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HEALTH & HOME

HEALTH & HOME

Interior Design With Your Health In Mind

WELCOME

To Health & Home

8 DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS We are a revolutionary new kind of interior design business that’s here to help you create your healthiest home. No matter what “home” looks like to you – an oceanside mansion, your first studio apartment, or a shared dorm room – we are here to meet you where you’re at.

We are committed to addressing all of the tiny details – the build of your home, the design of your space, your decor preferences, and even the products you use day-to-day. I’m so glad you’re here and ready to start .

 

Our mission at Health & Home is to support, educate, equip, and empower others to live their healthiest lives by keeping people at the heart of our work and providing person-centered design services, accessible health education, and advocacy at home and beyond. We live this out in the following ways:

The role buildings can play in human health and well-being has never been more evident or more important. Thanks to an evolving evidence base, we understand more about the relationship between the physical environment and human health than ever before. We know how to create spaces that enhance – rather than hinder – health and well-being. We can measure – and then improve – the quality of our air, water and light. We can design environments that fuel our bodies, move us, keep us connected, inspire our best work and facilitate a good night’s sleep.

With WELL as our vehicle, IWBI helps to translate what we know into what we practice. We aspire to transform buildings and organizations in ways that advance health and well-being to help people thrive. This has been our mission since we launched WELL in 2014. And today, we know much more about how to achieve our goals. We’ve channeled all that we have learned into a more accessible, adaptable and equitable rating system, which continues to be anchored by the latest scientific research and industry best practices and serves as the foundation upon which the entire WELL ecosystem is built. 

GET TO KNOW OUR FOUNDER

Meet Haley

Hey, I’m Haley James! I’m the lead healthy home interior designer and founder of Health & Home – and also a rare chronic illness fighter. It’s an odd combination to mention when introducing myself, but it’s important because it is personal and was and has continued to be the driving force behind why I created Health & Home and am so passionate about helping others create a healthy home in the first place!

After being diagnosed with a multitude of chronic conditions that I learned were triggered by toxins in my living environment, I decided to use my interior design educational background and personal health experience to address this very unaddressed area of interior design by starting my interior design business, Health & Home to help others create spaces that are not only beautiful, but also minimize risk for disease, optimize their lives and support their health on every level!

Take a moment and ask yourself, what does staying healthy mean to you?

It takes many different moving parts to keep our bodies well – nutrition, hydration, stress management, quality sleep, good mental health, and connection with others. If you thought of any of these, you’re absolutely right! It’s important to consider all of these factors when assessing and improving our health.

Something’s missing here, though. There’s one factor that’s often not considered, even though it has one of the most powerful impacts on our health – our environment.

Do I need to pay attention to the environment? You already are – for your plants and your pets, but what about for yourself?

Do you have air & water filters? Do you clean them?

Do you know what temperature your body is actually made to thrive in?

You would choose decor for your fish that would not have chemicals that would pollute

You would research what penvironment is best for them

You would incorporate places they could play and places they could rest, how about you?

Do you have air & water filters? Do you clean them?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

You would choose decor for your fish that would not have chemicals that would pollute the water and make them sick - what about you?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

You would incorporate places they could play and places they could rest, how about you?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

You would recreate natural colors they are used to for their bodies, how about you?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Do you know what temperature your body is actually made to thrive in?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

You would research what penvironment is best for them and try to recreate it, but what about for you?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

You would choose lighting that facilitates the rest cycle for your fish, but what about you?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

If your fish gets sick, what is one of the first things you look at - the tank! How about you?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

We’d be willing to bet you consider the environment that your pets and plants need more than yourself.

Consider this: if a fish in your aquarium falls ill, your immediate focus is on the tank. Is it clean? Is the water chemically balanced? Is the temperature right? 

Similarly, when a plant starts withering, you instinctively investigate its surroundings. Does it need more sunlight or shade? Is it thirsty or overwatered? Does it require higher or lower humidity?

However, when we ourselves aren’t feeling our best, we rarely turn our attention to our living environment and ask the same important questions.

But do we need to be?

