So what is slow living? A trend, current in design or a whole concept of worldview? Technically, it is all of the above at the same time. The philosophy of the approach to consumption and arrangement of living spaces, which now has a new round of distribution.
It is easier to explain from the opposite: it is the ideological opposite of "fast" trends that fill our information space (and often our homes) with not too high-quality, not too durable and by no means ecological things. The things we buy, then they fail, are thrown away, we buy the same thing again or something newer, invented by manufacturers during this time. Consumption that generates consumption; market ouroboros.
Slow living is about the ability to stop and look around, to slow down this endless series of acquisitions and discards, to surround yourself with "your" objects and values. Learn to pay attention to the little things that fill you up. Know the measure
"Slow" interiors are those that do not follow market trends, but reflect the owner's values. The filling of such spaces is balanced and harmonious, because every thing is in its place. Photo courtesy of ELIO HOME
Against the background of the events of recent years in the world and in Ukraine in particular, homes have acquired new meanings. We want to see them as a place of refuge and recovery. Thus, according to the reports of Deloitte, a company that specializes in international market analysis and business consulting, every year attention to the principles of sustainable development grows and becomes an increasingly fundamental criterion in shaping our everyday life - not only at the business level, but also in everyday life. .
"We conducted the first survey in March 2020. A follow-up survey conducted in March 2021 found that while consumers had shifted to more sustainable lifestyles during the pandemic, this was due to the impact of COVID-19 rather than a conscious choice to live more sustainably. However, already in 2022, consumers will also continue to look for and find ways to spend less, for example by moving to a more sustainable lifestyle and choosing goods that are more durable or that can be easily reused or repaired,” Deloitte experts report.
What about brands?
There is hardly any question as to what the brands are here for: they are a direct participant in the consumer chain. The conscious philosophy of the company, the use of natural materials, eco-friendly initiatives in production - these are the criteria by which one chooses who to go to and from whom to buy.
"Conscious design in modern interiors is an approach to the design and decoration of premises that takes into account not only aesthetic aspects, but also many other factors, such as functionality, environmental responsibility, consumer behavior, comfort and health of residents and the impact on environment. This approach contributes to the creation of balance in modern life, where time and pace are very important, and can help improve the quality of our life," says Anastasia Iskimzhi, project manager of the ELIO HOME company.
Anastasia Iskimzhi, project manager of the ELIO HOME company
The conscious philosophy of the company, the use of natural materials, eco-friendly initiatives in production are the criteria by which one chooses who to go to and from whom to buy.
ELIO HOME is a Ukrainian furniture brand of the premium segment. Currently, the company not only works in Ukraine, but also actively expands its presence on the international market. These processes require the brand to immerse itself in the global context and understand the challenges posed to the company by today's realities and the demand of the modern audience. Among them is the demand for the "slowness" of the product, its compliance with the principles of slow living. Just as it happens in the world of high fashion, it is premium brands that set the bar for quality, reflect trends and value orientations that are "in step" with the times.
"ELIO HOME is about living well, not fast. The brand philosophy includes rest, beauty, art, unity with nature and awareness. It is to live the day consciously, focusing on quality and environmental friendliness. The concepts of slow living and ELIO HOME combine the use of natural materials, minimalism, a thoughtful and focused environment that promotes relaxation and enjoyment of the moment, the present, without looking back, without worrying about tomorrow. Sometimes we really need a space where there is such an atmosphere so that we can reset, stop the constant movement, systematize our thoughts, make room for new ideas. Our furniture creates just such a space," shares Anastasia Iskimzhi.
"At the heart of the ELIO HOME philosophy is a well-thought-out and harmonious environment that promotes relaxation and enjoyment of the moment," — Anastasia Iskimzhi. Photo courtesy of ELIO HOME
Indeed, the feeling of "one's" space is often tied to what objects this space is filled with and how permanent this picture is. Indeed, it is difficult to talk about interior design as something permanent that you choose once in your life and live with it for many years. However, there are organic changes in interiors as the owner's personal growth and tastes change. And there is an incessant succession of interior items that constantly fail or cease to correspond to "fast trends" - and therefore, more often than not, end up in landfills, which is a serious problem.
Eco-awareness as a factor influencing consumption
Excessive, illiterate consumption and the resulting impact on the environment is, in fact, one of the main factors that encouraged the slow living trend to develop and spread.
It is hard to overstate the importance of ethical and sustainable design when the consequences of doing otherwise are literally right in front of our eyes
According to a study by the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), as of 2018, more than 12 million tons of furniture were produced in the United States. At the same time, 2 million tons of discarded furniture were burned and only 40 thousand tons were recycled. Instead, 9 million tons were found in landfills, which is actually three quarters of the produced volume.
Cheap furniture, designed to chase "fast" trends, is the same fast food, only in the world of design. Such furniture is cheap, but not very high-quality and not durable at all. And over long distances, they are also harmful to the environment, because landfills are filled with them in the end
So when we talk about the same famous use of natural materials, it is worth keeping in mind that it is not only about ethical production at the beginning of the journey. We also talk about the length of this journey, which is directly related to the quality of the product we buy.
"The choice of natural materials for furniture and other interior products can significantly affect their durability and wear resistance," notes Anastasia Iskimzhi. — ELIO HOME products, which use natural materials, can be considered a sustainable investment in your own living space, with a number of advantages. All natural materials are carefully selected by the ELIO HOME team. Materials such as veneer, marble, granite and eco-leather are very strong and durable. This makes them durable and guarantees the invariance of shapes, textures, and color. Natural materials have a natural and elegant look that remains relevant and classic over time. They do not lose their attractiveness and style. And since all materials are natural, they are ecological and safe for health.
