4 min read
Material Health: Design Frontiers
The book ‘Material Health: Design Frontiers’ from Parsons Healthy Materials Lab explores the critical topics of material health in the era of climate crisis.
Materials:
It should go without saying that minimizing the presence of harmful materials in your home creates a healthier environment. Despite this, many new homes across America, constructed for expediency and under tight cost controls and outdated regulation, are failing their owners and occupants. These residences are built from petrochemically-derived materials whose extraction, production and end-of-life are not only profoundly damaging to the environment, but whose consumption (or use) exposes residents to harmful chemicals that can be released into the home’s air. Interior products and furnishings are also frequently packed full of toxic chemicals that can have negative impacts on our health. At WLLW, we champion healthy, low-impact vernacular materials and demand full material transparency from the manufacturers we work with.
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115 results
2 min read
Healthy Materials Series: Wool
WLLW explores wool’s rich history, natural health benefits and its enduring role as a sustainable, versatile material in interior design and everyday living.
2 min read
Healthy Materials Series: Glass
In the latest of our Healthy Materials Series WLLW considers the health and environmental impacts of glass.
6 min read
The Provenance of Craft: Natural Materials and Their Cultural Roots
WLLW traces the deep roots of natural materials used in artisanal crafts and their role in healthy and sustainable design.
5 min read
New Homes: How Toxic Are Some Modern Construction Materials?
WLLW investigates the health risks associated with building materials and how to develop a healthier new build.
9 min read
The Big Picture: A Conversation with Material Cultures
Founding director Paloma Gormley sits down with WLLW to discuss the potential of bio-based materials, and how we can make meaningful progress towards a post-carbon built environment.
4 min read
London Design Festival 2023
For its 21st edition, London Design Festival showcased a vibrant tapestry of innovation, materials and craftsmanship across the city's diverse design districts.
2 min read
Green Certifications: Health Product Declarations (HPD)
WLLW explores how HPDs empower healthy, sustainable construction by providing transparency in material selection.
3 min read
Inside the Workshop: Wycliffe Stutchbury
Wycliffe Stutchbury transforms discarded wood into art that evokes landscapes and abstract forms. WLLW joined him for a conversation about his creative process and deep connection to his materials.
2 min read
WLLW’s Top 5 Articles Celebrating Craft
Discover WLLW’s most inspiring articles on the artisans, materials and heritage that define contemporary craft.
4 min read
Inside the Workshop: Studio Amos
Studio AMOS is a British craft studio led by Annemarie O'Sullivan and Tom McWalter. Their work is rooted in the ancient craft of basket making, and they grow and harvest local materials to make functional objects, furniture and lighting. Earlier in the summer, we paid them a visit.
6 min read
It’s All in the Weave: How to Select Healthy, Sustainable Rugs for Your Home
How to choose a rug crafted from natural materials that support the planet and your wellbeing.
3 min read
Clayworks: Using Natural Clay Plasters for Calm and Low-Impact Interiors
Clayworks is embracing natural materials and traditional techniques, to add depth, tonal interest and warmth to healthy homes.
3 min read
Healthy Materials Series: Leather
WLLW considers the health and environmental impacts of the leather we use in our homes.
3 min read
Healthy Materials Series: Cork
In the first of our new series, WLLW takes a comprehensive look at the health and environmental impacts of cork.
4 min read
Inside the Workshop: Forest + Found
WLLW meets the founders behind Forest + Found, an art collective that uses natural and found materials to create remarkable works rooted in craft traditions.
2 min read
Designer's Guide to Green Certifications
A Primer for Healthy Homes and Interiors. Who is gatekeeping wellness and sustainable design? WLLW looks at green certifications in brief.
3 min read
Green Certifications: Greenguard
WLLW explores how Greenguard Certification can allow you to make healthier choices for the products you bring into your home.
2 min read
Green Certifications: Cradle to Cradle (C2C)
WLLW takes a closer look at the green certification Cradle to Cradle which takes inspiration from the natural world where there is no concept of waste.
7 min read
Invisible Series: What's Really in Your Home
Peel back the layers of your home's interior, from the paint on the walls to the upholstery on your sofa, discovering the hidden chemical world in everyday items and learning how to foster a healthier living environment.