Before we Implement the solution, we have to know the problem

ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

70%-90%

Of disease risks are due to environmental factors

ACCORDING TO THE Environmental protection agency AMERICANS SPEND

87%

OF THEIR TIME IN AN INDOOR ENVIRONMENT

0 %

of people in the US experience stress that affects their physical health according to the American Institute of Stress statistics

0 %

of americans are considered obese and/or are dealing with obesity according to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

0 %

of cancers are aributed to your environment and lifestyle with only 5-10% percent being linked to genetics according to a study published 

0 %

Of the 14 chemicals tested, every single member of every family had detectable levels. After switching to an organic diet, these levels dropped dramatically. 

62,000
Read More
chemicals were grandfathered in (passed without any requirement to actually test to see if they were safe) when the Toxic Substances Control Act was passed.
67%
Read More
of americans are considered obese and/or are dealing with obesity according to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
99.5 %
Read More
increase in the number of people aged 50+ with at least one chronic disease is expected by 2050 according to a review published by the Library of Medicine.
< 200
Read More
(out of 86,000) chemicals have ever been required to be tested by the EPA, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office.
80 %
Read More
of people polled around the world reported experiencing symptoms of poor sleep quality according to the 2023 Global Sleep Survey.
30 %
Read More
of the US adult population currently has more than one chronic condition according to a study done by The Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.
200 +
Read More
man-made chemicals are inside us (and possibly more will be found as testing continues) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
18 %
Read More
of adults say they are depressed, going up more than 7 percentage points (the highest it has ever been) since 2015, according to a 2023 Gallup Report.
95%
Read More
of cancers are attributed to your environment and lifestyle with just 5-10% being linked to genetics according to a study from the Library Of Medicine.
232
Read More
harmful chemicals were found in the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies including, neurotoxins, carcinogens, and reproductive toxins.
77 %
Read More
of people in the US experience stress that affects their physical and mental health according to the American Institute of Stress Statistics.
60 %
Read More
of adult Americans are currently living with at least one chronic disease according to the National Chronic Disease Organization.
Previous
Next

Just like we use research and data to identify the problems, we rely on these same tools to develop effective solutions To Keep you healthy & Also Meet Your Health Goals

A meta-study out of the University of Chicago reviewed over 50 studies on reduction in plate size and found that halving the plate size led to a 30% reduction in amount of food consumed on average.

A study done at the University Of Michigan showed that being around plants can increase memory retention by up to 20%.

A study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that people who worked near windows received 173 percent more white light exposure during day hours and slept an average of 46 minutes more per night than employees who did not have the natural light exposure in the workplace. 

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that participants who described their homes as being well-organized and free of clutter experienced lower levels of stress compared to those who perceived their homes as messy or cluttered. The study also reported that individuals with cluttered homes were more likely to have higher cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.

A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to natural views, such as trees or greenery, from windows was associated with reduced stress and faster recovery from stressful situations.

A study done by Incorporating water features, such as fountains or aquariums, has been associated with reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function. (Source: Ulrich, R. S., et al. (1991). Stress Recovery during Exposure to Natural and Urban Environments.)

A study done Cornell University's Food & Brand Lab found that a well-lit atmosphere influences diners to order 16% to 25% more healthy foods than people eating in dimly lit rooms. Those dining in the dark ordered 39% more calories.

A study conducted by researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health examined the effects of reducing indoor particulate matter on cardiovascular health. The study implemented interventions such as air purifiers and improved ventilation to reduce PM levels. The results indicated that the interventions led to a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk factors, including improved blood pressure and reduced markers of inflammation.

A new study showed that 73% of known cancer genes shifted to normal in 28 days after switching to products without phthalates & parabens. 

A study published in Environmental Research showed that switching to an organic diet for just one week led to a significant reduction in synthetic pesticides in participants. On average, the detected pesticides linked to various health risks such as autism, cancers, autoimmune disorders, infertility, hormone disruption, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease decreased by 60.5% after six days of eating organic.

A meta-study out of the University of Chicago reviewed over 50 studies on reduction in plate size and found that halving the plate size led to a 30% reduction in amount of food consumed on average.

A study done at the University Of Michigan showed that being around plants can increase memory retention by up to 20%.

A study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that people who worked near windows received 173 percent more white light exposure during day hours and slept an average of 46 minutes more per night than employees who did not have the natural light exposure in the workplace. 

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that participants who described their homes as being well-organized and free of clutter experienced lower levels of stress compared to those who perceived their homes as messy or cluttered. The study also reported that individuals with cluttered homes were more likely to have higher cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.

