CREATING A NATURAL SANCTUARY WITH HEALTHY ABODE

Creating a healthy home can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when it comes to choosing products and furniture that are going to support your health and wellbeing. That's why we asked Lee-Anne of Healthy Abode for her expert insights into creating a space that not only treads lightly on the environment but allows you to create a healthy, natural sanctuary. 

What does a natural, clean and simple home mean to you? 

1. Good design elements to maximise natural light and fresh air.
2. Selecting non-toxic building materials, no VOC finishes, and furnishings made from natural materials to help reduce toxicity.
3. Removing clutter from your home to increase productivity and decrease stress.
4. Using indoor plants to boost your mood and improve air quality. 

How can we begin to create a healthier sanctuary to call home?

Start in the bedroom as that is where we spend the most time rejuvenating whilst we sleep. Choose a mattress made from natural fibers such as 100% natural latex, organic wool, or organic cotton. Other mattresses can be laden with chemicals that impact the air quality of the room.

Your bed frame should be made of solid timber finished with natural oils or waxes. Avoid beds made of particleboard, fibreboard and finished in toxic lacquer and paints. Then make sure that you choose organic bed linen with the GOTS certification (Global Organic Textile Standard) whenever replacing your sheets. This eliminates exposure to flame retardants, toxic dyes, heavy metals, and pesticides.

Lastly, I always recommend turning your Wi-Fi router/modem off at night and placing your phone on flight mode to reduce exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). 

What are your favourite materials to use when styling your home? 

I like to work with a neutral palette incorporating different fabrics and textures, such as wool, linen, organic cotton, jute, and hemp. This in conjunction with indoor plants, beeswax candles, and essential oils to create a calming and relaxed space to live in.

Which Totem Road piece are you loving at the moment?

The Wynter Dining Table – who doesn’t love good food and company around a solid oak table, creating memories with loved ones? This is a staple piece in any home that can be passed down through the generations.

What questions should we ask when purchasing interiors and products for our home to make sure they tread lightly and support us in creating a healthy space? 

1. Invest in lifelong timeless pieces that suit your lifestyle. Buy what you love as opposed to what is in on-trend. 
2. Buying new furniture can contain nasties such as formaldehyde which can be found in sofas, cabinets, bed frames. It is a good idea to understand where your furniture is made and what materials and finishes (i.e. oils and paints) are used. Get to know your furniture makers and artisans. Save up for that special piece instead of rushing out and buying on-trend items. 
3. Source furniture made of natural materials and surround yourself with furniture and artwork which brings you joy. I like to invest and support handmade, local, fair trade, sustainable and ethical where possible. These pieces bring beautiful energy to the home.

What is one step we could all take today to make a positive impact? 

Approach sustainability by buying once and buying well. 

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