Why Good Design Takes Time: Behind Our Process of Slow Decorating

Trends surround us. Whether it’s through social media, magazines, or conversations with friends, there’s always a “next greatest thing”. It could be a hairstyle, a clothing item, a new superfood, or a home design trend. They’re easy to jump into, and they often bring that instant spark of excitement. But the truth is, the satisfaction rarely lasts. By the time you’ve embraced the latest thing, the next one is already on the scene.

So how do we break this cycle of mediocre quick fixes?

When it comes to designing your home, we believe in the concept of “slow decorating”. Our thoughtful, non-cookie-cutter process that results in timeless, personality-driven spaces. Today, I’m sharing what slow decorating means (spoiler alert: it’s not about the speed) and how it allows us to craft meaningful interiors that are rooted in how people actually live.

What is Slow Decorating?

At its core, slow decorating is about intentionality. It’s the opposite of fast, one-size-fits-all makeovers. Instead, we take the time to deeply understand our clients and the big picture of their lives — where they are now, where they hope to be in 5, 10, or 15 years, and how we will create a timeless design that can grow and evolve with them.

It’s about selecting every piece with care, understanding the craftsmanship and artistry, and ensuring that each one is not only beautiful on its own but also cohesive in the larger design of your home.

Slow decorating embraces the adage, “measure twice, cut once” — which means we don’t simply make one site visit, take measurements, and steam ahead. We double-check every minute detail to be sure the design will work in real life, whether that’s confirming a deep, comfy sectional can actually fit through the front door and around a tight turn into the basement, or knowing in advance when a compromise will be necessary.

I first heard the phrase “slow decorating” in a House Beautiful article, and it resonated so deeply with me that I’ve adopted it to describe my own design process. And though it’s called “slow,” don’t be fooled. Our process doesn’t drag or feel slow. It’s steady, thoughtful, and collaborative from day one.

Step 1. Stepping Inside Your Home

When I first walk into a client’s home, my main goal is always understanding — not just the rooms we’ll be working on, but how you use your home as a whole.

Your lifestyle: Above all else, I want to understand how you really live, which is why I always say, “Don’t clean up for me.” The everyday version of your home tells me far more than a staged one. Even if we aren’t touching all of the rooms in your home, I want to see every space to get the full picture.

Noticing small details: Yes, I’m looking at layout and flow, but I’m also paying attention to little details like textures, patterns, and colors. Is that rug a favorite or simply tolerated because it’s functional? Do certain colors repeat throughout the house? These are the things that give me insight into your style.

Your goals: We’ll talk about how you live now, how you want to live, and what’s realistically possible. For example, if it’s out of budget to remove the old radiator in the middle of a room you hope to transform into a walk-in pantry, it may mean getting creative with the design. These decisions are never rushed.

Step 2. Laying the Groundwork

The start of a new project is always exhilarating. While this step in our process may seem especially “slow” to you as the client because you aren’t seeing what’s happening behind the scenes, there are critical things I’m working on to set your project up for success.

Capturing ideas: Whenever I begin a new project, I get a major influx of ideas quickly – it’s a thrilling rush, and I need to sit down to really try to capture the images running through my head. I usually create my own private Pinterest board with things that I feel might resonate with my clients and their vision. Sometimes, I start by sketching ideas out, but those ideas will absolutely evolve or be thrown out completely. Striking while the iron is hot is the name of the game at this early point.

Planning initial scope & timelines: On the more practical side of things, now is the time where I begin assessing my clients’ initial vision and desired investment, and scoping out what fits within those parameters. I then set a loose yet realistic timeline for all the things that the project will require. Are we just furnishing? What trades will we need to involve, and what is their typical timeframe? How long could the renovation take, adding in a buffer for unforeseen circumstances? 

I know that my job involves more than creating a beautiful, personal design – the way we execute it is equally important, and I take that seriously. Juggling the many moving pieces and getting my head around what’s on the road ahead is critical at this point in the process.