4 min read
Preserving Craftsmanship: The Soane Britain Story
WLLW met with Soane Britain's co-founder Lulu Lytle to discuss the revival of traditional rattan weaving and the significance of heirloom furniture.
5 min read
WLLW's Guide to Mineral Paints
WLLW explores the category of mineral paints, and tests four that meet our requirements for creating healthy and sustainable interior spaces.
4 min read
The Six Chemical Classes Series: Flame Retardants
We delve into flame retardants, their widespread use in our living spaces, the health and environmental concerns they raise and strategies to reduce their impact.
5 min read
Wood Shingles: a Cut Above
Inexpensive, sustainable, versatile and efficient: why the humble wood shingle is enjoying a revival in the building industry.
3 min read
Green Certifications: Declare Label and the Red List
WLLW delves into Declare label and the Red List as the demand for sustainable and healthy products intensifies, alongside the mounting pressure for transparent information for specifiers and consumers.
2 min read
Green Certifications: The Living Product Challenge
We take a look at the Living Product Challenge, a green framework and certification program that elevates product sustainability standards.
3 min read
Green Certifications: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
WLLW examines the role of the Forest Stewardship Council in advancing responsible forestry practices that maintain biodiversity and support community livelihoods.
4 min read
Beneath the Surface: What’s Really in Your Home?
Discover common homegoods that could be impacting your wellbeing and learn about healthy and sustainable alternatives.
7 min read
Invisible Series: What’s Really In Your Home - The Bedroom Edition
Find out what's concealed in your bedroom by uncovering the hidden toxins in the finishes and furniture, and learn how to create a healthy space to rest and recharge.
7 min read
Invisible Series: What's Really in Your Home - The Bathroom Edition
Dive into the makeup of your bathroom, from the tiles underfoot to the vanity, understanding the hidden chemicals in common items and learning how to create a healthier, safer space.
3 min read
Yarn Collective's Shift to Responsible Textiles
From vibrant spice-inspired hues to ethical sourcing, discover how Yarn Collective is crafting an environmentally conscious future in textiles.
1 min read
How to Reduce PFAS at Home
In this article, WLLW explores simple ways to protect your home and health from PFAS, often called ‘forever chemicals.’
6 min read
Room Refresh: Simple Changes for a Healthier Home - The Kitchen Edition
Transform your space with environmentally-friendly updates that promote wellness and sustainability, one easy swap at a time.
2 min read
The Six Chemical Classes: Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates
WLLW delves into how bisphenols and phthalates pose significant health and environmental risks and how implementing proactive measures is crucial for safeguarding wellbeing and ecological balance.
3 min read
The Maker's Touch: Fostering a Community Focused on Healthy, Sustainable and Beautiful Design
At WLLW we seek to inspire a community that values health, sustainability and beauty in design by celebrating the lasting impact of thoughtful craftsmanship.
3 min read
What You Need to Know About VOCs
WLLW identifies the health risks associated with VOC exposure and provides actionable strategies for reducing them at home for a healthier living environment.
4 min read
Rest Assured: A Guide to Healthy, Sustainable Bed Linens
WLLW investigates four healthy and environmentally friendly bed linen options for a better night's sleep.
3 min read
Schotten & Hansen: Wood Flooring For Healthier, More Sustainable Homes
Schotten & Hansen combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and their own blend of natural finishes to bring warmth and character to interiors.
5 min read
The Fabric of Wellbeing: Choosing Upholstery that's Good for Health and the Planet
WLLW investigates the benefits of four upholstery options for our health and their environmental impact.
5 min read
Inside the Workshop: Sebastian Cox
On a recent trip to the UK, we had the chance to meet designer, craftsman and environmentalist Sebastian Cox, to learn more about his studio and have a tour of his workshop.
4 min read
Nature's Palette: Crafting Sustainable Luxury with de Le Cuona's Textiles
WLLW explores de Le Cuona's healthy and sustainable textiles with palettes and textures that evoke the natural world.
5 min read
Peeling Back the Truth On What’s In Conventional Paint
Many paints can be hazardous both to human health and the environment. Here’s how to find a safe alternative.
4 min read
Threads of Tradition: How Teixidors is Preserving Craft and Community
In our latest brand spotlight, WLLW discovers how Teixidors is merging sustainability with a human touch in their approach to textile production.