A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to natural views, such as trees or greenery, from windows was associated with reduced stress and faster recovery from stressful situations.

A study done by Incorporating water features, such as fountains or aquariums, has been associated with reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function. (Source: Ulrich, R. S., et al. (1991). Stress Recovery during Exposure to Natural and Urban Environments.)

A study done Cornell University's Food & Brand Lab found that a well-lit atmosphere influences diners to order 16% to 25% more healthy foods than people eating in dimly lit rooms. Those dining in the dark ordered 39% more calories.

A study conducted by researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health examined the effects of reducing indoor particulate matter on cardiovascular health. The study implemented interventions such as air purifiers and improved ventilation to reduce PM levels. The results indicated that the interventions led to a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk factors, including improved blood pressure and reduced markers of inflammation.

A new study showed that 73% of known cancer genes shifted to normal in 28 days after switching to products without phthalates & parabens. 

A study published in Environmental Research showed that switching to an organic diet for just one week led to a significant reduction in synthetic pesticides in participants. On average, the detected pesticides linked to various health risks such as autism, cancers, autoimmune disorders, infertility, hormone disruption, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease decreased by 60.5% after six days of eating organic.

we apply that process through each section of our approach

Minimize Toxins

We work to minimize the amount of toxins in the materials your house is built, designed, decorated and filled with in order to prevent short & long term illness.

Optimize Design

We build, design, decorate and help you fill your home with products in a way that encourages healthy habits that support your short and long term health goals.

Maximize Health

By minimizing toxins to prevent illness and optimizing design to promote healthy living, we are able to help you and your loved ones maximize your health!

Now we know you might be thinking

"I've never heard of this before, not even from my doctor, is this really a problem?"

REALITY: You aren't alone! A lot of people haven't heard of this before and also may have doubts because of that. The impact of toxins on health is an emerging field of research that is constantly being done and evolving rapidly, and because of that, many people, including health professionals, are not aware of this information and/or are not able to keep up. The good news is that we have access to the same research & studies that they would be using to learn about this information so we can feel empowered to take action as we see fit!

"This sounds great, but I don't think I can afford to create a healthy home."

REALITY: Creating a healthy home sounds expensive, but in reality you actually don't have to spend much or even anything to start to create a healthy home! Simple actions like opening windows and taking off shoes are free and can make a huge difference! When you're ready to invest, you can focus on the most impactful changes first. It doesn't have to be an overwhelming financial commitment to make significant improvements. As you have the means, you can make shifts and changes - keeping in mind that it's all an investment in your health.

"I have a specific aesthetic in mind and I don't really want my house to look like nature."

REALITY: We know - you probably see all this nature on our site and think you don't want to give up your aesthetic for a forest in your family room! The good news is that health-conscious design doesn't mean compromising on style or personal taste! Whatever your current or desired aesthetic is - there is a way to make it healthy! There is a growing range of eco-friendly and toxin-free design options available, offering a wide variety of styles, materials, and finishes to suit diverse design preferences.

"Everything is toxic to some degree and I've been fine so I don't see a need to make any changes."

REALITY: We totally get it. It's true that many everyday things contain some level of toxicity, and you may not be aware of any negative effects it has potentially had on you. It's natural to question the need for change when something doesn't seem like an apparent problem. Based on extensive research, we know that it is. We don't want you to just take our word for it though! If you find yourself on the fence, we always encourage you to do your own research as well and then make your decision as to whether you want to take action or not so you know your why either way!

"I want to create a healthy home, I just don't have time to research or implement these changes."

REALITY: We totally get it - who has time to sift through research on a topic they may not know much about or feel super overwhelmed by and then find more time to actually implement? Not many people. That's why we have tried to make it as easy as possible to learn ways that you can start creating a healthy home without having to do that work yourself! Through our resources like our instagram, podcast, blog, youtube, newsletter and more - we share information, studies, links, and more so you can just begin to implement changes as you see fit!

"I don't want people to judge me or come across as a crunchy person."

REALITY: Sometimes, people may judge or critique because they're not ready to take action themselves or feel uncomfortable confronting the need for change. And that's okay. The best response you can have is to share some of the studies and validated research that support your choices. If they don't agree - that is still okay! At the end of the day, what matters most is that you're taking steps you believe in and can feel good about doing - knowing you are safeguarding your health and the health of your loved ones.

