Interior Design With Your Health In Mind
WELCOME
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
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!
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?
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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?
of people in the US experience stress that affects their physical health according to the American Institute of Stress statistics
of americans are considered obese and/or are dealing with obesity according to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
of cancers are aributed to your environment and lifestyle with only 5-10% percent being linked to genetics according to a study published
Of the 14 chemicals tested, every single member of every family had detectable levels. After switching to an organic diet, these levels dropped dramatically.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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?
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
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
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?
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.
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!
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!
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.”
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.
(out of 86,000) chemicals have ever been required to be tested by the EPA, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office.
man-made chemicals are inside us (and possibly more will be found as testing continues) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
harmful chemicals were found in the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies including, neurotoxins, carcinogens, and reproductive toxins.
of people in the US experience stress that affects their physical and mental health according to the American Institute of Stress Statistics.
of americans are considered obese and/or are dealing with obesity according to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
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.
of people polled around the world reported experiencing symptoms of poor sleep quality according to the 2023 Global Sleep Survey.
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.
of adult Americans are currently living with at least one chronic disease according to the National Chronic Disease Organization.
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.
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 [1]. 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 [11]. Indeed, a small, shrinking fraction of chronic disease is attributed directly to genetic makeup, as recently discussed for cancer [10] and autism [12]. Instead, gene-environment interactions are very plausibly postulated, such as Apolipoprotein-E 4 interactions with heavy metals associated with Alzheimer’s disease [13] or expression of glutathione genes and mercury body burden [14]. 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” [15]. 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!” [16].
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 [17–19].
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” [15]. 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!” [16].
“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
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 & Home is an interior design-based business that seeks to help others create healthy homes and lives through supportive, accessible, educational, and empowering content & services that will help you on your journey to creating a healthier home and healthier life!
Health & Home is an
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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).
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