2 min read
Green Certifications: OEKO-TEX
WLLW examines Oeko-Tex Standard 100, a key certification that safeguards against toxic substances in textiles, responding to consumer demand for healthier products.
4 min read
Zanat: Preserving a Woodcarving Legacy
By reviving Bosnia’s age-old woodcarving traditions, Zanat preserves cultural heritage through exquisite craftsmanship.
1 min read
Healthy Home: A Conversation with Maria Sigma
With craft and quality at the heart of her work, Maria Sigma reveals the threads that are woven into her happy, healthy home.
3 min read
Rosemary Hallgarten: Weaving Traditional Stories into Contemporary Textiles
Working with skilled craftspeople in Peru, Brazil and Nepal, Rosemary Hallgarten weaves their stories and time-honored crafts into textiles and rugs for contemporary homes.
3 min read
The Six Chemical Classes Series
WLLW delves into how to recognize and manage harmful chemicals in domestic products, to create informed, health-conscious homes.
2 min read
The Six Chemical Classes: Antimicrobials
We explore antimicrobials, taking a closer look at the importance of balancing their protective benefits and the risks of overuse.
4 min read
2024 Design Predictions for a Healthy and Sustainable Home
WLLW looks at the design concepts expected to shape our living spaces in the year ahead.
5 min read
How To…Design a Healthy Living Room
Discover WLLW’s strategies for designing a living room that supports health, wellbeing and relaxation.
5 min read
Designing for Net-Zero: A Conversation with Architect Ben Ridley
WLLW spoke with London-based architect Ben Ridley about how the Passivhaus design approach and low-energy innovations are shaping the next generation of healthy, sustainable homes.
4 min read
Fernando Laposse: Ghosts of Our Towns
A visual commentary on the resilience of indigenous Mexican art, agriculture and community.
5 min read
How To…Design a Healthy Children’s Bedroom
Discover WLLW’s strategies for designing a child’s bedroom that supports their health, wellbeing and development.
4 min read
How to...Design a Kitchen That Supports Your Wellbeing, Part 1
WLLW dives into designing the kitchen, crafting a space for health and connection.
4 min read
Artful Living: The Impact of Healthy and Sustainable Art
WLLW highlights the work of four of our favorite artists and explores how carefully chosen artwork can elevate our homes and connect us to the natural world.
4 min read
How to…Design a Bedroom for Optimal Health and Sleep
Discover WLLW's strategies to design a bedroom that supports restorative sleep and overall physical and mental wellbeing.
5 min read
How To…Design an Outdoor Oasis for Wellbeing
Discover WLLW’s strategies to design an outdoor space that promotes both our own health and that of the environment.
2 min read
The Six Chemical Classes Series: PFAS
We take a closer look at PFAS, uncovering their persistent presence in our homes, guiding you through the health and environmental impacts and the protective measures you can take.
7 min read
Biophilic Living with Interior Architect Anna Tiula
WLLW speaks with Helsinki-based Anna Tiula, delving into the heart of Nordic biophilic design, its intrinsic connection to local nature and its significant influence on wellbeing.
2 min read
Clearing the Air: What is Off-gassing?
We explore off-gassing, its health implications and strategies for maintaining safe indoor air quality.
9 min read
How to...Design a Home Office That Supports Your Wellbeing
WLLW explores how to craft a home office that elevates both your work and wellbeing through intentional design choices.
5 min read
Global Vernacular Design: Cooling Homes with Lessons from the Past
WLLW explores how age-old architectural techniques from the world’s warmest areas can help us create sustainable homes that are comfortable even in extreme heat.
3 min read
Designing Dignity: How Remsen is Redefining Senior Living
WLLW speaks to the founders of Remsen to understand how the power of thoughtful design can change the lives of an overlooked population.
4 min read
How to...Choose a Healthy Mattress
What to consider when buying a non-toxic and sustainable mattress
6 min read
Well Home In…Mallorca, Spain
In the latest in this series which showcases healthy, extraordinary homes, we visit Finca Alfabia, a Spanish farmhouse lovingly crafted into a home by Terra Coll.
7 min read
What is Wellness Design?
How to apply the principles of Wellness Design to the Healthy Home.
6 min read
Designing for Growth: How Thoughtful Children's Furniture Shapes Development
Discover how thoughtful design fosters creativity, safety and wellbeing, influencing generations and paving the way for a sustainable future.