"It really confusing and I don't know enough or where to even start."

REALITY: We totally get it and have been there. Navigating the world of creating a healthy home can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when you're not sure where to start or how to gather enough information. It's completely normal to feel this way! The good news is that we have taken the time to learn and are here to help! We share so much of this information for free so be sure to check out our podcast, blog, youtube channel, instagram, newsletter and the rest of our site to learn more!

"I can't renovate my whole house so what's the point of making small changes? Would it even make a difference?"

REALITY: We get it - we are all or nothing people too! Research has shown though that small changes can actually make a big difference when it comes to minimizing toxins and optimizing design for health. Knowing that, we actually would not recommend renovating anyway! We believe in starting by taking gradual steps towards a healthier lifestyle and making the best choices within your means. These small changes add up over time and create a significant positive effect on your overall health and the health of your loved ones - without breaking the bank!

Here are some of the ways that we can help

We believe our approach is what sets us apart and can change lives. That’s why what we do expands beyond our interior design services and into areas where we are able to share our message and approach with other designers, medical practitioners, legislators, and anyone who wants to create a healthy home & life! By sharing our message and approach, we aim to empower others and create a ripple effect of positive change in the pursuit of a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle!

01

Healthy home design

VIRTUAL DESIGN PACKAGES

We want to help you transform your home into a healthy and beautiful space! We have a wide variety of packages available, and FREE consultations to help you decide which service best fits your needs, budget, and health goals!

02

Media & Awareness

YOUTUBE, PODCAST, BLOG, COURSES

One way that we can make the world a healthier place is by sharing what we know about how our homes and our health intersect. We’re always learning new things, and we’d love it if you joined us on the journey!

03

Advocacy & Speaking

POLICY CHANGE, PUBLIC SPEAKING, HOMES & HOPE

Everyone deserves a healthy place to live, and part of our vision is to make creating a healthier home and environment the norm. That’s why we educate & advocate in the hopes that through our efforts, substantial changes can be made!

WANT TO LEARN?

Get our Free Guides & Courses

Part of our mission at Health & Home is to educate, equip, and empower others on their journey to creating a healthy home. One way we do this is through our free downloads and comprehensive courses, where we help show you how you can create a healthy home for you and your family in a really easy-to-follow and non-overwhelming way.

From minimizing toxins to optimizing design, our free downloads and courses cover a wide range of topics aimed at promoting the health and wellness of your household. Through these educational resources, we empower you to take control of your living environment and create a space that nurtures the well-being of you and your loved ones!

LET US HELP YOU

Check Out Our Services

Whether you need expert advice, customized product recommendations, or a complete room or home makeover, we have the perfect solution for you! With five flexible options to choose from, we cater to your specific needs and preferences. Plus, we offer a free expert consultation to guide you in selecting the ideal package that aligns with your goals – including a customizable option so that we can work with you to meet you where you are at and what you are needing.

No matter where you are in the world, our virtual services ensure that anyone can access our expertise and begin their journey towards creating a home that supports a healthier lifestyle!

COME JOIN US

We’re on YouTube! Come check out our channel where we share valuable insights, answer your burning questions, and provide an inside look into our process, projects, and programs – all aimed at making it easy for you to create a healthy home – and have some fun along the way!

Our channel serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of knowledge on various ways to create a healthier living environment. From practical tips and projects to expert interviews and educational content, we cover a wide range of topics to empower you on your journey towards a healthier home!

WANT TO LEARN?

Creating a home that truly supports your health doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it starts with learning and taking small steps toward a healthier life each day.

We wanted to create an easy and accessible way for you to be empowered and equipped to do that, so we created the Health & Home podcast!

Join our founder and lead designer, Haley James, as she engages in insightful interviews with medical professionals, design experts, patients, and more.

Gain valuable insights, tips, tricks, research findings, and advice on creating a home that not only exemplifies beauty and functionality, but also minimizes disease risks and maximizes the well-being of its occupants!

LET’S MAKE A REAL CHANGE

Public Speaking & Teaching

At Health & Home, we understand that making a real impact requires more than just our business alone. It takes a collective effort from all of us. That’s why we have embraced public speaking as a powerful tool to raise awareness, inspire change, and assist others in creating healthy environments for themselves and their loved ones, all in an easy & accessible way!

