4 Home Decorating Tips for Better Air Quality

Home Decorating for Health?

As a homeowner, you want your home to be a relaxing, comfortable environment for you and your loved ones to enjoy. We often think of interior decorating and home decor selections as a way to achieve those goals. But did you know that many of the decisions you make when it comes to your home can also enhance — or compromise — your health?

Everything from the type of decor you choose to liven up your rooms to the way you manage your cleaning routine can affect the quality of air in your home. Today we’ll be exploring some of the choices you can make to support improved air quality.

Here are five ways to ensure your house supports not only your desired aesthetic but your health, too:

1. Go Green

First, can you name a natural detoxifier that will purify air while also being nice to look at? If you guessed “plants,” you are absolutely correct. Studies done by NASA revealed that plants can filter harmful toxins that cause negative health effects like headaches and nausea.

Some plants are more effective at improving air quality than others. For instance, the spider plant (chlorophytum) removes approximately 90% of chemicals from the air, according to the aforementioned NASA study. Alternatively, the peace lily (staphiphyllum) is easy to care for, and it can reduce the humidity in your rooms — perfect for getting rid of dry noses.

NASA recommends one plant for every 100 square feet of real estate. To keep your plants thriving, be sure you care for them properly. Soil must be kept free from sugars and exposure to liquids other than water; this will help eliminate flies. Vegetated plants with white speckled leaves require plenty of light. Each plant comes with its own care instructions, and you should do your best to follow them.

2. Upgrade to a “Smart” Thermostat

Want a cutting-edge, modern look for your home? A smart thermostat brings a unique edge to your décor. These systems are sleekly designed, and they provide plenty of helpful information about your home’s humidity and air quality.

Smart thermostats make life more convenient by allowing you to adjust your heating and cooling from your smartphone. What’s more, the system can learn from your typical behavior patterns and turn systems off and on as it predicts you’ll need them. Lastly, smart thermostats provide handy data about your AC filter status, so you’ll never miss a routine change again.

3. Rethink the Ordinary

A clean home is a standard most of us try to meet — few things offer more peace of mind than a spotless, dust-free abode. There are benefits beyond that, though. For example, a regular dusting schedule can eliminate dust and irritants from the air, thus protecting your lungs, reducing your risk of allergies, and helping respiratory issues like asthma.

Here are some suggestions for transforming your home in ways you may have overlooked:

• Get rid of clutter. A simple, minimalist look for your home can be a great way to draw attention to visual focal points, like a stunning fireplace or a family portrait on the wall. What’s more, less clutter means fewer places for dust to gather.
• Replace curtains with blinds. Although blinds require regular cleaning just like curtains do, soft furnishings can be a serious magnet for dust. Switching to dust-resistant shades and cleaning them regularly with a damp cloth will boost your air quality in no time.
• Swap carpets for hardwood floor or laminate. Eliminating carpets might seem like a big step, but hardwood floors are both stylish and much easier to clean. Whereas your carpeted floors can cling to dust even after a vacuum, your hardwood floors will be clean with just a quick mopping.

Always remember to replace your furnace and air conditioning filters regularly as part of your monthly routine. Filters prevent dust from blowing throughout the home and undoing all your hard work.

4. Opt for Natural Scents

Cans of air freshener and bulky plug-in devices can diminish the impact of your interior décor efforts. What’s more, many of these devices are filled with chemicals and VOCs that damage air quality. It may take some creativity, but you can absolutely enjoy an amazing-smelling home without compromising on air quality.

Try making a DIY air freshener with a diffuser and some essential oils, or add bunches of fresh herbs or flowers around the house. Also, consider investing in an up-to-date air purifier. The latest models are sleek and attractive — just like your smart thermostat! — and they’ll help eliminate odors, dust, and other pollutants.

Improving Home Style and Air Quality

Creating a beautiful home for yourself and your family isn’t just about choosing the right paint colors and color schemes. For a happier and healthier life, it pays to implement an interior design strategy that will provide a literal breath of fresh air.

Just remember that the tips above are meant as an enhancement to a proper HVAC strategy, as using the right heating and cooling system has the strongest, long-lasting impact on the way air circulates around your home. Reach out to Bob Jenson for advice on how to achieve the best indoor air quality possible.