outfit a home so the result is as intentional as the time spent.
We believe that your home should tell your story and all good stories take time to write, no? Would you try to write and publish a bestselling novel within a month, or even a year? Probably not. Your home is your story. When investing in your home or working with a designer, take the time to consciously source pieces that hold meaning and personal value, rather than making decisions in haste. Exercising patience, trusting your gut, and investing in pieces you cherish will allow you to create a home that is meaningful and timeless.
We know that society puts pressure on everyone to have that perfect, sought-after, Pinterest board-worthy home. What they don’t tell you, is how long it likely took to design those homes. Highly personal homes are not designed and built overnight. Sourcing the right pieces for your space can take time and persistence, but every item in your home should hold value and we don’t mean monetary value. We like to think that slow decorating at home is synonymous with simply being mindful and selective. Your home should embody your values and reflect what is important to you.
Marianne with W Design Collective shared a journal entry last week that speaks to this topic of discussion. She spoke about the toxicity of the design industry and how we’re expected to achieve perfection in our homes to be perceived as “successful” or “having it together”. In rushing to attain this, however, we’re often succumbing to trends or ideas that are not our own, that do not reflect us or our style, and that do not tell our story. Her advice is to be thoughtful with your purchases and to take time to understand what you like and don’t like to avoid making decisions that don’t align with your personal style. This is the practice of slow decorating.
