Home Couture: Finding Sanctuary in Your Personal Style
As someone who values longevity and authenticity, I have developed a profound appreciation for slow decorating. Unlike fleeting home trends that prioritise immediate gratification, slow decorating speaks to my belief in investing in pieces that stand the test of time. From flooring to furniture, I have always been drawn to items that possess enduring quality and timeless appeal. For me, decorating is not about creating visually pleasing spaces; it is about curating environments that reflect my personal journey and values. For me adding continuously to my home with much loved items that hold memories and tales is my go-to, as you will know from my previous blog my home is ‘Cluttercore’ and now I am introducing you to ‘Slow Decorating’.
Slow decorating is something I have done my entire life depending upon my means at the time. I have always invested in excellent quality kitchens that I knew I could paint should I wish to change the vibe of a room. So, what is slow decorating? Slow decorating is a deliberate approach to home styling that champions intentionality, sustainability, and patience. It revolves around carefully selecting furnishings and décor elements to craft a space that feels genuinely unique and meaningful. Contrary to the prevailing culture of instant gratification and disposable goods, slow decorating values the journey of space curation over hurried outcomes.
Points of slow decorating include:
Mindful Acquisitions: Quality over quantity. Aim to invest in pieces that withstand the test of time and align with your aesthetic sensibilities
Vintage and Preloved Finds: Vintage or preloved furnishings, not only infusing character into their spaces but also reducing their environmental footprint by repurposing existing items
Process-Driven Philosophy: Exploration of an organic evolution of space. It encourages you to embrace the journey of discovery, allowing your home to develop over time
Embracing Patience: Accepting the inevitable delays in finding the perfect pieces and recognising that thoughtful decisions cannot be rushed
Personalization and Sentimentality: Inclusion of personal mementos and heirloom pieces, imbuing spaces with a sense of nostalgia and emotional resonance
Embracing Experimentation: Take risks and step outside your comfort zone
Slow decorating fosters authenticity, sustainability, and a deeper connection to one's living environment. Someone who is at the forefront of this movement is Neptune's co-founder, John Sims-Hilditch who likened decorating to gardening, viewing it as a lifelong quest, never truly reaching a definitive conclusion. Rejecting the notion of a finished house, he emphasisis that the essence of slow decorating lies in its perpetual evolution encouraging individuals to appreciate the ongoing process, relieving the pressure associated with achieving a finality in design.
Whether you are someone who delights in keeping up with the latest trends or prefers to march to the beat of your own design drum, remember this: your home is your haven. So, make your home a true reflection of who you are, a sanctuary where you can truly be yourself. As Dorothy wisely proclaimed, "there's no place like home."
pictures @pinterest