"The choice of natural materials for furniture and other interior products can significantly affect their durability and wear resistance," — Anastasia Iskimzhi. Photo courtesy of ELIO HOME
It is important for us to combine quality, design and an eco-conscious approach in the product - this ultimately makes it possible to ensure the durability and efficiency of furniture for a long time."
The use of natural materials in furniture design in such a way that the manufactured products are more ecological and comply with the principles of sustainability is one of the main priorities of modern brands. It is not only local workshops or individual brands that are talking about this - press releases and expositions at world exhibitions testify to the scale of the discussion.
Thus, Milan's Salone del Mobile exhibition, which is undoubtedly one of the most significant annual events in this design segment, in 2023 was focused precisely on eco-friendly projects and initiatives of modern brands. The Italian brand Pedrali, for example, presented the #PedraliBacktoNature project, and with it a new stand made entirely of natural raw materials. The design of the stand allows for easy dismantling with the prospect of reuse or separate processing of used materials.
Pedrali stand at Salone del Mobile 23. Photo: Ottavio Tomasini
"We chose materials not only by the criteria of naturalness, but also by their expressive properties. Each space of the stand is characterized by its own volume and fits into the general range of natural earthy shades, such as beige and sand. The possibility of recycling emphasizes the philosophy of sustainable development that Pedrali adheres to: to fill a space means to take care of the environment for the well-being of those who use it," share the authors of the project.
Pedrali stand at Salone del Mobile 23. Photo: Ottavio Tomasini
The slow living approach advocates not only ecological, but also ethical consumption. It supports conscious producers who do not harm the environment
The one who bears corporate responsibility for the environment and his own influence on it deserves attention. The one who embodies this responsibility in concrete initiatives and strives to cause less harm deserves trust.
"As far as recycling is concerned, we use exclusively aluminum profiles in our furniture - our own developments. As you know, aluminum is one of the most recycled metals, in the process of recycling, its physical and mechanical properties are not lost. We use all wood residues to make special pellets and have solid fuel to heat our premises in autumn and winter. It also helps us to develop production from a more conscious and ecological position. In addition, this decision saved us quite a bit last year during blackouts, - Anastasiya Iskimzhi tells about the environmental initiatives in the production of ELIO HOME. — Economical production has been one of the priorities of our company for many years. This vector of development involves the involvement of all employees in the optimization process. Actually, the concept of the maximum value of the product for the consumer and our desire to be exactly the kind of company that hears and listens to the needs of its client, allows us to implement lean tools 100%.
Photo courtesy of ELIO HOME
So, for a long time
Slow living, however, is not only about sustainability. It is also a philosophy of respect for one's own preferences and needs - focus on them, and not on the "fast" trends offered by the market. The environment built according to these principles is comfortable, unique and really desirable at the level of the deepest and most sincere human values.
It is impossible to grasp the art of comforting the everyday when it is filled with "not your" things
Therefore, the approach to consumption should be balanced. If the color is your favorite, if the furniture is for you, if it is yours, then for a long time.
In such a plane of reasoning, brands that are able to understand the client's need and provide a unique, customized solution have the greatest success. When it comes to international operations, this process can be difficult: too many variables appear in a production chain that already includes logistics and processing orders from different parts of the world.
However, as for example, the already mentioned ELIO HOME found a solution. The brand offered clients a platform — a system that allows you to customize the chosen item of furniture by color, dimensions, and other parameters. This option allows the company to manufacture furniture still within the framework of the developed collections, but to adapt the objects to the needs of the client and the specifics of the locations where this furniture will eventually be placed.
The ELIO HOME platform makes it possible to customize products according to the customer's individual needs. The client can choose the color and texture of every detail of the product — from the fabric of the wall panels to the overlays on the door handles. Photo courtesy of ELIO HOME
At the same time, ELIO HOME products are stylistically distinguished by concise forms and expressiveness of natural textures. Such a handwriting harmoniously fits into the concept of "meaningful simplicity", which is translated by the philosophy of slow living. ELIO HOME products are presented not individually, but in lines, as complex and harmonized interior solutions.
"If we are talking about the line of ELIO HOME products, capable of forming a balanced and comprehensive solution in tandem, then we can consider products from each category. For example, the AIR LINE wardrobe system opens up space for creative interior design, allowing you to create a feeling of transparency and spatial openness in any room, - shares Anastasia Iskimzhi, giving examples. — Veneered wall panels are also worthy of attention: the wood has unique textures and grain that give the furniture a natural and organic look. The wide variety of wood textures offered by ELIO HOME allows you to add coziness and warmth to any interior. It is also an association with nature and health, a simple aesthetic that encourages rest and relaxation.
"ELIO HOME is about living well, not fast," - Anastasia Iskimzhi. Photo courtesy of ELIO HOME
On the example of the CARBON kitchen, we can also demonstrate compliance with this trend. A kitchen island made of stone speaks of strength and durability. This is a material that stands the test of time and has the ability to remain unchanged for decades. Simple, smooth lines and minimal decoration enhance the impression of slowness and simplicity. The UMBRA kitchen, for its part, brings us back to the warm autumn forest, and its color solution and the pleasant grain of the veneered surfaces calm and harmonize the state of constant tension and movement. At the same time, both kitchens are fully equipped with innovative designs and premium quality fittings."
Kitchen Carbon. A joint project with the art director of ELIO - Maryna Cherkashina. Photo: Serhiy Savchenko. Photo courtesy of ELIO HOME
After all, slow living is a lifestyle in which there is no room for excess and noise
Everyday life, filled with a million tasks and information drives, should be balanced by the presence of a comfort zone. Housing is a place where you want to feel at home, your own among others, and not the owner of a bunch of temporary little things that have neither permanence nor peace. Filling our spaces are our reflections. When it is comfortable, conscious and "quiet" around - with greater probability it will be so in the heart and in the head.