2 min read
Mold Matters: Health, Prevention and Remediation, Part 3
In the final part of this series, we explore how to tackle mold when it is discovered and how to prevent it from making a comeback.
4 min read
Well Home In…Højby, Denmark
In the latest in this series which shines a light on healthy and low-impact homes, we visit Maria Høgh Heilmann’s cabin, the perfect family retreat.
2 min read
Green Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
WLLW explores the Global Organic Textile Standard as a hallmark of environmental and social responsibility in textile production.
3 min read
The Six Chemical Classes Series: Certain Solvents
WLLW examines the solvents found in common household products, the risks they pose and the alternatives available.
4 min read
Mourne Textiles: Weaving a Legacy of Craftsmanship and Sustainability
Celebrating its rich past, Mourne Textiles remains at the vanguard of innovative textile design and sustainable production in Northern Ireland.
2 min read
The Six Chemical Classes Series: Certain Metals
WLLW explores the hidden hazards of heavy metals and how they can impact our health and wellbeing.
4 min read
The Warmth of Wellbeing: Improving Thermal Comfort at Home
Discover the impact of optimizing your home's temperature, humidity and airflow on your overall health.
4 min read
3 Days of Design 2024
The 3 Days of Design festival in Copenhagen showcased innovations being made by artisans in crafting a healthy, sustainable home.
2 min read
Mold Matters: Health, Prevention and Remediation, Part 2
Part Two of this series covers the measures you can take to prevent mold from taking hold in the home.
4 min read
Well Home In…Melbourne
In this series, WLLW highlights healthy and sustainable homes from around the world. First off is Warehouse Greenhouse in Melbourne, Australia. A unique and environmentally friendly family home that challenges the typical residential style.
1 min read
How to Reduce Off-Gassing in Your Home
We delve into the topic of off-gassing, offering tips for reducing it in your home, leading to better indoor air quality.
6 min read
WLLW's Gift Guide 2023
Our editors' roundup of the best healthy and sustainable home products to gift in 2023.
4 min read
Living Lightly: Copenhagen’s Lower-Carbon, Healthier Homes
Discover how the Living Places experimental prototypes led to housing that prioritizes wellbeing, community and sustainability.
1 min read
New EPA Standards Target Lead Hazards in Homes Nationwide
Enhanced protections aim to shield families and children from harmful lead exposure.
3 min read
The Hidden Costs of Synthetic Dyes: Health Risks, Environmental Impact and Sustainable Alternatives
While synthetic dyes offer vibrant and durable options for home textiles, they pose serious health and environmental risks. This article examines these dangers and showcases sustainable alternatives that are reshaping the industry.
4 min read
Rooted in Tradition: Crafting Heirloom Pieces with Munder-Skiles
WLLW highlights the story of Munder-Skiles, a manufacturer of outdoor furniture whose pieces are designed and built to last for generations.
3 min read
Sustainable Comfort: Ways to Manage Extreme Heat and Cool Your Home
In our rapidly changing climate, WLLW explores effective strategies for mitigating high temperatures to stay safe in your home
3 min read
The Best Houseplants for Improving Indoor Air Quality
Being surrounded by greenery does wonders for our physical and mental health – certain species can even purify the air in our homes. Here are eight of the most effective.
4 min read
Armadillo: Pioneering Sustainability in the World of Rugs
The brand creates timeless, handcrafted rugs that celebrate traditional artistry while prioritizing the environment and social good.
4 min read
Building for Tomorrow: Why Resilient Construction Matters
With the world's hottest day recorded on 21st July, WLLW explores how we can safeguard our homes against climate extremes.
7 min read
Pritzker Prize 2023: Celebrating David Chipperfield
British architect, Sir David Chipperfield, has been selected as the 2023 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize – an accolade regarded as the industry’s highest honour.
3 min read
Tala: Brightening the World Through Sustainable LED Design
Tala designs low-impact LED lighting that enhances living spaces while fostering wellbeing and environmental responsibility.
5 min read
Home: Beyond Shelter, Our Foundation for Mental Wellbeing
WLLW delves into the ways our homes influence and actively bolster our mental health and overall wellbeing.
5 min read
Communities of the Future: The Rise of Purpose-Driven Housing Projects
WLLW explores five communities of the future to understand the ethos that underpins them and whether they are blueprints for better living.
