In a fast-paced world, it is important to lift the valve for a wellness break, but also to reduce our consumption. Slow living enthusiasts know all about it.
But what is slow movement? It was born in the ‘80s with Carlo Petrini, a culinary critic who used the term Slow Food. The slow movement is a return to the roots, to authenticity, to local, a preference for quality over quantity, respect for seasonality.
In recent decades, the slow movement has spread to several disciplines:
- to everyday life, in general, with slow living,
- to decoration with the slow decoration,
- to beauty with slow cosmetics,
- to fashion with slow fashion,
- to travel with slow travel,
- at work with slow working and slow management.
In this article, I focus on slow decoration but you can also find a lot of information about the slow movement in my article on this subject.
What is slow decoration? It is, above all, a minimalist, ethical, eco-responsible, and authentic decoration. It brings nature into your interiors.
For slow decoration and furnishing, you should always ask yourself about the origin and manufacturing methods of the different objects and furniture, the societal and environmental commitments of the brand, as well as the delivery method used.
A decoration that respects the planet and the craftsmen
The ABCs of slow decorating is based on ethical and ecological issues. The slow decoration is sustainable and respectful.
We will choose durable, recyclable, why not recycled products. We will only buy what is necessary and not what is superfluous. We can also favor crafts and local manufacturing.
An eco-friendly decoration
For an environmentally friendly decoration, ask yourself where the products come from and how they are made.
Choose sustainable and recyclable products, made from renewable resources. For example, choose furniture made from wood from eco-managed forests and organic production.
For paints, prefer those without harmful solvents which are more eco-responsible.
An ethical and unique decoration
The slow deco respects the planet, but also the people. It is of quality and comes from responsible manufacturing methods, that is to say, objects produced in good working conditions: health and treatment of artisans, decent pay, absence of abuse, and child labor in the design chain.
We love handmade products but not at any price. We prefer non-standardized, unique pieces or those produced in small quantities. So either we favor local crafts, or we make sure to buy products from elsewhere (brought back from trips, for example) but where the craftsmen are free and treated properly, paid the fair value of their work.
DIY and scavenging also play the game of slow decoration. They allow bypassing the problem of overconsumption. In fact, to decorate your home in a slow way, you don’t need to be crazy rich.
Be creative, have a good eye, and don’t succumb too quickly!
The art of recovery: recycling and upcycling
The number one rule of slow decorating is to do with what you have. Don’t hesitate to give a second life to your objects thanks to upcycling, what Sambal&Cheese does. Not all damaged or outdated objects are good to throw away. DIY enthusiasts will give free flow to their creativity. Others will find inspiration through YouTube tutorials and Pinterest. The waste is transformed into an object of superior value, the bookcase into a china cabinet, and the old furniture of grandma is unleashed!
As you can see, recycling is at the heart of the slow decorating concept. Treasures are hidden in your cupboards or in the family attic. Don’t forget the objects left on the sidewalk on bulky goods day.
You can go hunting for what you need in antic shops, flea markets, or garage sales…
Beware of accumulation though, better a few strong pieces than a whole bunch of accessories. We try to slow down, to purify our interiors, and especially we avoid compulsive and useless purchases.
An invitation to nature
Invite nature into your home with green plants that will make the air healthier. We love hanging indoor plants, we collect succulents and cacti.
Your decoration will be minimalist, eco-responsible, sustainable, and especially close to nature. Create a bubble of air, a cocooning, and zen space.
To do this, choose natural materials, neutral tones, and pure lines.
Noble and durable materials
Choose natural raw materials such as wood, wicker, and rattan from sustainable agriculture if possible. They will offer warmth and cozy touch to your decoration.
We also like the authenticity of ceramics, terracotta, sandstone, stone, or marble, especially for floors, bathrooms, and kitchens. We hunt for porcelain and earthenware. We also like the transparency of glass.
Other materials such as paper, cardboard, and metals (iron, copper, bronze, pewter, …) have their place in the decoration.
As for textiles, natural fibers and soft materials are preferred. We turn to linen, wool, and hemp. We take care that the cotton is organic and fair trade and we prefer recycled leather.
Simple and minimalist colors
Concerning the colors, we avoid those that we could quickly get tired of. We bet on neutral tones, soft natural colors, and monochromatic agreements.
For example, we like pastels, beiges, ochres, sage green, water green, light grey, and old pink. White and ecru also remain safe valuables, offering you a backdrop for creative decorating.
You can add a few touches of color but sparingly. Slow deco is meant to be soothing.
A decoration awakening all the senses
Slow decorating awakens all our senses.
The touch
We like soft and soothing materials, thick and soft hand-woven rugs, cushions, and plaids that comfort us.
The sense of smell
We wash our clothes and our interiors naturally with Marseille soap and black soap. We bring in natural fragrances, thanks to homemade candles or an essential oil diffuser, to use for their healing properties.
The sight
Everything in your interior must be harmonious, a clever mix of soft and delicate colors, noble materials, and clean lines.
The hearing
We prefer muffled atmospheres thanks to sound-absorbing materials, such as wood, thick fabrics, and carpets.
Blow, purify and take your time! For a slow decoration, we favor fair trade, ethical and eco-responsible brands and products. We bet on everything that is sustainable, unconditional, and timeless: noble and natural materials, recycled and recyclable, neutral and soft colors, minimalist and harmonious lines. We avoid compulsive purchases because “less is more” and we make sensible purchases when we go hunting or to local artisans. We reduce our ecological footprint as much as possible and we declutter for more functional and purified interiors.