In this era of “fast everything” with overnight or even same-day deliveries and “fast fashion” companies copying a design as soon as it hits the runway, it can be easy to fall into the temptation of “fast decorating,” too.
As Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) reports, you spot those beautiful spaces on your Instagram feed, and there’s something inside you that wants to achieve that look now instead of waiting months or even years to pull it all together. But as the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait,” and it’s never been truer than in the world of design.
“A beautifully designed home doesn’t happen all at once—and it doesn’t need to,” says Heidi Tate, founder and creative director of Tate Interiors. “Some of the most compelling interiors I’ve created are those that evolved over years, reflecting the lives, travels, and experiences of the people who live there.”
If this sounds more like your vibe than putting together an entire room in a day, read on.
What Is “Slow Decorating”?
Tate defines slow decorating as “the practice of thoughtfully curating a home over time rather than trying to furnish and complete every room at once. It prioritizes intentional decisions, meaningful pieces, craftsmanship, and long-term satisfaction over instant gratification and trend-driven purchases.”
And it’s an approach that’s becoming more and more popular. “People are increasingly craving authenticity and longevity in their homes,” Tate observes. “Over the past decade, social media has accelerated trends and encouraged quick transformations, but many homeowners have discovered that creating a meaningful home isn’t an overnight process.”
Although patience is often not a virtue in today’s “immediate satisfaction” world, there are major perks to slow decorating. Ashley Gallion, founder of Ashley Ayer Interiors, says, “There are many benefits to slow decorating. You are not rushed to find a piece, but instead you can focus on quality, sustainability, and making sure the perfect piece goes in a space. If you live in a space before decorating, you can figure out the space, the natural lighting, and the areas that need specific pieces you may not have chosen initially. Being slow to design a space allows you to create a timeless look curated to your home and not focusing on what most people are doing on social media.”
Through slow decorating, you can also avoid making costly missteps. “When homeowners take their time, they’re less likely to make expensive mistakes or purchase items simply because they need to fill a space quickly,” Tate points out. Gallion calls it the “safe approach” when it comes to staying within a budget.
How to Embrace “Slow Decorating”
✔️ Know your space. “Get a feel for your space before overloading it with pieces that may only stay temporarily,” Gallion says. “Don’t immediately jump on the first piece of furniture, rug, or decor you see. Allow the surroundings of your home to speak to you before purchasing anything that will be the wrong scale or coloring.”
✔️ Start with foundation pieces. If you want to stick to slow decorating, Tate recommends first investing in items that have the biggest impact and longest lifespan in a space, such as upholstery, rugs, lighting, and case goods.
✔️ Mix old and new. “Incorporate vintage finds, family heirlooms, travel treasures, or artwork collected over time. These pieces add character and create a sense of history,” Tate says.
✔️ Make room for discovery. Even though slow decorating might leave some open spaces here and there, don’t be in a rush to fill them. “Some of the most memorable spaces evolve organically,” Tate says. “Don’t feel pressure to finish every corner immediately.”
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