Our talks are designed to captivate audiences ranging from design students to medical professionals to health enthusiasts and to anyone who desires to proactively prevent disease while also optimizing their overall health through the design and use of their home. With engaging content, informative insights, and empowering messages, our goal is to create a life-changing experience for everyone who attends!

WANT TO HELP US HELP OTHERS?

Homes & Hope Program

We strongly believe that everyone deserves a place to call home that is safe and supports them in living the healthy life they desire. Through the Homes & Hope program, we collaborate with community partners, volunteers, and experts in various fields to provide assistance to those in need. Together, we work to create healthy and uplifting spaces that bring hope and positivity into their lives.

By selecting individuals nominated by their communities, we aim to make a meaningful impact in their lives, helping them overcome obstacles and embark on a path towards improved health and well-being. Through our collective efforts, we strive to bring transformation, hope, and a renewed sense of joy to those who need it most.

Shop Our Favorites

Want to start filling your home with healthier alternatives, but not sure where to look? From cleaning supplies to furniture to books to help you learn more about creating a healthy home – we’ve got you covered! Check out our “Shop Our Favorites” section for a breakdown of our favorite healthy home products, links, discounts and more!

WELCOME

We believe that we are more than interior designers. We are advocates, working to inspire change on every level. 

One way that we work toward that is by creating clothing that has the potential to spark conversations and actions around those changes that we want to make. 

Our organic, non-toxic, ethically and sustainably made certified clothing supports you on your journey toward a healthier lifestyle, helps contribute to starting the conversation on how we can make the world a better and safer place and supports us as we do our part to make that happen too! 

Join our newsletter community

We really value the time you take to read our emails and that’s why we only send out things we truly believe will be helpful to you! That means no excessive emails or spam – just the good stuff you actually want.

When you join our community here, you will be the first to get our exclusive offers, discounts on services/products, free resources, tips, encouragement and so much more! So what are you waiting for? Come join us!


Take a moment and ask yourself, what does staying healthy mean to you?

It takes many different moving parts to keep our bodies well – nutrition, hydration, stress management, quality sleep, good mental health, and connection with others. If you thought of any of these, you’re absolutely right! It’s important to consider all of these factors when assessing and improving our health.

Something’s missing here, though. There’s one factor that’s often not considered, even though it has one of the most powerful impacts on our health – our environment.

“Home is where the heart is. It’s a figurative expression but it’s literal too because it’s actually where your heart is spending a majority of its time,” said one of the report’s lead authors, Joe Allen, who heads the School’s Healthy Buildings program. “The home influences heart health, brain health, hormone health, mental health, all these factors. We know what a healthy meal looks like. We know that exercise is good for you and that pollution is bad for you. But we know a lot less about the places where we spend all of our time.”

62000

chemicals were grandfathered in (passed without any requirement to actually test to see if they were safe) when the Toxic Substances Control Act was passed.

< 200

(out of 86,000) chemicals have ever been required to be tested by the EPA, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office.

200 +

man-made chemicals are inside us (and possibly more will be found as testing continues) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

232

harmful chemicals were found in the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies including, neurotoxins, carcinogens, and reproductive toxins.

77 %

of people in the US experience stress that affects their physical and mental health according to the American Institute of Stress Statistics.

67 %

of americans are considered obese and/or are dealing with obesity according to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

18 %

of adults say they are depressed, going up more than 7 percentage points (the highest it has ever been) since 2015, according to a 2023 Gallup Report.

80 %

of people polled around the world reported experiencing symptoms of poor sleep quality according to the 2023 Global Sleep Survey.

95 %

of cancers are attributed to your environment and lifestyle with just 5-10% being linked to genetics according to a study from the Library Of Medicine.

60 %

of adult Americans are currently living with at least one chronic disease according to the National Chronic Disease Organization.

99.5 %

increase in the number of people aged 50+ with at least one chronic disease is expected by 2050 according to a review published by the Library of Medicine.

30 %

of the US adult population currently has more than one chronic condition according to a study done by The Centers For Disease Control & Prevention.

