In a world designed around speed and convenience, slow interior design takes a more considered approach. It is about choosing materials, furniture and finishes with greater intention, creating spaces that support how we live rather than simply following the latest trend.
For interior designer Melissa Danielle Smith of Elysian Co. Studios, slow design brings together wellbeing, functionality, natural materials and conscious decision-making.
We spoke to Melissa about the principles behind slow interiors, the role of wood flooring and how thoughtful material choices can shape a more balanced space.
What is slow interior design?
Slow interior design is about creating spaces with purpose. Rather than designing around short-lived trends, it considers how a space will look, function and feel over time.
For Melissa, the philosophy extends beyond aesthetics. Her background in yoga teaching and holistic health has influenced her approach to interiors, with wellbeing playing an important role in the spaces she creates.
“Slow design encourages the use of natural materials, local, small scale production of goods and a general attitude of quality over quantity.”
The result is an interior that considers the person using it as carefully as the materials within it.
Designing around people, not trends
“My favourite definition is a mindset whereby you curate a more meaningful and conscious lifestyle, be that through the products you purchase, the activities you engage in or the relationships you nurture.”
This means considering how the room needs to function before deciding how it should look. Space planning, materials and aesthetics are then developed together to create an interior that feels cohesive rather than designed around a single trend.
Creating a calmer interior
Removing unnecessary clutter can make space for the materials and objects that genuinely contribute to the room. Natural textures, restrained colour palettes and carefully selected furniture can then create a more balanced environment.
For Melissa, the aim is to create spaces that feel serene, calming and cohesive, opting for small scale production of goods and a general attitude of quaility over quantitiy.
This can be achieved through the combination of practical planning and thoughtful material selection rather than through a particular decorative style.
“This way of living encourages calmness, slowing down and mindfulness. It focuses on doing things better, not faster.”
How wood flooring works in a slow interior
A wood floor can provide a warm, grounding energy throughout an interior, allowing the rest of the scheme to evolve around it.
Melissa used Furrow Chevron from our Warehouse Collection throughout an entire residential project, creating a consistent material connection between the ground floor and bedrooms.
The chevron pattern introduces direction and structure, while the textured surface of Furrow adds character to the timber. The same floor was continued onto the staircase, with a bullnose trim hand-finished to complement the flooring.
Melissa’s top tips
Focus on sustainable, meaningful choices. It’s about creating a space that reflects your values and contributes positively to your health and the eco-system. My top tips to achieve this are: mindful material selection, sustainable furnishings, minimalism and decluttering, implementing natural elements and embracing the slow living philosophy.
“Interior design has an important role to play in relation to health and wellbeing now more than ever.”
Our Specification Consultants worked closely with Melissa Danielle Smith to specify the right floor for her residential project. To discuss your latest project, get in touch.
To find out more about Elysian Co. Studios follow them @elysianco.studios, email design@elysiancostudios.com or visit www.elysiancostudios.com,
Photography Credit: Kathryn Taylor Photography & Elysian Co. Studios
