Health and Wellness In Your Home

As a designer who is ASID, I am required to take courses to maintain my accreditation.  Frankly, while I give lectures and seminars, I do enjoy “going back to school” on the internet at the ASID Academy.  I decided this time to take a series of courses on Health and Wellness in the home and workplace and it re-affirmed my belief that your home is a major influence on your well-being and peace of mind.

From heating, to air, water, noise, accessibility and more, our homes can be our safe haven or our worst nightmare.  Many of these elements can be controlled and improved even if our home is not new construction.

To eliminate noise:
• You can plan to re-locate noisy equipment far from “rest” areas
• Cushion sound with padding under carpeting on hard surface flooring
• Replace doors that are not solid core
• Use products to support acoustics (re: upholstered walls)

To promote accessibility:
• Use ramps where needed instead of stairs
• Carpet stairs for safety or get a chair lift or elevator installed
• In bathroom redo’s, consider a comfort height toilet and grab bars in the shower and tub

For cleaner air:
• VOC absorbing gypsum board in new construction can remove air pollutants
• A good ventilation system can maintain fresh air, preserve correct levels of oxygen control CO2 and moisture, and remove dust and odors
• Hepa filters and other filters should be used and cleaned or replaced routinely 
• Vacuum air/heat registers often
• Select and maintain carpets and floors for minimum dirt build-up
• Open windows and let clean air and light in
• Test systems often to protect from germ infiltration

For your health and positive outlook:
• Let in the light and enjoy nature
• Avoid glare with proper window treatments that still allow for the enjoyment of the view or use window film

For cleaner water:
• Filter your drinking water
• Never drink hot water out of the faucet
• Drain residential water heaters
• Add a water filtration system that filters water not only for drinking but for showering, bathing and clothes washing, as well. 

So – start the new year by making your home clean, safe and orderly.  Designers can help you chose the right products and systems as well as bringing physical beauty in through furnishings, art and accessories.  Happy Healthy 2018!