The Art of Slow Decorating: Why Creating a Home Takes Time

I’ve moved roughly every two or three years for my entire adult life. I hate moving, but I love feeling settled—that feeling of being in a place that truly suits you, centers you, and that doesn’t look like a carbon copy of a catalog or every home tour on Instagram. I’ve realized that a large part of that process comes down to decorating slowly, aka: slow decorating. This is something simple in concept, but revolutionary in practice. It gives you, and your home, the freedom to take on its own soul.

Slow decorating allows you to create a meaningful, beautiful space that feels resonant with who you are—intentional and thoughtful—and uniquely stokes your creative fire. But that’s not all. Let’s look at some of the key principles of slow decorating and tips for doing it well, plus, how it can help you avoid rushed, regretful purchases that make things better for the planet and easier on your state of mind. 

What is slow decorating? 

Simply put, slow decorating is a mindful approach to decorating your home over time versus all at once. Similar to slow food or slow fashion, slow decorating prioritizes quality over quantity with an emphasis on personal style instead of what’s trending. The goal with slow decorating is to collect meaningful pieces rather than filling a space for the sake of completion or amassing more things.

The Benefits of Slow Decorating 

Chances are you’ve already seen or have been in a home that’s been slow decorated—and you’ve felt it. There’s an essence of lived-inness about it; it’s a place that couldn’t be immediately replicated because of the stories it has, yet it continues to draw the eye and offer unique hits of inspiration. 

Other benefits of slow decorating include:

• Giving your home personality. Slowly decorated spaces feel collected and enigmatic, not showroom-perfect.
• Encouraging sustainability. Slow decorating reduces the need for fast furniture and promotes buying secondhand, handmade, or investment pieces.
• Less decision-making. Slow decorating allows for intentional choices rather than rushed, regrettable buys.
• More budget-friendly. Slow decorating enables you to spread purchases out over time, and can be more financially manageable.

How to Embrace Slow Decorating 

Ok, so what does slow decorating look like practically? Besides just “going slow” with purchases, there’s also a mindset shift required. You’ll need to be comfortable with incompleteness, release a bit of control, and—conversely—get clearer on what you want. Take time to let your vision marinate and discover what you truly love so that you can welcome the best pieces for you into your home in time. 

Other helpful tips include: 

• Define your style. Create a mood board or Pinterest collection to guide decisions. Begin with a board that’s simply about how you want your space to feel—or how you want to feel inside it.
• Start with what you have. Ruthlessly edit your current pieces to see what could be repaired or reimagined before buying something new. You may have more than you think, or something ready to be used in a different way.
• Invest in foundational pieces first. The big-ticket items are usually the ones you’ll use the most. Sofas, dining tables, and bedroom furniture can all set the tone for a specific room and inspire what can build around them. Note: Items that arrive in one piece will tend to be of higher quality than ones home-assembled from a box—and thus, will typically last longer.
• Embrace empty space. Not every wall or shelf needs to be filled immediately. Give yourself time to see how your routines may change or where the sunlight lands in a room. There is no rush. You may find your mind feels calmer with less clutter around.  
• Layer decor over time. Echoing the above, layer in artwork, accent lighting, and decor as you find pieces that speak to you, not just because you “think” you need to have them. There’s a quiet confidence that comes from trusting the right pieces find you when they’re meant to. 
• Shop secondhand and vintage. Different eras used different materials and have an energy that can’t be replicated. Maybe it’s an old copper pot that holds your cooking utensils or a ceramic tumbler that houses your pens. Giving new life to something found adds character to your home in a way the latest big box find often can’t. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Of course, there are certain instances where slow decorating won’t—and shouldn’t—apply. For example, when it comes to appliances or repairing certain areas of your home, take action as soon as you need to. Nobody wants a partially-functioning bathroom or to live out of a cooler while you find the “perfect” fridge. 

Here are a few other common pitfalls that may distract you from what slow decorating is really all about:

• Buying everything at once. This often results in a home that feels stiff, generic, and impersonal. See note above on empty space and continue to get comfortable with less.
• Following every trend. There will always be trends, but your home is yours. The goal isn’t to spark envy in everyone who visits, but to curate a space where you love being the most. Plus, too many trends can often lead to a space feeling outdated quickly.
• Ignoring functionality. Your space should work for your lifestyle, not just look good. By taking time to examine your routines and getting clear on how you want your space to work, you’ll be better informed to purchase the right piece when you find it—and less likely to need to replace it. 

Remember: Enjoy the Process

Making a house (or any space) into a home can be a beautiful process. It’s one of self-discovery, celebration, and artistic expression to surround yourself with pieces that tell a story—your story most of all. Know that who you are, and what you like, is worth exploring. Trust your instincts, take your time, and watch your home to life.