Slow Decorating is making headlines. Jason Burns of Shurtape takes a moment to consider why.
Slow decorating is the latest buzzword in the media when it comes to homes and gardens. What does it mean, though? For a professional decorator, time is of the essence. Yes, you want to do a thorough job, that lasts and makes the customer happy. But you also have a time restriction – your customer could have more houses to paint, a new store to spruce up, or a family that needs to use the kitchen before Christmas.
It turns out that Slow Decorating is not necessarily about painting slowly – it’s more the practise of doing something thoroughly. It involves researching fabrics and considering colours, really allowing a space to develop and grow gradually by practising a more planned approach to decorating and interior design. Less haste, more happiness that lasts. According to House and Garden magazine, it promises “improved results, environmental benefits – and… enjoyable renovations.”
Sounds great, doesn’t it! In a fast-paced consumer world, it’s nice to think that people appreciate quality workmanship and look to a professionally created interior that will stand the test of time. And even better that people are enjoying renovations and decorating projects: happy customers mean happy tradespeople.
It’s not a completely new concept, but it’s certainly getting a lot of attention – here are a few reasons this trend seems to be gaining traction at the moment.
Reaction to fast lifestyle
Our scroll and swipe screen culture apparently means we have shorter attention spans. According to CNN Health, the average attention space on a screen has decreased by 103 seconds between 2004 and 2023. The algorithms of social media present but this apparently causes issues when focus is needed for longer, more challenging tasks. Social media is great – but the response to it is good too. Slow Decorating goes against that culture of immediate gratification, instead encouraging taking a little more time over things, planning things properly and getting to know a space before rushing in. And knowing that the space will continue to evolve. Slower, more considered activities that take time and concentration should be encouraged and clearly decorating has been recognised as one of them.
Mindfulness
Another buzzword but again, one that has value. Taking the time to appreciate what we are doing is really beneficial. A recent industry survey listed the removal of FrogTape from a wall as one of the top 10 most relaxing tasks and we agree – we get so many videos of people slowly removing the tape, as there is something so satisfying about it. It’s the same with painting – the act of the painting is rhythmic and methodical. It’s calming. Seeing an interior (or exterior) be so changed or improved is fantastic, but the actual journey to get there is one that can be enjoyed. Slow decorating encourages people to really be in the moment and enjoy the whole process, not just the finished results.
Sustainability
Slow Decorating is the opposite of fast consumerism as it encourages the use of vintage furniture and upcycled accessories. We work with a number of fantastic furniture upcyclers who breathe new life into old pieces, reducing waste and bringing joy through a paintbrush (and a little FrogTape of course). Slow Decorating is seen as a reaction to mass production – a deliberate approach that encourages meaningful, personal connections to the things we live with, whether that is upcycling older products, giving new life to heirlooms or buying new products that are high quality and built to last. This is less about fashion and more about long-lasting, quality work.
“For those of us working in decorating, it means more of a partnership with our customers – helping them extend the life of existing possessions, carefully purchase new ones and appreciate true craftmanship, skill and design. Working together to use décor that will bring a space to life for the long-term.”
Cost
While this may sound expensive, taking time over something means people actually consider their budgets better. Some things may be splurged on, and professional tradespeople are more likely to be used for the best results, but other elements are more likely to get cast aside, when thought about in more detail. Impulse purchases don’t feature in Slow Decorating. It’s more about shopping with intention and buying things that will bring happiness. This is actually more cost-effective.
Many interior designers will suggest that Slow Decorating starts with the walls – and that makes sense. Creating a base that can be layered with more paint, or tiles or wallpaper in places, provides that backdrop to build upon. Taking the time to get that right first, means a space is already being looked at thoughtfully. Then the research begins for layering up a room and adding to it with furniture and accessories that have been researched, re-loved or just purchased.
For those of us working in decorating, it means more of a partnership with our customers – helping them extend the life of existing possessions, carefully purchase new ones and appreciate true craftmanship, skill and design. Working together to use décor that will bring a space to life for the long-term.
I’ve plenty of time for that.
For further information on Shurtape visit https://www.shurtape.com/
