Feeling the need to de-stress? Start by looking around you. The ‘slow living’ trend embraces simple and understated interiors to help nourish body and soul — perfect for those looking to ease the pace.
The trend is all about soft colour palettes, curved edges, pale woods and natural textiles, to bring a sense of calm and wellbeing.
‘Our bodies are greatly influenced by the environment that we inhabit,’ says Melissa Danielle Smith, a holistic interior designer.
Understated: Neutral tones in the bedroom give a sense of easy living and help promote calm and wellbeing
Clutter-free
Encouraging restful and the feelgood factors, the style involves the uncluttered placement of furniture.
Start by rationalising busy spaces. ‘Keep clutter at bay for ease of movement and incorporate accents that make you feel relaxed,’ says Sofa.com’s Patricia Gibbons.
Colours and curves
Slow living interiors are usually associated with a neutral colour palette, muted, earthy tones, such as rust and shades of brown. Mossy greens and soft pinks add interest.
Curved edges and natural materials all give a sense of easy living. Nicole Moulton Black of specialist furniture maker Origins Design says: ‘Instead of high gloss and shiny finishes, our ‘linen’ and ‘cotton’ wood-stain finishes are increasingly popular on curved banquettes and joinery.’
Natural touch
Materials like rattan, cane and sea- grass, complement the slow living concept. ‘Introduce heavy texture wherever possible, opting for boucle or Danish cord on seating, and position furniture on jute rugs, which will create tactility from the ground upward,’ says Wil Law, interior stylist at John Lewis & Partners.
Kitchens also benefit from this approach. Look to British Standard by Plain English for its honest and simple joinery designs — and opt for natural finishes.
The Small Home’s handmade Bud Vases using a speckle stoneware clay (£33, pictured)
Back to basics
Rediscover the architectural elements of your home, celebrating imperfections.
Consider exposing fireplaces and fire surrounds, reintroducing rafters and embracing uneven plaster finishes.
These are all ways of celebrating beauty in the ordinary and reconnecting to a sense of craftsmanship.
‘Make the most of the natural light available,’ says designer Roxi Zeeman.
‘If you’re renovating, look to incorporate bigger windows, doors and roof lanterns to catch as much sunlight as possible.
Add mid-level lighting, like wall lights, which are flattering while adding ambience.’
Embracing the authentic and original can be achieved by adding found pieces to your scheme, such as art and ceramics.
The Small Home has a fabulous set of handmade Stoneware Bud Vases using a speckle stoneware clay and glazed in a matt off-white (£33).
Hit the floor
Look to the People and Planet eco-friendly flooring range by Carpetright for inspiration too.
Made from fishing nets, recycled plastics, and sustainably sourced wool or cork, the designs focus on style and longevity rather than fast fashion.
On walls, avoid vinyl or primary colours and choose grass cloth for its depth and texture. If you are opting for a painted wall finish, choose a yellow or red-toned white for warmth. You’ll be embracing life in the slow lane before you know it.
