Slow design and slow processes

Slow, calm, careful, detailed... that is slow design, the kind that invites us to slow down, to favor a more ethical way of consumption, and to move away from excess.

Making of Casa Decor

Philosophy slow Think about objects made with care, environmentally friendly, and durable over time, and we see it more and more present in interior design and architecture projects. It's time to give importance again to quality materials, artisanal products, and, as much as possible, local ones.

It is increasingly common to see projects that take their time to appreciate everyday objects, as natural as possible and native to the area. The aim is to move away from mass industrial production, favoring small artisan workshops.

This idea of Slow Design is fully evident in Serene Touch, the space created by Patricia Bustos for Bathco English Casa Decor.

Everything is done serenely, calmly, and manually, as artisans work, with the experience of respect, care, and beauty.a

The interior designer pays homage to touch, on the one hand to reassert a more human world in the face of digitalization and on the other hand, a homage to craftsmanship. Patricia Bustos assures that “All the elements present in Serene Touch are made by hand, artisanally, and ad hoc for that space. Everything is made serenely, calmly, and manually, as artisans work, with the experience of respect, care, and beauty.a”.

And it's that each element of the space has a story. The artists at the Bathco workshop brought the counter, the bench, the lamps, the table legs, and the sinks with their pedestals to life.

View project Serene touch

The rattan covering the walls originated thanks to expert hands, like the bricks covering the wave wall or the checkerboard mosaic of Hisbalit. The chair Houtique, the counter lamp, etc., everything is created in dedicated national workshops, and each element manages to convey that design consumption philosophy, which can be described through sensations and emotions.

The choice and manufacturing process of materials is a fundamental piece of slow design and can also be seen in the Villalba's Hostel renovated by the architecture studio Lucas and Hernández-Gil which recovers the values of vernacular architecture from a contemporary perspective.

The intervention consisted of recovering the original spaces, and new openings between them and towards the courtyard have been made. This allows for opening up perspectives and increasing luminosity. The existing structure has been preserved. Traditional finishes have been applied. We observe, among other things, the use of rough lime mortar on all walls and lime wash on the vaults.

From the architecture studio, they say that “For the pavement, original clay, which had been completely lost, was chosen. Local pottery artisans were consulted, and they manufactured new pieces with a texture and feel similar to the antique ones.”.

Here are some tips to achieve slow living spaces:

• Obtain unique or limited edition handmade items whenever possible.

• Opt for timeless pieces so they last longer in our space.

• Recycling objects or furniture can reduce consumption.

• Use natural materials, such as wood or natural fibers. Read the article on the authenticity of natural fibers.