Making design choices based on wellness, health
New York designer Robin Wilson specializes in eco- friendly homes, rooms and products.
She has written two books on creating wellness and health- focused living environments, is an expert on topics including sustainability and has ideas on design for allergy and asthma sufferers. Here is an edited excerpt of our online chat.
Q: I often see furniture that's made with ecofriendly materials labeled to indicate that. But I don't see these labels on smaller home furnishings, such as pillows or decorative accessories. Where can I find eco- friendly, smaller decor?
A: There are few labels on decorative items. One online resource is the Sustainable Furnishings Council ( sustainablefurnishings.org). The SFC is the leading nonprofit that guides consumers to the best companies that have eco- friendly practices and products. All the information there is free, and it provides a scorecard for furniture and furnishings.
Q: I'm getting a dog, but I'm allergic. What can I do inside of my home to keep my allergies from flaring up?
A: Most people who have animal- dander allergies clean their spaces more frequently or train their animals to refrain from curling up on certain chairs, so that piece remains free from dander. I recommend that you consider a room vacuum and program it to sweep during the day to remove pet hair. You should also Swiffer regularly to pick up dust, hair and dander. Ask your physician and local veterinarian which dog species are best for those with allergies.
Q: I'm buying a couple of small area rugs to layer over a carpet that's the size of the room. What type of pad should I use to keep the area rugs as secure as possible?
A: I recommend felt rug pads. They can be cut easily to size, and most come with varied thickness. I don't recommend options that have a petroleum or vinyl base because they sometimes discolor a hardwood floor. Look at Wayfair ( wayfair. com) or Rug Pad ( rugpadusa.com).
Q: I'm redesigning my home, and I've decided on a more open concept to accommodate the sight and communication efficiency of my partially deaf family and friends. I'll build large pocket doors to segment rooms and create a cozy vibe. My idea is to create mini master suites by constructing Murphy beds along walls that buttress ADA- compliant bathrooms, but the beds are expensive. Are there more cost- effective alternatives?
A: Although some Murphy beds are elaborate, there are many available at various price points. The most important part is selecting an option that's safe and will secure properly to the wall. Some firms I recommend are Wayfair, Resource Furniture ( resourcefurniture.com) and Lori Wall Beds ( loriwallbeds.com), which all have different options and price points. If you're trying to be ADA compliant, make sure the bed is not too low to the ground.
Q: We are temporarily in a very old rental home. We have baseboard electric heat that we have no control over, so I purchased an air purifier for our bedroom for the winter. Should I be concerned about the air in other rooms?
A: The bedroom is the most important space to consider for an air purifier. Make sure to change the filter regularly. If you are working from home or use your living room, you might want to consider an air purifier for those rooms, too. I also recommend opening your windows for five minutes each day to let fresh air in, especially in a home office, where volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, may be emitted by your printer or other electronics.
Q: I'm concerned about chemicals in my laundry detergents. What should I look for in terms of killing germs and being environmentally friendly?
A: My top choice is the Seventh Generation( seventh generation. com) product line, because it's plantbased and concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Many Earth- friendly options are safe for those with allergies and chemi cal-sensitive skin. I recommend considering ultra-concentrated liquid detergent that does not have extra packaging. Your goal is to rely on plant- based surfactants, such as coconut, instead of synthetic ingredients to wash away dirt and grime. And make sure your appliances have Energy Star certification.