Our mission at Health & Home is to support, educate, equip, and empower others to live their healthiest lives by keeping people at the heart of our work and providing person-centered design services, accessible health education, and advocacy at home and beyond. We live this out in the following ways:

of the US adult population currently has more than one chronic condition according to a study done by The Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

of detectable chemical levels dropped dramatically when the family members adopted an organic diet. Of the 14 chemicals tested, every single member of every family had detectable levels. After switching to an organic diet, these levels dropped dramatically. Levels across all pesticides dropped by more than half on average. Detectable levels for the pesticide malathion, a probable human carcinogen according to the World Health Organization, decreased a dramatic 95% .

Think about it – animals and plants need certain environments so they can survive – they need the right temperature, light, nutrition, air, a clean environment they can live in for the bare minimum of surviving. Then you add in the layer of getting the right toys and nutrition and the right environment and when put in the best-optimized environment – they can thrive. We’ve all had a plant or two that we thought was dead, but still cleaned it up and gave it what it needed and surprise it is back to life. We work hard to make sure that they have their needs met but what about ours?

The science and data are there – but it isn’t used in the interior design space – until now. 

According to the National Institutes of Health – “Although the risks of developing chronic diseases are attributed to both genetic and environmental factors, 70 to 90% of disease risks are probably due to differences in environments.”

According to the WHO – 24% of all estimated global deaths are linked to the environment.

Many diseases are neither purely genetic nor purely environmental, but rather the result of a complex interplay between the two. – HARVARD

Searching for reasons for increased chronic diseases in the young, their ailments cannot be ascribed to reduced mortality from infectious disease. Similarly, genetics may predispose individuals to chronic disease, but this cannot account for rapidly increasing prevalence within a generation or two. This leaves us with pervasive environmental factors 

Some chronic diseases may be initiated in susceptible individuals by single “germs,” such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) from human immune deficiency virus (HIV), ulcers from Helicobacter pylori, or Lyme disease from Borrelia burgdorferi, but most major chronic diseases do not have a single cause.

Modifiable factors such as smoking, alcohol, lifestyle (e.g., exercise), and nutrition top lists of contributors to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity/metabolic syndrome/diabetes []. The view is weakening that genetic makeup predestines one to disease, as understanding grows of potential remediation of biochemical abnormalities underlying genetic predisposition to ill health []. Indeed, a small, shrinking fraction of chronic disease is attributed directly to genetic makeup, as recently discussed for cancer [] and autism []. Instead, gene-environment interactions are very plausibly postulated, such as Apolipoprotein-E 4 interactions with heavy metals associated with Alzheimer’s disease [] or expression of glutathione genes and mercury body burden []. Such observations led to development of the field of toxicogenomics, with Judith Stern of the University of California at Davis stating, “genetics loads the gun, but environment pulls the trigger” []. In this context, George Church of Harvard Medical School commented that the conversation has evolved from, “Here is your destiny, get used to it!” to “Here is your destiny, and you can do something about it!” [].

The related field of epigenetics is also coming into focus. Environmental factors ranging from stress to various chemicals may alter methylation of DNA, which in turn modifies DNA expression. Without altering the genetic code, individuals’ morphology and predisposition to chronic disease are affected by exposures early in life or even exposures in previous generations, predating conception [].

The results? Of the 14 chemicals tested, every single member of every family had detectable levels. After switching to an organic diet, these levels dropped dramatically. Levels across all pesticides dropped by more than half on average. Detectable levels for the pesticide malathion, a probable human carcinogen according to the World Health Organization, decreased a dramatic 95% .

Such observations led to development of the field of toxicogenomics, with Judith Stern of the University of California at Davis stating, “genetics loads the gun, but environment pulls the trigger” []. In this context, George Church of Harvard Medical School commented that the conversation has evolved from, “Here is your destiny, get used to it!” to “Here is your destiny, and you can do something about it!” [].

The edge is in the inputs. The person who consumes from better sources, gets better thoughts. The person who asks better questions, gets better answers. The person who builds better habits, gets better results. It’s not the outcomes. It’s the inputs.
 

“Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become.”

“Changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound and turn into remarkable results if you’re willing to stick with them for years.”

“You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.”

“Why do small improvements accumulate into remarkable results?”

“It is so easy to overestimate the importance of one defining moment and underestimate the value of making small improvements on a daily basis.”

“Too often we convince ourselves that massive results require massive action.”

Now that we’re aware of this information, what can we do with it all? It’s overwhelming, alarming, and perhaps even straight-up scary. It can be really difficult to know where to start or imagine yourself making these changes. 

