Learning to Love the Process
Slow decorating has been on my mind as I’ve been slowly cleaning, decluttering, and trying to reclaim our home. I’ve found myself dreaming of all the ways I want to update and decorate. (It’s funny how uncovering things makes you want to improve them.) New paint colors, cozy nooks, old-world textures… the inspiration keeps flowing.
But reality? I’m a stay-at-home mom of three. I don’t have the budget, time, or energy to completely redecorate right now, and that’s okay.
Actually, it’s more than okay. It’s a gift.
What Is Slow Decorating?
Slow decorating is about creating a home you love, but on your timeline.
It’s intentional.
It’s budget-conscious.
It’s deeply personal.
This isn’t an HGTV 24 hour turnaround makeover (with a huge budget and crew of professionals). It’s not about rushing to “finish” a space. It’s about curating something meaningful, bit by bit, with care and patience.
What We’ve Done So Far (DIY Wins + Lessons Learned)
We live in an 1865 colonial revival farmhouse with creaky floors and big undertakings. Our budget is tight, but our creativity is flowing.
Some of the slow, simple projects we’ve tackled:
🧱 DIY faux brick wall in the entry using drywall putty and acrylic paint—an affordable, textured update that adds warmth.
🍅 Faux terracotta backsplash in the kitchen (same basic method!)—a charming, rustic touch that makes me smile every time I make dinner.
🚪DIY Faux wood front door- I took our boring (and kinda gross) fiberglass front door and turned it into the cozy cottage front door of my dreams.
🛏️ Faux shiplap wall in the bedroom—adds so much character and coziness.
🎨 Painting as we go—some choices I’ve loved, others (like the entryway trim) I’ve learned from and plan to redo.
🧺 Decluttering and simplifying—because making room for beauty starts with making room.
There are projects I’m still sitting with—like whether I want to do an old-world textured wall finish. I’m holding off for now, trusting the vision will unfold when the time is right.
I’m pulling inspiration from everywhere—Pinterest, YouTube, cozy homemaking blogs—and slowly figuring out my style. It’s evolving with me, and that’s part of the magic.
Why Slow Decorating Works (Especially for Homemakers)
If you’re a homemaker or stay-at-home mom, you probably know the feeling: you want a beautiful home, but the time, money, and energy just aren’t there right now.
Slow decorating gives you:
Freedom to make intentional choices instead of rushed ones.
Time to discover what actually works for your family.
Peace to enjoy the process instead of feeling behind.
Gratitude for each little win along the way.
It’s okay to live with blank walls while you wait for the right piece. Or to mop plywood floors as you wait for the right tile or reclaimed hardwood.
It’s okay to change your mind.
It’s okay for your home to be in progress.
How to Start Slow Decorating Today
Want to embrace slow decorating in your own home? Start here:
✅ Start with a deep declutter and clean — clarity leads to creativity.
📌 Create a vision board (physical or on Pinterest) to gather inspiration.
🪴 Make a list of potential future projects — no pressure to do them now.
🎨 Work with what you already have — move furniture, repurpose, repaint.
🛍️ Set a small monthly home budget — even $10 can go far with thrift finds.
📓 Journal what’s working and what isn’t — your style will slowly reveal itself.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Becoming
I used to feel frustrated that I couldn’t do it all at once. But now I’m learning that slow decorating isn’t just a necessity — it’s a gift.
I’m getting to know this house. I’m learning from every project. My choices are getting more and more intentional. I’m slowly making this space ours. And I’m finding joy in the process, not just the result.
Your home doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be yours.
Loved. Lived in. Shaped with intention.
And sometimes, the most beautiful spaces are the ones built over time.
💬 Let’s Chat in the Comments:
Are you slow decorating too? What projects are you dreaming of—or slowly working on? Let’s encourage one another in the waiting and the becoming.
