The home has become more and more important to most people after the various lockdowns we have all been through. The increase in DIY around the house and garden makeovers are illustrating this is still an upward trend. Our home is the place we need to feel relaxed, energetic, peaceful, happy, inspired - a place we need to work, spend time with the family and now (at long last) entertain - but also, more than ever we are thinking about the effect home decor has on our general wellbeing and how it makes us feel, as well as it looks.
Not just this, but we are also considering the effect our choices have on the planet - so here we have put the basic elements of a home that is both wellbeing-friendly and eco-friendly home.
Biophilia - bring nature into your home
Bringing in houseplants has been on the home agenda for some time - the benefits of this has been widely talked about all over mainstream TV, newspapers and social media, and for a very good reason. Having nature around you brings a sense of calm, whilst bringing the outdoors in has well documented benefits to both your mental and physical health.
You can start small and get a couple of easy to care for indoor plants. Begin with the living room - add some hanging plants from the ceiling or put an assortment of green plants on a reclaimed wood sideboard. In the dining room you can use a house plant as a living centrepiece on a reclaimed wood dining table or position a large green palm next a rustic console table in the hallway for a soothing welcome. This also includes being able to look out to nature from your home where possible so position your furniture to get the best view of the great outdoors.
Air quality and heat-recovery and ventilation system
Air quality is another area that can affect the wellbeing of you and your home. If you can, open windows as much as possible to let in fresh air - of course, this may not always be possible if you live in an area with high air pollution. If this is an issue for you, look into installing a ventilation system that purifies the air in your home. This would be hugely beneficial to asthma and allergy sufferers. You can also research more eco-friendly ways to heat your home - bear in mind that the initial outlay may be more but as a rule, they are considerably cheaper to run - you may also qualify for a grant which would also help reduce installation costs.
Cut out chemicals
Try to cut out chemicals wherever possible - start with using water-based paints when you are decorating. Don't overlook soft furniture when you're checking for chemicals - a sofa for example that has a stain-resistant treatment or has fire retardant properties could well be emitting small chemical particles long after it is in your home. If you're buying a kingsize wooden bed frame for your bedroom then check what it has been finished with - a more natural product such as a high-quality natural wax is best.
Buy furniture that lasts
Reclaimed wood furniture lasts for years. Reclaimed wood tends to get used in high-quality furniture that are seen as investment pieces that will go on to become heirlooms, bringing you and the family endless joy and memories. An industrial dining table in your kitchen or dining room will hold memories of Christmases and many other family celebrations for years to come. Using reclaimed wood is good for the environment but having this little piece of nature in your home makes it good for your wellbeing too.
