5 Benefits of Slow Decorating (+How To!)

Have you heard of the term “slow decorating” yet?  Slow decorating is simply taking your time to create the perfect space for your home. Whether you’ve just moved, plan on moving, or are looking for a refresh, there are so many benefits to taking the time to get to know your space and find your style before rushing to decorate every corner of your house.

5 Benefits of Slow Decorating

1.) It creates less clutter.

When you take the time to buy the right pieces for your home you will make fewer impulse purchases that usually end up as clutter. I moved apartments several times when I lived in D.C. and each time I felt like I needed to change my “style.” So I rushed to HomeGoods and grabbed whatever looked pretty to me at the time.

The problem was none of the items I bought were functional and often didn’t even go together. Six months to a year later I wanted to get rid of these pieces of “clutter decor” and start again.

But when I learned to live with empty space I no longer rushed out to buy new decor. Instead, I took my time to find pieces that I thought were both beautiful, functional, and fit my style.

2.) It’s budget-friendly.

Slow decorating allows you to save up the money needed for each purchase instead of putting it on your credit card or using a monthly payment plan.

I can’t say this enough, but it’s not worth it to go into debt buying furniture or decor for your home. Create what’s called a “sinking fund” to save up for big pieces and buy when you can afford them. Better yet – pay in cash! Trust me, delaying the purchase will not only be better for your bank account, but you’ll discover the wonderful feeling of delayed gratification as well.

3.) It helps you find your own style.

Taking your time to decorate your house lets you slowly discover your style instead of being swayed by a TV show or what’s on display at Target that week. When I first started decorating our new home I was drawn in by all the Studio McGhee items I saw on Instagram. And it made me want to run to Target to buy olive trees and mid-century modern furniture. But the thing is, it’s not and has never been my style. I was letting myself be influenced by well, influencers and their style.

But when I started doing my own research I came to realize my style is Coastal and Traditional.

One of my favorite ways to add coastal style to my home is by using wallpaper. Now, wallpaper is an investment but it can change the whole look of a room without adding clutter. And one of my favorite places to find wallpaper is Photowall.

They not only have beautiful coastal wallpaper but also provide styles for every personality and home. You will find everything from animals to seascapes to modern to traditional.

4.) You’ll create a timeless space.

The trendier and/or faster you decorate your home, the more likely it is to go out of style quicker.

If an Instagram post or magazine article tells you a design style is “hot” this summer…run. Because chances are it will be cold by fall.

By taking your time you’ll start to lean toward timeless pieces that will remain in style for much longer.

5.) It helps you learn contentment.

When we stop thinking our home needs to look a certain way today we begin to appreciate what we already have. Give yourself permission to take your time. Don’t be embarrassed if family or friends come over and you still have unfinished spaces. It’s better to have a few blank walls now than boxes of clutter decor later.

And now, what are some tips to embrace slow decorating in your own home? I can help there too.

Tips to Embrace Slow Decorating in Your Home

1.) Start with patience.

Slow decorating takes time, budgeting, research, figuring out your style, and intentional spending. Enjoy the process! As I said earlier, give yourself permission to live with blank spaces. Over time you’ll feel less of the pull to be trendy or always decorating your home. Instead, you’ll start to see aspects of your home that you love that have nothing to do with decor.

Related: How to make a small house feel bigger!

2.) Start with the largest pieces first.

Whenever you’re decorating a new or blank space, I always recommend starting with the largest piece of furniture that you will sit or lay on. Why? There’s no sense in buying mirrors, artwork, pillows, or side tables until everyone has a place to sit.

Also, your biggest furniture pieces will dictate the style of your room. If you buy small decor first that doesn’t end up matching it those pieces will end up as clutter. When “slow decorating” a room, find your couch, bed, or dining room table first.

3.) Save up for quality pieces.

Don’t buy anything on a payment plan. Instead, save up so you can pay in cash for your large furniture pieces. Also, I’m not trying to knock IKEA, I’ve bought plenty of it myself, but it’s no surprise it doesn’t last. If you’re in a home and not an apartment, I’d recommend saving up for quality pieces that will last. I’ve found I ended up spending less in the long run because I was having to replace the poor quality furniture often.

4.) Search Facebook Marketplace.

FB marketplace takes patience (good thing we found it!) but it pays out in the end. If you’re willing to wait, you can find anything from Pottery Barn to Serena and Lily, at a fraction of the original price, that will last you and your family for years to come.

5.) Learn your style.

When you figure out and embrace your style you avoid making unnecessary purchases or being swayed by someone else. I told you that I know my style is Coastal, french coastal to be specific, and I steer clear of anything that doesn’t fit. For me, this means a lot of blues, whites, and natural woods. If you need more decorating tips, grab “The Cozy Minimalist Home.” “The Cozy Minimalist Home.”  It changed the way I looked at decorating and helped me find my own simple style.