Set up internal systems: No, it’s not the most glamorous aspect of interior design, but getting our internal systems set up so everything has a place as we move through the design process is necessary. The structural behind-the-scenes parts are just as important as the beautiful parts.

Step 3. Our Collaborative Process

I’d say that most designers promote the idea that they design unique spaces specifically for their clients. That’s the artistry in what we do. From the client perspective, however, it’s equally important that you feel heard by your designer and that they are invested in your goals and vision. When you show up to a meeting with me and feel completely understood, well, that’s when the magic can happen.

Client Questionnaire: Before our onboarding meeting, you’ll complete a detailed questionnaire about your style, needs, and lifestyle. We’ve honed this list of questions into a powerful tool that allows us to deeply understand how you live and what you love. At our initial meeting, we dedicate time to walk through your answers and ensure they are a true representation of your preferences and how that translates to your personal design direction.

Inspirational Images: We always request that you share inspirational images, and we go through them together in detail. I will ask why you selected the image, and I will help you narrow down the most precise answer. For example, perhaps you liked the rug, but not the rest of the room. I’ll help you take a step back to analyze why, or just translate what you like about a small detail and how it might fit in the vision of your own space.

If you don’t have any inspirational images, that’s okay! I will typically pull some for you based on my initial reactions to your space and what you’ve shared with me so far. Together, we’ll analyze those images in detail.

Phased Design Presentations: There is so much involved in any given home project, and when you’re asked to make a large set of decisions at once, it can feel incredibly overwhelming. For this reason, I’ve found that breaking the design presentations into a couple of phases eases the decision-making process.

The first phase is focused on the conceptual design—think color schemes, fabric types, and overall style. We then move on to layout, functionality, and flow. We ensure that the space speaks to your intended use, and share black and white drawings or digital clay renderings so that we do not distract from the layout with color. Once we feel good about the layout, we layer in materials. This first “reveal” typically brings lots of excitement as the layout is brought to life with color, fixtures, and finishes.

After each presentation, we offer you time to share feedback. For me, it’s another moment of listening, being curious, and understanding what isn’t resonating so we can be thoughtful in the next decision. I’m also here to support you and think through your feedback. Sometimes we end up back at the original selection after considering the why, what, etc.

Step 4. Experiencing Distinctive, Lasting Results

Have you browsed a designer’s portfolio and felt as though the homes were repetitive? Oftentimes, clients ask for similar trends and looks, and projects seem to blend together. The thoughtful process of slow decorating prevents that “copy/paste” vibe, leading to truly distinctive, personal results.

Additionally, the good (or challenging, depending on your perspective) thing about design is that there are seemingly endless choices for every last thing we add into a project. Paint colors, rugs, fabric for furniture, drapery… this list that goes on. I’m here to guide you through the decision-making process, consider the details, and make tweaks that make a space that speaks uniquely to you.

Key Takeaways About Our Slow Decorating Process

• Slow decorating isn’t slow for the sake of it. It’s about thoughtful, intentional choices that stand the test of time.
• Every home has its own unique timeline based on scope, budget, and trade partner availability.
• Collaboration is essential. Your feedback and lifestyle insights shape the design as much as my expertise.
• The final result is worth the wait! A home that feels timeless, personal, and deeply aligned with how you live.

Timeless Results You’ll Love for Years to Come

A home design that you’ll love for years…this is what it’s all about, isn’t it? In my opinion, it’s what makes slow decorating so worthwhile. With our process, you’ll find zero halfhearted quick fixes that lead to temporary fulfillment. Instead, each home we craft is personality infused, rooted in meaning and designed for how our clients actually live.

If you’re considering a home project and our approach to design resonates with you, I’d love to connect. Reach out to us here, and together, let’s bring your vision to life.

Warmly,
Kristen

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About the Author

Kristen Pipal is the founder and principal designer of KP Home, a Chicago-based interior design studio creating personality-driven spaces that feel as good as they look. With a thoughtful, collaborative approach, Kristen guides clients through every stage of the design process, ensuring the final result is as livable as it is beautiful.

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