(HouseBeautiful) – A burgeoning movement known as “slow living” rejects fast-paced lifestyles in favour of a slower way of life.
It advocates not only letting go of daily stress and finding joy in small pleasures, but also designing a calm space that fosters individual happiness, sometimes known as the slow living home.
What is slow living?
At its foundation, slow living urges us to adopt a more relaxed attitude towards life rather than trying to always be active. It also exhorts us to appreciate the small pleasures in life, such as a nice cup of coffee or the sun shining. Everything in slow living revolves around activities or moments that make us happy or reduce our stress. Slow living allows us to feel present in our environment and develops mindfulness, both of which are significant.
Consider slow living at home as a way of life rather than a fad. A slow living house is about building an environment that works for you in terms of practicality, enjoyment, and mindfulness rather than about designing an Instagram-worthy aesthetic. Aiming to provide a sanctuary where you may escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world, a slow living house should prioritise enjoyment and relaxation. Additionally, it’s crucial for your home to reflect your unique individuality, so you should design it to fit your wants and lifestyle.
You’re in luck if you’re curious. Amy Wilson, an interior designer at 247 Blinds & 247 Curtains, and Michelle Collins, a creative specialist at Green Lili, have each offered their best advice for designing a slow-paced, attentive environment.
1. A calm environment is key
Your house should be a haven where you may escape the pressures of daily life. Your body and mind can unwind by generating a serene environment inside of you.
As Michelle adds, “Spaces with muted colour schemes instantly provide a relaxing environment.” Nature-inspired components are a fantastic place to start. Consider soft colours, natural furnishings, and neutral tones.
Look at biophilic design if you need ideas. It has been demonstrated to enhance both physical and mental wellness as well as cognitive function. It not only fosters wellbeing but also reduces stress and fosters creativity.
2. Adopt the principles of hygge
Where can you find comfort if not at home? No one does cosiness quite like the Danes, and Visit Denmark provides the greatest explanation of what hygge is: Creating a cosy environment and taking pleasure in life’s finer things with nice people are the essence of hygge. Hygge is the cosiness of candlelight. Hygge also includes cuddling up with a loved one to watch a movie.
Michelle offers the following advice for incorporating hygge into your home: “Select earthy tones that make you feel connected to the outdoors, light candles, and get cosy with blankets and cushions.” Take your time, be mindful, and enjoy the moment as it is.
3. Optimise natural light
More sunlight is always welcome, especially in the UK. Our wellbeing and happiness are naturally improved by daylight exposure. It also does a great job of waking us up and energising us. In the home, natural light opens up a space and makes it appear lighter and brighter.
Whenever feasible, Michelle advises utilising natural light, adding: “Open the curtains during the day and place mirrors opposite sun-facing windows.” Think about your lighting selections and select a setting that calms the mind and the soul.
4. Contrast textures
The practise of layering textures reinforces the hygge aesthetic, and the easiest approach to get the desired effect (in terms of cosiness and depth) is to contrast various textures. Jute pouffes contrast with faux sheepskin cushions, and deep pile rugs are paired with smooth but still oh-so-soft velvet blankets.
According to Amy, contrasting various textures is a subtle but effective method to create an interior design that leans towards more attentive living. Layers of texture offer interest, visual weight, and a pleasant, inviting atmosphere to the space.
Look for linen curtains draped over wool carpets, sheepskins on wooden floors, or baskets stuffed to the brim with a range of blankets. Finding textures with diverse weights and appearances is essential.
If your home is filled with wooden furniture, you might want to think about how cotton and linens can soften the space. Harder surfaces on hardwood furniture can be optically softened by adding soft roman curtains or linen table runners. Natural materials will instantly calm you down since they remind you of nature and the healing powers of the great outdoors.
5. Create technology-free areas
Although it can be very valuable in our lives and take up a lot of our time, technology is one of the largest distractions in the family, according to Amy.
Replace your morning scroll with another enjoyable hobby or activity, and set aside a place to do it. Regardless of whether it’s a reading nook or a music nook, you should remove any electronics from this area and use it just for mindful practise.
6. Less is more
It is a universal fact that chaos and clutter make it impossible to feel calm. It makes us more stressed out, which is bad for our ability to unwind and sleep as well as for our ability to be creative. An orderly space promotes peace and draws attention to the features of your house that you love the most.
Michelle asserts that “mess equals stress.” “Clean out all of the clutter and extra objects from your house. Anything that doesn’t serve a sustainable purpose in your life should be thrown away; the rest can be donated or sold.
It is a universal truth that disorder and clutter prevent us from feeling tranquil. We become more stressed as a result, which hinders both our ability to relax and go asleep as well as our capacity for creativity. An organised area encourages tranquilly and highlights the aspects of your home that you value most.
According to Michelle, “mess equals stress.” “Purge your home of all the unnecessary items and clutter. Throw away anything that doesn’t contribute to your life’s sustainability; the rest can be donated or sold.
7. Choose sustainable options if possible
It is referred to as slow living, after all, so try to buy goods with extended lifespans that you will commit to for many years to come. You may minimise unnecessary waste and do your tiny part to protect the environment by selecting sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions that put lifespan first.
‘Upcycle if you can,’ advises Michelle, ‘do your research, and choose sustainable items and companies to help lessen your environmental effect at home.’
It’s beneficial to merely strive to live more sustainably; you don’t have to be flawless. When looking for used furniture and household goods, Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, Vinterior, and car boot sales are all fantastic possibilities.
8. Design your home to work for you
Consider your everyday activities, way of life, and sources of delight. Then, prioritise comfort and functionality in your home design so that it works best for you.
When making modifications to your house, Michelle advises against following a trend or style and instead focusing on how you want the area to feel and be used.
Do you like a simple setting or one with lots of texture and pattern? Do you enjoy hosting parties or would you rather keep to yourself at home? Which pastimes or activities do you wish you had room for? Is there a place you always end up going? You can modify your home to accommodate your needs and wants once you’ve identified them.
9. Create quiet zones
Making a pleasant corner is not enough; silence must also be addressed. After example, noises within or outside the house, such as the gurgling of the washing machine or the squeak of the floorboards, might wake you up even when you are sound asleep. Consider designing areas that will absorb excess sound while also keeping you warm and comfortable.
This is about incorporating features into the home that absorb sound and provide a more tranquil environment, not merely about constructing a room or nook to retreat to for some peace and quiet, explains Amy. This is especially important if your home has hardwood floors, high ceilings, and expansive rooms.
It’s astonishing what a pair of floor-length curtains or a roman blind can do to soften a room, so choose your soft furnishings carefully and make sure you have enough soft materials to absorb noise in every area. When purchasing furniture and home decor, keep in mind that lighter, softer, and more porous fabrics, such as cotton and wool, work best for sound absorption.
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