Analogue Spaces are Trending on TikTok, This is How to Create Yours

If you find yourself opening your laptop without a second thought, or cringe every time your screen time report pops up, an analogue space might be just what your home needs.

These days, technology seems to infiltrate every room – from voice assistants to smart appliances and digital displays. And while a lot of it is helpful, it can also become overwhelming. This year, Interior designer Hans Lorei made a TikTok about the rise of intentional analogue spaces, and the concept has caught on, with more people seeking respite from technology.

If the thought of leaving your phone in another room and retreating to a distraction-free haven sounds refreshing, read on.

Bring the outdoors in

Get back to nature with the perfect antidote to digital overwhelm. Nothing brings a sense of calm to a space more than lush greenery, so investing in some indoor plants will allow you to reset and relax while surrounded by nature's beauty. If you have the space, opt for large plants like monsteras and palms for a verdant focal point or offer a tranquil feel with a trailing devil’s ivy. Other natural elements like wooden and rattan furniture will also complement an earthy toned offline space.

Keep time offline

Although time might drift while you’re immersed in your analogue space, you still need to keep track of the time somehow. A good old-fashioned wall clock or digital clock without an internet connection will add a timeless touch. Consider incorporating vintage-inspired clocks, which can lend a sense of nostalgia, or an hourglasses or sun clocks for a decorative yet functional way to track the passage of time without the pressure of constant digital notifications.

Embrace creativity

While creating an analogue space, you might want to do a digital detox, or start to consider how to be intentional with your time. We all need to relax, switch our brains off and binge a tv series every now and then, but when’s the last time you spent a few hours tapping into your creativity without any digital distractions? Think about how you might integrate a creative hobby into your space with low-tech objects. Enjoy writing? Invest in a typewriter or pens and journals instead of using a laptop. Are you a music buff? A vinyl record player will add charm and character rather than relying on digital music sources. If you have musical instruments, make this room their home. Or, if you love reading, a stacked book shelf is a perfect touch.

Make it personal

The online world can feel stifling, there are so many options flying about and it can feel like a sensory overload. Ensure your analogue space feels entirely different to being online by making it a reflection of your personal style and taste. Think about the colours, patterns and elements that make you feel most calm and at home. This is your corner of the world, and you can decorate and design it however you feel comfortable!

Adapt it to your needs

Not everyone has enough space in their home to transform an entire living area into a tech-free zone, but the concept can be adapted to suit you. Consider turning your bedroom into an analogue space by replacing phone alarms with a digital clock and removing tvs, laptops and tablets. It might take some getting used to, but ensuring that your bedroom is purely a space for sleep and winding down is great for sleep hygiene. After a few weeks of reading instead of scrolling before bed, you’ll feel well-rested and less overwhelmed.

If you’re not quite ready to designate a whole room into an offline sanctuary, start with a section of the home instead. It will take some self control not to use your devices, but assigning a nook as an unplugged area will allow you to shift your mindset when you enter that space.