The world of interior design is shaking up, as more and more people are looking for ways to create a calm home with sustainability and a slower pace of life in mind. Enter: slow design and slow interiors. It may seem like the latest trend on Instagram, but slow design interiors are more than a transient phase. With a focus on timeless design, bespoke furniture and functional, beautiful living, Howson Design adheres to the principles of the slow design movement, and it's a concept that’s definitely here to stay.

What is the slow design trend?

After spending so much time in our homes these past few years, many of us are reassessing our use of space and reconsidering the usual frantic pace of modern life. During this time, the slow design trend has made the rounds on the Internet, especially on sources of inspiration such as Pinterest and Instagram, with a focus on the pared back, minimalist aesthetic of a calm, serene space. Think: natural materials, Modernist architecture, rooms floodlit with natural light and infused with fresh air, and quality pieces of furniture made by local artisans using local materials. It's a pretty aspirational picture, right? But slow design is so much more than an aesthetic.

‘Slow design’ definition

There might not be a rigid ‘slow design manifesto’ that can be easily followed, but there are a number of slow design principles that most practitioners can agree on. One key tenet is that designers should take their time to produce works of value, taking into account considerations beyond the usual goals of speed and cheapness inherent to mass production. For interior designers like me, this means considering how to ensure a long-term relationship between the design, furniture, or product and its owners; and considering how a design or product can express itself beyond the purely functional. 

At Howson Design, this means I place priority on getting to know my clients and figuring out what will work best for their lifestyle and space, while keeping their sense of style and personality within my designs. I also concentrate on creating long-lasting, bespoke pieces that work for my clients as functional, yet beautiful items.

A minimalist aesthetic?

I don’t believe that slow design has to reflect minimalist, Scandi-style neutrals. The aspirational, sleek Instagram version of slow design may be beautiful for some, but often it’s not functional or practical (for example… kids’ toys aren’t anywhere to be seen on these types of posts)! I focus on carefully considered styling that suits my clients, no matter their personality. If that means they love maximalist design full of texture and colour, all the better!

What does it take to produce slow furniture?

Long-lasting, bespoke pieces are integral to my vision of slow interiors. Whether you have a beloved item that needs upcycling, or require a custom-made product to fit your vision, we can accommodate these wishes at Howson Design. If you’re looking for slow design examples, our bespoke bar area created for a client’s games room is a perfect illustration. 

I project-managed this transformation from start to finish, arranging builders, electricians and a carpenter to provide slow design products for this games room, including a custom-made copper-top bar and bespoke oche for playing darts. Aside from creating bespoke pieces, I also took the time to source materials and items from my client’s wish list, including a beer fridge, beer tap, bar stools and dart board.

One project that involved upcycling furniture was the dining room project in Nottingham. The client had many antiques that they wanted to incorporate within the new interior scheme, including an oak table, which became the main feature of the space. I upholstered an antique chair and piano stool in fabric to match the new wallpaper, and sourced beautiful second-hand and sustainable products, such as the ceiling pendant made using reclaimed timber.

Slow design as part of slow living

Slow design is one of the many offshoots of the slow living movement (which originally began as a slow food movement in Italy, in reaction to a McDonald’s opening there). The larger slow movement promotes ‘doing things better, not faster’, as well as championing authenticity, consideration and artisanal goods amidst the backdrop of fast-paced consumerism.

Slow living ideas have really stepped up a notch ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, as more people had a chance to reflect on how they lived their lives in an era of tumult. It’s also become less socially acceptable to consume and discard products at a rapid rate amidst the climate crisis, so the proliferation of slow living interiors across Instagram is a sure sign of these changing times.

How slow design improves wellbeing

The slow living lifestyle promotes calm interior design, creating a ‘slow home’ that reflects a more peaceful pace of life. But why should you get behind this slow design movement? Well, instead of creating ‘fast’ interiors with ‘fast’ design, clients seeking slow interiors can enjoy the design process and won’t feel rushed. When you choose me to work on your home, you’ll benefit from the dedication of an interior designer who can work one-on-one to ensure everything is done properly and to your liking. Slow design takes the stress out of the renovation process, as you’ll be confident that I’ve taken the time to listen to your ideas and concerns.

As an anti-fast culture movement that encourages secondhand shopping, upcycling and general sustainability, incorporating slow design into your project can also be a great way of getting more for your money. Every time you look at your refurbished armchair, or bespoke piece of furniture, you can feel entirely confident that you’ve made the best choices for your budget, lifestyle, and health of the planet. 

You deserve to enjoy a house that will leave you feeling hopeful and happy. Get in touch with me today to discover how I can bring joy to your interiors using slow design. I’ll be delighted to help!