Designing For Health & Hygiene
Over the last few months we have all become more conscious of hand hygiene and preventing the spread of germs – Both in our homes and in our work place.
We all want our homes and work places to be clean and hygienic, however we also want them to be warm and inviting. Good design can help you strike the right balance.
A good place to start is with the fabrics you are using. Easy clean fabrics don’t necessarily mean they have to feel cold and uninviting! With the development of more high performance fabrics we are seeing fabrics that have great properties and also great aesthetics.
A good place to start is with the fabrics you are using. Easy clean fabrics don’t necessarily mean they have to feel cold and uninviting! With the development of more high performance fabrics we are seeing fabrics that have great properties and also great aesthetics.
For example, these beautiful swatches with a great range of texture and tones from AQUA fabrics are Anti-Microbial, bleach cleanable, fire retardant, stain resident and waterproof. These fabrics are perfect for areas that are used frequently like sofas, headboards and office chairs.
Many of us when buying clothes steer clear of pieces that have to be dry cleaned as we know all too well the extra care they take! The same practical approach should be taken when buying furniture and soft furnishings – opt for pieces with removable covers and that are machine washable.
Little choices when planning your space can make all the difference for preventing the spread of germs. For example, with the increase in hand washing lately, a small thing like selecting a tap for your wash hand basin that is a lever as opposed to a traditional handle can reduce the amount of contact, and in workplaces opting for automatic taps with sensors are recommended. In addition choosing designs that have curves instead of corners are also easier to clean and tend to trap less dirt. Curves also create a softer and more welcoming environment.
Nature has its own natural anti Viral and anti bacterial gems. Our favourites are tea tree and rosemary essential oil. These are such a lovely addition to the home and are a really great way to purify the air and add a great clean feeling in your home without a strong chemical smell. These can be used in an oil burner but we especially love this stone diffuser from Irish company Kotanical.
In conclusion, hygienic interiors can still be contemporary and stylish. With our teams knowledge and suppliers we have all you need to create a healthy and homely environment.
