A coat of fresh paint can bring new life to your house inside and out, but at what cost? Paints and other products like primers, stains and caulks may emit unhealthy volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can lead to eye irritation, headaches and more severe health effects. We’re here to tell you the good news:… Read More
Furniture and Finishes
Walk This Way: Cozy & Comfortable Cork Floors
By Rachel Hulan, ASID, CID ‘Tis the season…for the sound of corks being popped from bottles of champagne in celebration and holiday merriment! But, did you know that cork has an even more practical use in our homes? Let’s back up. Do you even know what cork actually is or where it comes from? Forming… Read More
5 Sustainable Countertops That Are Better Than Granite
By Rachel Hulan, ASID, CID There is a funny myth out there that granite countertops are the crown jewel; the very best possible thing you could have in a kitchen. They are considered a sign of quality, even a major selling point for houses on the market. “New kitchen and bath, with GRANITE countertops!” boast… Read More
DIY: Wood Floor Treatment
By guest blogger, Becca Piastrelli For those of you with wood floors that could use a little pick-me-up polishing, it’s easier than you think to do-it-yourself. The combination of anti-bacterial white vinegar with wood preserving olive oil will work wonders on your precious flooring. Add in some essential oil (I enjoy the refreshing scent of… Read More
Are You Being MisLEAD? Red Lips. Bright Paint. High Price.
Most of us today are aware of the serious health repercussions associated with lead. We may go to great lengths to avoid exposing ourselves and our loved ones to this heavy metal and neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems. We avoid purchasing toys made in countries where lead is still acceptable for… Read More
Flame Retardants in Your Home: The Truth May be Too Hot to Handle!
The heat is on, but who is really winning this war on toxic chemicals? Most parents think they are doing everything they can to protect their kids. They buy car seats, avoid feeding them unhealthy foods, and assure their children get plenty of exercise. Unfortunately, a lot of parents overlook one important hidden danger: Flame… Read More
Sweeping with the Enemy
Dust: that most insidious byproduct of home projects. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or you hire contractors, home projects, by nature, occupy the spaces our families live in. These can range from paint and carpentry makeovers to full-fledged remodeling projects. Regardless of the scope or depth of your project, dust is a common theme. From… Read More
Carpeting Conflicts: 4 Snag-Free Solutions
Of the more than 80,000 chemicals permitted in the U.S, the EPA has only required testing for toxic impacts on human health and the environment of about 200 of these chemicals, and has partially regulated only five. This has created a superfluity of concerns when it comes to creating a healthy home in which to… Read More
