In some aspects of life, well, i have to agree. In terms of interior design – i don’t.

Interior design is often about buying new furniture or decoration. Especially in the last years and probably reinforced by the global pandemic, the change to trend-based interiors increased. Like in fashion there are latest trends, how to furnish apartments, houses or rooms but also hotels, companies and public facilities.

The easiest way to keep up with this trend, would be to shop for the latest interior ideas in the big furniture stores. The term ‚fast fashion‘ describes that behavior concerning changing fashion trends and is transferable to interior design. We could describe this social change as ‚fast interiors‘. Taking a look at big fashion brands that expand into the new desire of trend-based homes, underline the need of naming it.

Design evolves like society. Development is important because new innovative solutions are created, which meet the different needs of people.

This change has two sides. On the one hand it’s great, that people are getting aware of the interdepence that human beings and their surroundings have. Thinking about selfcare it’s an important part arranging a home for yourself, where your needs are met to feel secure and calm down the nervous system. On the other hand this trend can easily end in an excessive consuming behavior that ignores global problems like exploitation in labour, exploitation of natural ressources and climate change, just to name a few.

The critics of ‚fast fashion‘ invented the ’slow fashion‘ movement. It’s about wearing what you already have a long time, reuse clothes, buy thrifted if really needed or support small sustainable and fairtrade businesses. In terms of interior design this could be an idea too: slow interiors.

Yes, it takes more time to furnish rooms and the willingness to invest. At the same time it is a way to live more consciously and mindfully by taking time to create a real comforting home or spaces for people. Additionally it’s a tribute to a sustainable lifestyle.

Some ideas how to do it:
II use existing furniture and decoration differently
II small changes in colours, textures, usage, arrangements
II buy secondhand
II sell things you don’t use anymore or donate them to charity shops
II upcycle and be creative