Your home has the power to heal. Nikki Hunt, principal of Design Intervention, shares how thoughtful design choices – from better lighting to toxin-free materials – can transform your space into a sanctuary for health and well-being.
14 November 2024
Text by Nikki Hunt, Principal of Design Intervention
We all know the basics of a healthy lifestyle: eating well, exercising regularly, getting good sleep, and staying connected with others. But did you know there’s another pillar of health that’s often overlooked? It’s the environment around us, especially the very homes we live in. In Singapore, where we spend a staggering 90% of our time indoors, the spaces we inhabit have a profound impact on our well-being.
While genetics may predispose us to certain diseases, it’s our environment that pulls the trigger. The air we breathe, the light we’re exposed to, and the materials that surround us – all of these influence our health in significant ways. Yet, the built environment is rarely considered when we think about health and wellness. It should be.
Creating a healthier home environment doesn’t demand drastic lifestyle changes – it’s about making smart choices that work passively in the background. A home filled with clean, fresh air can reduce your risk of respiratory issues, and good lighting, especially in the evening, can support your circadian rhythm, helping you sleep better. Insufficient sleep, combined with long-term exposure to environmental toxins, has been linked to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, dementia, and diabetes. These invisible stressors, like VOCs from paints and building materials, can undermine our health over time. But with thoughtful design choices, you can limit their impact.
There’s so much in the world we can’t control, but when it comes to our homes, we have the power to create healthier spaces – and it doesn’t take much. Start by looking at the air you breathe. An air purifier can work wonders, filtering out pollutants and allergens, while a dehumidifier helps keep moisture levels down, reducing the risk of mould and limiting the release of harmful VOCs from materials. Just by improving air quality, you’re already on your way to a healthier home.
Even smaller tweaks, like ventilating your home regularly by opening windows, can make a difference. Think of it as giving your space a deep breath of fresh air.
Next, think about lighting. Switching out harsh, flickering LEDs for low-flicker, amber bulbs in the evening can help reset your body’s natural sleep cycle. Want a creative solution? Use layered lighting, where brighter task lights are balanced by softer ambient lights, allowing you to mimic the natural changes in daylight. And for that extra touch, consider dimmable lights or smart bulbs that can adjust throughout the day.
Materials matter too. Opt for natural fibres and low-toxin finishes in your furniture and decor. It could be as simple as choosing solid wood furniture over particle board, or swapping synthetic rugs for organic wool. These choices reduce the presence of chemicals like formaldehyde and flame retardants, making your home a safer, more calming place to be.
Don’t forget your cleaning products – by switching to non-toxic, plant-based alternatives, you’re reducing the chemical load in your home with every scrub.
When it comes to health, your bedroom is the most important space in your home. Think of it as the repair shop for your body and mind. Sleep is when we heal, restore, and consolidate memories, so optimising your bedroom for the best possible sleep is the single most impactful investment you can make for your health.
1. Go Natural
Replace synthetic textiles like polyester and nylon with natural fibres like cotton, linen, or wool to reduce airborne microplastics. For an extra health boost, invest in a natural, flame-retardant-free mattress to lower VOC exposure.
2. Get Dusting
Dust is a carrier for toxins, so keep it under control with a natural fibre rug, like wool, which traps dust and keeps it from circulating. Vacuum daily with a HEPA filter to capture dust and allergens, keeping the air in your bedroom cleaner.
3. Banish Electronics
Remove TVs and devices from the bedroom to avoid blue light and EMFs. Many electronics also contain flame retardants, which release harmful VOCs over time. All these can disrupt your sleep and health, so creating a tech-free space is key to promoting deeper rest.
4. Keep it Dark
Block out light to support your body’s natural sleep rhythm. Use blackout curtains, remove any glowing electronics, and, if necessary, add a dim nightlight for safety.
5. Humidity and Ventilation
High humidity encourages mould, dust mites, and VOC release. Use a dehumidifier to keep levels between 40–60% and open windows daily to let fresh air circulate, creating a healthier sleep environment.
Design Intervention
www.designintervention.com.sg
Images courtesy of Design Intervention
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