Mind and Health

Interior finishes, like flooring, have an enormous impact on the Indoor Air Quality of buildings, because the materials they’re made from may emit toxins which can cause severe allergic reactions and illness. Additionally, the chemical products used to maintain floors contribute continually to the indoor environment. However, floor finishes which promote easier maintenance, require less chemical treatment to maintain their appearance and serviceability, and are durable may not have appropriate acoustical or aesthetic characteristics for every installation, so it is imperative to match the material to the appropriate use while evaluating environmental performance criteria along with other characteristics.

In addition, flooring materials, especially residential carpets which require pads, contribute substantially to landfills and cause significant negative impacts because we tend to replace them more often than hard finishes like engineered wood flooring. Selecting floor finishes that are aesthetically flexible and durable, increases the life cycle term of the product reducing its negative impact.

Adding a painting or other piece of art to a wall makes a statement. You can find inexpensive artwork for your wall that you enjoy and that will draw a few compliments from your guests. A large or colorful painting will create a focal point in a room. This design technique does work well, and if you shop carefully it will not cost you much either.

Adding a colorful rug to a drab room will make an oversized difference with the look and feel of not just the room but your entire apartment. A rug can brighten up and make the room look brand new. Depending on the style of your furniture, you might consider using that new southwestern rugs as your center point in the room.