How to Keep your Home Healthy by Zoe of Beautiful Healthy Home Interior Design

July 24, 2025

Hi, I am Zoë from Beautiful Healthy Home, your local interior design studio that puts health at the heart of design. Have you ever considered that the choices we make in our homes can actually have an impact our on well-being? Unbelievably, everyday items can introduce unwanted chemicals into our living spaces - from cleaning and skincare products to materials and finishes in our furniture, homewares and clothing.

That ‘new furniture’ smell, for example, isn’t as harmless as it seems – it’s often a sign of synthetic compounds that can linger in the air. By choosing healthier, sustainable options, you can create a home that not only looks beautiful but also feels better for you and your family. Whether it’s eco-friendly paints, responsibly sourced materials, or low-toxicity finishes, small changes can make a big difference.

Here’s my top five tips to kick start your beautiful healthy home today!

1. VENTILATE

Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outside, thanks to hidden toxins in things like flat-packed furniture, carpets and vinyl flooring. Keep your home ventilated by opening windows— especially in the early morning or evening—to help fresh air flow through. A top tip: unwrap new furniture in a well-ventilated space and let it off-gas for 4–5 days (or better yet, go vintage!).

2. REMOVE SYNTHETIC SCENTS

Ditch paraffin candles, plug-ins, and room sprays—they often release toxic chemicals that can irritate lungs, especially for kids and pets. Instead, go for natural wax candles and pure essential oils like clove, cinnamon or ginger—many of which have calming, pain-relieving, or focus-boosting properties. Shop for gorgeous hand poured natural wax candles scented with essential oils at www.beautifulhealthyhome.co.uk/shop

3. CLEAN WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS

Most commercial cleaners are packed with harsh chemicals, so switch to simple, natural alternatives like white vinegar, lemon juice, bicarbonate of soda and citric acid. To freshen a room naturally, pop a slice of lemon into bowls of water and leave them out—smells gone! These methods are safe, effective and fridge-friendly too.

4. RETHINK WALL-TO-WALL CARPETING

Carpets may feel cosy, but they often contain layers of chemicals that slowly release toxins into the air. If you’re buying new, go for wool and ask for no added chemical treatments. Or explore wood, cork or linoleum flooring—cork in particular is antibacterial, warm and stylish, especially with a rug or sheepskin thrown on top.

5. VINYL FLOORING

I get the appeal—vinyl is waterproof, durable and looks great (I had it in my first family home too!)— but it’s basically plastic, often loaded with phthalates. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors, especially harmful to babies and children who spend time on the floor. Once I learned this, I chose to restore original floorboards instead—and never looked back.

My approach to interior design is about balance – blending style with mindfulness. Together, we’ll select materials and products that prioritise comfort, aesthetics, and a healthier home environment, ensuring your space is one you can enjoy for years to come. If you’d like to book a free no-obligation chat to see how we can kick start your next project, drop me a line at contact@beautifulhealthyhome.co.uk

Please join me next month where I will be looking at why biophilic design - bringing the outdoors inside - is vital for our wellbeing!