4 min read
Embrace Tradition: The Health and Sustainability Benefits of Vintage Furniture
WLLW explores the advantages of opting for vintage furniture and finding pieces that both enhance our wellbeing and tell a story.
3 min read
Beyond the Faucet: Elevating the Standards of Bathroom Water Quality
As we continue our journey into the realm of water purity, the focus shifts to the bathroom. Uncover the importance of water filtration and the steps to ensuring cleaner, safer water for your bathing routine.
4 min read
Inside the Workshop: Sawyer Made
WLLW speaks with Vermont's Sawyer Made on blending traditional woodworking with craftsmanship in Windsor chairmaking.
4 min read
Designing an Energy-Efficient and Comfortable Home, Part 2
In the continuation of this series, we delve deeper into energy-saving measures for enhancing sustainable and healthy homes.
3 min read
The Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Asthma and Allergies
WLLW explores how poor indoor air quality exacerbates asthma and allergies, providing strategies to improve air purity at home.
4 min read
Color Theory in Practice
In this introductory guide, WLLW explores the influence of colors within the home and how they can transform your living space.
3 min read
Healthy Home: A Conversation with Armadillo Founders Jodie Fried and Sally Pottharst
Advocates for sustainable craftsmanship, Jodie Fried and Sally Pottharst share how their values of simplicity and family connection have made their homes calming, nurturing spaces.
4 min read
Pretziada: The Creative Practice Rejuvenating the Forgotten Workshops of Sardinia
WLLW was given the opportunity to learn how Kyre Chenven and Ivano Atzori are melding contemporary design with Sardinia’s ancient craft traditions.
3 min read
The Impact of Natural Light on Your Living Space
Natural light is more important to your health than you think. Here’s what to do if your home doesn’t get enough.
3 min read
Mold Matters: Health, Prevention and Remediation, Part 1
In Part One of this series, we explore the impacts of mold, some common types to look out for and its effects on health.
2 min read
Founder's Letter
Join me as I share the story behind WLLW – a platform born from personal challenges, deep learning, and a passion for creating homes that support both people and the planet.
2 min read
Living a Low-Waste Life: A Conversation With Precycle Founder, Katerina Bogatireva
WLLW spoke with the founder of New York's first zero-waste grocery store, about how consumers can reduce waste and single-use packaging in the kitchen.
4 min read
Kalon Studios Crafts Responsible Elegance in LA's Atwater Village
Amongst Los Angeles' diverse creative landscape, Kalon Studios stands out for its dedication to crafting furniture with a focus on environmental responsibility, craftsmanship and community.
4 min read
Designing an Energy-Efficient and Comfortable Home, Part 1
We examine energy-saving strategies, illuminating their importance for home sustainability, boosting wellbeing and promoting the adoption of energy-conserving behaviors.
3 min read
Breathe Easy in Your Home All Year Round
Drawing on Harvard professor and healthy buildings expert Joseph G. Allen's research, it's crucial to understand how environmental pollution impacts the air quality inside our homes, emphasizing the need to reassess and improve the air we breathe indoors.
2 min read
Why WLLW Now?
It is my mission to connect our readers with a global network of experts, designers and makers.
3 min read
Let Nature In: The Power and Purpose of Biophilic Design
Bringing nature into homes through biophilic design improves wellbeing and connects us to the natural world.
4 min read
Serenbe: A Holistic Approach to Modern Living
WLLW learns what makes Serenbe a sustainable, community-driven disruptor in the development market in a Q&A with founder Steve Nygren.
2 min read
Beyond the Flame: Healthier Candle Choices for a Sustainable Home
As the colder months draw in, WLLW explores how consciously-sourced candles can contribute to an inviting, healthy home.
1 min read
Healthy Home: A Conversation with George Sawyer of Sawyer Made
An artisan at the forefront of re-envisioning the future of traditional woodworking techniques, George Sawyer reveals how simplicity and family connection contribute to a happy, healthy home.
7 min read
How to...Design a Kitchen That Supports Your Wellbeing, Part 2
WLLW continues our kitchen series by focusing on functional design that can positively impact our overall health.
3 min read
Well Home In…Round Top, Texas
For the latest in this series, which highlights healthy and sustainable homes from around the world, we look at a wellness-focused property by Lake Flato Architects, designed for a senior couple to age gracefully in place.