INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HOME
It is not unusual for our Blue Mountains clients to prioritise health and wellbeing when discussing their Interior Design vision with our experienced team. Whether it is the choice of floor covering, textiles for curtains, blinds, or sofas, or even options for home heating, out with the old and in with the new becomes a holistic decision that extends further that aesthetic, when renovating our client’s homes. This is especially critical for our cold climate, where old carpets, curtains and blinds or sofas may be igniting asthma, allergies or worse still, creating problems, where they are prone to mould, dust mites. Even superseded models of heating sources can be a cause of concern for health.
Today, we share our expert Interior Design tips for creating a home that nurtures you and your family’s wellbeing.
Floor coverings
The type and quality of your floor covering, level of foot traffic and location of the space, especially whether it is prone to moisture are the key contributing factors when deciding on the healthiest choice for flooring. These are also the factors to consider in deciding when to replace your floorcoverings.
It does go without saying that regular cleaning can extend the life of your floors and improve indoor air quality, as well as the quality of your flooring, therefore frequent vacuuming and/or mopping is critical.
When choosing floor coverings for a healthy home consider materials that promote indoor air quality, are non-toxic, and are easy to clean.
Here are some of the best options:
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- Hardwood: Natural hardwood, especially engineered timber flooring, is most often the best choice. It is easy to clean, doesn’t harbor allergens, such as dust mites and can be finished with non-toxic sealants. Engineered flooring is exceptionally durable, which means it will last much longer before you need to consider resealing.
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- Tile: Ceramic or porcelain tiles are easy to clean and do not emit harmful chemicals. They’re also resistant to moisture and allergens.
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- Carpets: Carpets are a tricky one. With variations in textures and textiles, there is a lot to consider. Here are some key points.
- Carpets should be replaced every 5-10 (max) years.
- Wool carpets are naturally flame-resistant and hypoallergenic. The lack of moisture in wool makes it difficult for dust mites to survive which is a major cause for those with allergies and asthma. Additionally, wool carpets are naturally insulating, which will help with thermal control in your home.
- If your space is prone to humidity, mould, or mildew (which many Blue Mountains homes are) and carpet is the only option, opt for nylon or synthetic, as it is less absorbent. The backing of the carpet is equally as important as the surface, as this is also likely to harvest mould, and is less easily cleaned.
- Most carpeting, if properly cleaned and maintained, would generally last a maximum of 10 years, before it becomes a health concern. If it hasn’t been well maintained, then the reasonable life expectancy of your carpet may be closer to 5 years.
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- When it comes to the choice of cut pile Vs loop pile, dust penetration is less likely with a denser material, such as loop pile. However, it be easier for your vacuum to lift any dirt, dust, or debris from a cut pile fabric, especially if it is shorter in length.
- Carpets: Carpets are a tricky one. With variations in textures and textiles, there is a lot to consider. Here are some key points.
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- Vinyl (Luxury Vinyl Tile): If you’re in the market for a cost effective, easy to clean floor covering, vinyl may be your go to. Ask for options that are phthalate-free and have low VOC emissions.
In today’s flooring market, consumer awareness and demand, as well as new and emerging legislations calling for sustainable, low tox flooring alternatives, (including those which use recycled materials) means new technologies and flooring products are becoming healthier and more sustainable. This provides much reassurance in knowing that your replacement flooring will offer a healthier choice for your family, than your, existing flooring, particularly if it is well aged.
Curtains, Blinds & Shutters
Curtains and blinds, particularly those made from natural fibres, can be prone to mould, mildew, and dust mites. Depending on the material, wear and tear and frequency of cleaning, replacement should be considered every 5-10 years, particularly if they are in high traffic, dusty or mould/mildew prone areas.
Choosing textiles for your window furnishings is very important when it comes to your health. A few considerations to make are:
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- Natural Fabrics: Whilst natural is the low tox choice, natural fabrics are more likely to absorb moisture and can be harder to clean if mould or mildew are an issue.
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- In high moisture areas, choose a poly-blend or a full synthetic which is less likely to hold moisture and therefore be less prone to mildew and easier to clean.
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- If hypoallergenic options are a priority, polyester blends and synthetics are more resistant to dust, mould, and other allergens.
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- Be sure to ask about curtains which can be dry cleaned, are machine washable or wipeable for easy cleaning.
If you would like to explore this topic further, you may like to explore our blog post ‘Choosing the right textiles for your home’
Sofas & Soft Furnishings
Your sofa and soft furnishings can become a haven for allergens, mould and even bacteria, especially if they are frequented by children and pets. If your sofa is older and hard to clean, it is most likely to be harbouring dust mites and other allergens. Consider replacing it every 7-10 years.
Regularlyvacuuming your sofa and upholstery with a HEPA filter to remove dust, allergens, and pet fur will ensure better longevity and healthier soft furnishings. Consider professional upholstery cleaning every 1-2 years or use a steam cleaner if the fabric allows to keep bacteria and viruses at bay.
When buying new, look for hypoallergenic, non-toxic fabrics that are resistant to stains and easy to clean. For those with young children, teenagers, and pets,choosing a sofa with removable, washable covers is best, especially where sickness can be a problem.
Leather can also be a good, low tox and natural option for those with extreme dust allergies.
With a world of options when it comes to fabrics and styles, custom, Australian made Molmic sofas are at the forefront in ensuring you are making a sustainable and healthy investment for your home and family.
Home Heating
Keeping your home warm during winter in the Blue Mountains is a primary concern for many families in ensuring their families wellbeing. Some heating sources, particularly unflued gas, can raise even greater health concerns, particularly for young children, the elderly or those with lung conditions, such as asthma.
Replacing old technology when it comes to heating will not only prioritise your family’s wellbeing, but it can also improve energy efficiency and lower the costs associated with heating.
Thirty years ago, wood burning fireplaces were primarily cherished for their ambiance, rather than efficiency. Today, one of the most significant advancements in modern wood fireplace technology is the reduction of emissions. Older fireplaces were notorious for releasing large amounts of particulate matter and pollutants into the atmosphere, which not only effect the environment, but also the health and wellbeing of the community. Along with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards for emissions, wood burning fireplace design has been forced to evolve, ensuring they are environmentally responsible and healthier choices for home heating. Today, newer fireplace models are designed to burn wood more completely, resulting in significantly lower emissions, in some cases, up to 80% less!
You can learn more about fireplaces in our blog post ‘Is it time to replace your old wood fireplace for a more ‘economic’ and ‘eco’ efficient solution?
As the leading Interior Designers of the Blue Mountains, Thornton & Blake consider our role in approaching our clients brief with a holistic vision, considering not only the visual appeal, but the functionality of the space, the wellbeing of those who live there and the budget of our clients in delivering a home that our clients will truly love.