Slow Design: The new essence of interior design

At the recent ELLE Decoration Awards 2025 gala, Slow Design was introduced as the leading trend of the year. As Marta Riopérez, the magazine’s director, explained, it is not about designing slowly but about creating with pure and sophisticated essence. This philosophy redefines the way we design and experience spaces, placing well-being and connection with those around us at the center.

The origin of slow design: From cuisine to design

Slow Design finds its roots in Italy, in the Slow Food movement, which emerged as a response to the opening of a McDonald’s franchise in Rome’s Piazza di Spagna. Slow Food advocates for the enjoyment of regional products and traditional meals, promoting a sustainable and environmentally respectful gastronomic culture. Over time, this philosophy expanded into other fields, giving rise to the Slow Movement, which seeks to regain control of time and prioritize quality over speed in various aspects of life, including design.

The principles of slow design

Slow Design promotes mindful creation, where functionality and beauty combine with respect for the environment and people. Its core values include:

• Individual, social, and environmental well-being: Prioritizing the quality of life of those who use spaces.
• Use of local and recycled materials: Emphasizing artisanal and sustainable production.
• Timeless and durable design: Creating pieces that transcend generations, avoiding planned obsolescence.
• Sociocultural benefits: Seeking to rescue traditional techniques and foster a connection with local identity.
• Efficiency and sustainability: Minimizing environmental impact by reducing energy use and avoiding toxic materials.

This philosophy moves away from mass commercialization and focuses on designing for people first, rather than for the market, valuing craftsmanship and the essence of each creation.

SENSE: The expression of slow design at TAU

At TAU, this sensitivity towards Slow Design has inspired our creative concept SENSE. This 2025 collection is born from the pursuit of essentials, celebrating sophistication that emerges from the purity of design.

With SENSE, we focus on:

• Timeless forms and noble materials that stand the test of time.
• Natural colors and textures that evoke calm and harmony.
• A refined aesthetic that eliminates excess and enhances the essential.
• A commitment to sustainability, choosing recycled materials and responsible processes.

In a world dominated by immediacy and visual noise, SENSE represents a sanctuary of calm and clarity, an expression of luxury based on authenticity and emotional connection with spaces. Because design is not just about aesthetics but about creating environments that inspire a more conscious and enriching way of life.

Why SENSE?

The name SENSE comes from English and means ‘sense,’ referring both to sensory perception and the deeper meaning of things. In the context of Slow Design and Slow Living, ‘sense’ implies designing with purpose, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also convey balance and harmony.

The SENSE concept embodies the essence of Slow Design and Slow Living. Its meaning goes beyond design; it is an invitation to experience spaces in a sensory, authentic, and mindful way. SENSE evokes the ability to perceive, feel, and connect with the environment, creating a bond between the user and the space they inhabit.

Each piece in this collection is designed to be more than just an object: it is an experience that invites calmness, present-moment enjoyment, and appreciation of beauty in its purest form. Choosing SENSE means embracing a lifestyle where sustainability, harmony, and timelessness are the true luxuries.

Redefining luxury through Slow Design

Luxury is no longer tied to ostentation but to the quality of experience. SENSE embodies this new definition, where every detail is a statement of intention and every piece an invitation to enjoy beauty in its purest form.

With this collection, TAU establishes itself as a benchmark in conscious design, offering solutions that respect the balance between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

SENSE is an invitation to experience design with authenticity.