Design a Nontoxic Home: Clean Materials & Wellness Tips with Alison Davin

Creating a home that supports your health starts with the materials you choose. In Episode 125 of Practical Nontoxic Living™, Sophia Ruan Gushée speaks with Alison Davin, founder of Jute Interior Design, about how to curate beautiful, wellness-centered spaces with nontoxic, sustainable materials.

This conversation ranks as the #2 most downloaded episode of the Practical Nontoxic Living™ podcast—proof that so many are looking for safer, cleaner homes.

Why Nontoxic Home Design Matters for Your Health

Your home environment plays a powerful role in your well-being. Common building materials and furnishings often contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), flame retardants, PFAS, and formaldehyde that can pollute indoor air and contribute to health issues such as headaches, asthma, hormone disruption, and even long-term disease.

Designing a nontoxic home is about more than aesthetics—it’s about creating a sanctuary that truly supports your family’s health.

Nontoxic Materials for a Cleaner, Healthier Home

Alison Davin shares expert insights into choosing safe, sustainable building and design materials that reduce toxic exposure.

Flooring and Carpets: Safer Options

• Choose solid wood, natural linoleum, or tile instead of vinyl flooring.

• For rugs and carpets, look for natural fibers like wool, jute, or organic cotton without chemical treatments.

Paints and Finishes: VOC-Free Matters

• Opt for zero-VOC paints and natural finishes that don’t off-gas toxic fumes.

• Avoid conventional stains and sealants that can release harmful chemicals into your home’s air.

Furniture and Fabrics: Healthier Swaps

• Select solid wood furniture instead of particleboard, which often contains formaldehyde.

• Choose fabrics made with natural fibers—cotton, linen, or hemp—and avoid synthetic stain-resistant coatings.

Practical Tips for Designing a Nontoxic, Wellness-Centered Home

Even small changes can reduce your family’s toxic exposure. Alison and Sophia recommend:

• Ventilating your home regularly to improve indoor air quality.

• Introducing houseplants that help purify air naturally.

• Prioritizing your bedroom for detox efforts since you spend a third of your life there.

• Asking contractors and designers specific questions about materials used.

Listen Now: Clean Materials & Wellness Design Tips

This episode is packed with practical insights and design wisdom for creating a healthier home environment. Whether you’re renovating, redecorating, or starting fresh, Alison’s advice will help you choose materials that support your well-being without sacrificing style.

Go Deeper: Find Your Ultimate Home Detox™

Ruan Living offers a robust ecosystem of resources to support your nontoxic home journey:

• Join the 40-Day Home Detox

• Download your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack

• Shop curated safe swaps in Ruan Living’s Amazon Store