You may be thinking

Now that we’re aware of this information, what can we do with it all? It’s overwhelming, alarming, and perhaps even straight-up scary. It can be really difficult to know where to start or imagine yourself making these changes. 

But take a moment for a deep breath. Exhale the tension, inhale soothing energy. Health & Home is here to support you, empower you, and partner with you to design beautiful, healthy spaces that you can truly feel good about living in.

Here’s how we can do it together

Here are the different ways we help you apply this approach.
The heartbeat of Health & Home is you.

Design isn’t all we do.
The heartbeat of Health & Home is you.

That’s why we go further than just beautifying spaces.

Our mission at Health & Home is to support, educate, equip, and empower others to live their healthiest lives by keeping people at the heart of our work and providing person-centered design services, accessible health education, and advocacy at home and beyond. We live this out in the following ways:

Health and Home

Health & Home is an interior design-based business that seeks to help others create healthy homes through minimizing toxins, optimizing design and maximizing health. We do so by addressing the build of the home, the design of the space, the decor and even the products used in the home, so our clients can live their healthiest life!

WHY THE NATURE VIDEOS ON AN INTERIOR DESIGN SITE?

At Health & Home, we’re all about creating a healthy home by minimizing toxins and optimizing the design to maximize your health! And you know what? The easiest way to do that is to look to nature! Research has shown time and time again that using more natural and non-toxic products as well as incorporating elements of nature into our spaces, can both have a really positive impact on your overall health & wellness!

Now, don’t worry – you don’t have to turn your family room into a forest to get those benefits! Actually, you don’t have to change your aesthetic at all if you don’t want to! No matter what your personal style may be, we can work with you to create an environment that supports your health and wellness goals. We do this by looking at nature for things like colors, textures, and sounds to determine how they can positively or negatively impact your well-being based on the latest research, and then we use that information to create a space that’s just right for you & what you want from your space!

So why are there these videos at the top of the pages? Well, we put these here to help set the tone for the page and give you a taste of how exposure to elements of nature can impact your mood, your perception, and even your physical health! Below you will find an in-depth explanation as to why we chose the video we did for the page you are on and the research that we used to decide on that. Our hope is that this can help you see how you can intentionally take this kind of research and apply it to the design of your home so you can naturally get all the amazing benefits AND have a beautiful home at the same time!

HOW DID THIS PAGE MAKE YOU FEEL?

We wanted you to encouraged, hopeful & excited as you shop the amazing non-toxic products that will help you create a healthy home! The video featured on our Home page showcases the natural beauty and calming aesthetic of bluebell flowers gently swaying in the wind amidst lush greenery. This was carefully chosen to create an atmosphere that embodies calmness, tranquility, and trust. Inspired by the science-backed benefits of colors and elements from nature, we wanted to evoke a sense of calmness, openness, and trust in our visitors.

Research shows that exposure to blue colors can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of anxiety and stress (Elliot et al., 2015). By incorporating this calming color into our home page, we aim to show you that when you are here with us you don’t have to stress about creating a healthy home and figuring it all out because we are here to help! It was also influenced by the principles of biophilic design. This design approach emphasizes the integration of natural elements into indoor spaces to improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being (Kellert et al., 2008; Ryan et al., 2014). By incorporating the beauty of bluebell flowers and the organic sway of greenery, we aim to foster a deep connection with nature, which in turn promotes a sense of balance, renewal, and well-being.

Embrace the soothing shades of blue found in the flowers by incorporating them into your color palette. Soft, pastel blues or deeper hues can be used for accent walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories (Elliot et al., 2015). Introduce natural materials and textures that mimic the organic qualities of lush greenery. Opt for wooden furniture, rattan accents, or jute rugs to create a connection with nature (Kellert et al., 2008). Choose fabrics and textiles that evoke a sense of comfort and tranquility, such as plush cushions, cozy throws, and soft curtains in calming blues or complementary earth tones. These soft textures invite relaxation and reinforce the soothing atmosphere (Hemphill, 1996).

References:

  • Hemphill, M. (1996). A note on adults’ color-emotion associations. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 157(3), 275-280.
  • Kellert, S. R., Heerwagen, J., & Mador, M. (2008). Biophilic design: The theory, science, and practice of bringing buildings to life. John Wiley & Sons.

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