Embracing slow living - interiors for a simpler, more considered life

The concept of slow living isn’t just about doing less, it’s about doing things more thoughtfully and choosing pieces and spaces that support rest, connection, and presence. More so it’s the idea of living simply yet beautifully - creating interiors that feel authentic rather than driven by fleeting trends. 

Here are a few ways thoughtful design and honest materials can help create spaces that invite you to slow down.

Craftsmanship

One of the most meaningful ways to embrace slow living at home is to invest in craftsmanship. Furniture and objects made with care and attention to detail not only look and feel more special, but they also age gracefully, adding character and charm over time. Manufacturers like Zeitraum and e15 embody this approach by working with solid wood and timeless designs that complement any space. 

Solid wood dining tables, in particular, become part of the story of a home. Over the years they gather subtle marks - a faint wine ring from a dinner party with friends, the slight groove of a pen mark left from a child’s homework session, or a scratch on a table leg from a beloved family pet. Rather than seeing these as imperfections, they become reminders of meaningful moments. And should the table ever need a refresh, a gentle sanding can bring it back to life - ready to collect new memories for years to come.

Natural Materials

Slow interiors often rely on natural materials - wood of course features heavily but also wool, linen and hemp. These textures bring warmth, softness, and tactility to your home - it's all about human touch. Kasthall’s woven and hand-tufted rugs, crafted in Sweden from natural yarns, add softness underfoot and simultaneously bring a room together without overpowering it. 

Similarly, Astrid's textiles, from curtains to upholstery, introduce texture and warmth into everyday life. Made from natural materials like linen and wool, their fabrics have an inviting, tactile quality that feels honest and unfussy. Soft, flowing curtains can filter daylight beautifully, creating a calm atmosphere, while simple, understated upholstery can make a space feel relaxed and lived-in rather than styled or staged. It’s these subtle details that help transform a house into a home.

Thoughtful lighting

Lighting creates atmosphere and the difference it can make to a space cannot be underestimated. Instead of harsh overhead light, consider layers and adjustable lighting that can adapt to suit every moment of your day. Designs from Santa & Cole, with their warm tones and clean forms, bring a sense of sophistication and reminding us that light can be both functional and poetic.

Always ask how the light will look when switched on and when switched off. Does it help tell your home's story? If the answer is yes you know you are on the right track for embracing the simple living philosophy. 

Accessories and treasures are still needed

A clutter-free home might be something you strive for, but it’s equally important to keep and display those items that mean something to you. It’s these personal touches (a favourite ceramic vase, a well-loved book, a shell from a family holiday, photographs and artwork) that give a space its soul and make it unmistakably yours. By surrounding ourselves with objects we love and use often, our homes become characterful spaces that reflect who we truly are.

Edited, Not Empty

Slow living isn’t about minimalism for minimalism’s sake - it’s about surrounding yourself with things that have meaning, and letting go of what doesn’t. A pared back interior should always feel intentional rather than sparse, more so it should be deeply personal. Slow living is also about finding beauty in the everyday moments - the morning sun filtering through linen curtains, the comforting texture of a hand-woven rug, the cosy glow of a reading lamp in the evening. By choosing pieces that are crafted with care and designed to last, we create interiors that support not only how we live, but also how we’d like to feel.

If you'd like help on your interiors journey or need more inspiration for creating a home that encourages the slow living lifestyle, please get in touch. Our interior designers would love to hear from you. 

0131 556 6551/ [email protected]