Natural choices for the home by Zoe from Beautiful Healthy Home

September 24, 2025

Hi, I’m Zoë from Beautiful Healthy Home, your local interior design studio that puts health at the heart of design.

This month’s blog explores more natural choices for the home – and why they’re far better for our health.

Who doesn’t love popping into the high street and picking up colourful cushions or fresh bedding? It feels like an easy way to update a space, but have you ever thought about what those items are made from? When I began researching healthier décor, I was shocked to discover toxic chemicals in everything from flooring, carpets and couches to electronics and even mattresses.

These chemicals pollute the air we breathe, yet we unknowingly surround ourselves with them. Many are linked to serious health issues later in life. One of the most common is formaldehyde – a carcinogen found in adhesives, glues, paint and fabric finishes. The good news is more brands are recognising the risks and phasing it out of furniture and textiles. Ikea led the way, but others are following. If you haven’t yet explored Swyft, Nkuku or Sostrene Grene, take a look – all three have inspiring eco-conscious ranges.

My simplest advice: choose furniture and textiles that are as natural as possible. Solid wood, wool, linen and cotton bring warmth, texture and serenity to a home while avoiding unnecessary chemicals. A woollen throw on the sofa, natural wood shelving, willow baskets for storage or hand- thrown pottery pieces all add authenticity while supporting craftsmanship over mass production.

That said, not all “natural” materials are automatically sustainable. Cotton, for example, is water- intensive and often pesticide-heavy, so look for organic. Likewise, water hyacinth grows quickly and can disrupt ecosystems, but when managed well it’s a brilliant renewable resource. Many retailers share stories of the communities who weave baskets and storage pieces from it. Supporting these products helps ensure fair pay while protecting biodiversity. A favourite of mine is Green Weaver Store, which sources sustainable, handwoven products from Vietnam.

Another tip: avoid fabrics with “performance” claims such as stain-proof, water-resistant or moth- proof. These are usually treated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) – toxic chemicals that don’t break down easily in the environment and can harm human health too.

Since we spend a third of our lives asleep, our bedding should be chemical-free. The good news is organic options are no longer prohibitively expensive, and more retailers now stock them. It’s worth investing in for the long-term health of you and your family. I was thrilled to find Dunelm’s organic towels and bedding range – definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re local to Southend’s high street.

Choosing natural, sustainable homewares doesn’t mean compromising on beauty or comfort. It’s about creating spaces that feel good in every sense – for you, your family and the planet.

Join me next month as I dive into the rich palette of autumn, exploring how to layer warm earthy tones, natural textures and seasonal accents to create interiors that feel both cosy and sophisticated as we transition into the cooler months.

Image from Unsplash by MATTER MADE BETTER