A Healthy Home

Interior DesignHealthy Home
Written By Olivia Munroe

What do we mean when we speak about a healthy home?

As a guide I like to use the pillars of the Well Certification. This was originally designed for commercial building projects, but can be equally applied to residential design. Some are a little more abstract than others when applied to residential design, but I think they are all aspects that can be helpful.

Air: Good indoor air quality, and ventilation.

Water: Access to clean, safe drinking water and effective moisture management to prevent mould in the home.

Light: The optimization of natural lighting and thoughtful artificial lighting to support healthy circadian rhythms, sleep, and productivity.

Comfort: A focus on thermal comfort (temperature) and acoustic comfort (noise management).

Materials: Encourages low-VOC (volatile organic compound) products, that adds to better indoor air quality.

Mind: Supports mental health through design elements like biophilic design (nature connection) and quiet nurturing spaces.

Movement: Encourages physical activity through design, such as accessibility.

Nourishment: Encourages environments that facilitate healthy eating habits.

Community: Promotes social connectivity and accessibility.

Sound: Focuses on mitigating sound transmission and enhancing acoustical privacy. 

Sick Building Syndrome

The WHO first defined Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in the 1980s. It describes a condition where building occupants experience acute health symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, or irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat that seem linked to time spent indoors, yet no specific illness or cause can be pinpointed.

While originally associated with office buildings, these concerns are also relevant in our homes. Contributing factors have been found to include, poor ventilation, high levels of PM2.5 particles or dust; excessively dry or humid conditions; limited natural light or poor-quality artificial lighting; chemical contaminants such as formaldehyde and biological pollutants like mould.

What Makes a Home Healthy?

Good Indoor Air Quality

  • choose low or zero-VOC paints, adhesives, sealants, and finishes

  • select breathable, natural materials such as lime plaster, timber, and natural textiles

  • maximise cross ventilation

  • use externally vented exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms

  • avoid synthetic air fresheners and heavily fragranced cleaning products

  • manage indoor humidity to reduce mould risk

  • reduce indoor dust by designing easy to clean, clutter-free spaces

Thermal and Acoustic Comfort

  • insulate walls, ceilings, and floors to improve comfort and reduce energy use

  • use acoustic treatments in walls or floors where sound transfer is an issue

  • incorporate verandahs, and terraces that protect interiors from external extremes while enhancing indoor-outdoor flow

  • include climate-appropriate systems such as ceiling fans and underfloor heating.

Healthy Lighting Design

  • maximise natural daylight

  • design for seasonal variation – welcoming sunlight in winter and shading interiors in summer with awnings, shutters or curtains

  • select electric lighting that supports circadian rhythms, for example, warm-toned, dimmable lights in the evening

  • ensure adequate task lighting in areas for reading, cooking or working

Moisture and water quality

  • ensure access to safe drinking water (filtration where required)

  • design bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens to effectively manage moisture

  • use ventilation and detailing to reduce condensation and mould risk

Materials

  • avoid plastics

  • prioritise materials that are free from harmful chemicals and low in VOCs

  • select responsibly sourced timber and products

  • avoid or minimise finishes containing formaldehyde, phthalates, or PFAS where possible

Mental Wellbeing

  • keep spaces visually calm and organised by including well designed and appropriate storage

  • incorporate biophilic design: use natural textures, views to greenery, and indoor plants

  • create dedicated quiet areas for rest and reflection

  • ensure layouts allow for easy movement and natural light in daily-use areas

Movement and ergonomics

  • plan for comfortable circulation and ease of movement

  • consider accessibility and long-term usability

  • use ergonomic layouts in kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces

Nourishment

  • create kitchens that are functional, well-lit, and easy to use

  • support food preparation and storage in a way that encourages home cooking

Community and connection

  • design spaces that allow for both privacy and connection

  • consider how the home relates to its street, garden, and neighbourhood

A healthy home feels comfortable to be in, easy to use, and aligned with the way people actually live. It considers air, light, materials, and layout not as separate decisions, but as part of a whole.

In that sense, a healthy home is simply a well-considered one – where design supports overall wellbeing, and holds up over time.

Olivia Munroe