Home Decor Blog

When you design your home decor, the most important thing is that it be a healthful home. This means no toxic emissions.  How do we create a home with no toxic emissions? It’s all about the materials we use. The largest surfaces areas of our homes are the walls and floors, so let’s start there.  Add the surface areas of our furniture, and you have an enormous exposure zone to toxins. This is because walls, floors, and furniture are usually painted or stained with substances that are quite toxic. There are however, safe alternatives. If paint is eco friendly, it is most often non-toxic, so look for green product certification such as Green Seal Standard (GS-11).

You know that outdoor air is polluted, but did you know that indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air? The EPA deemed indoor household air to be one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Conventional finishes and paints are among the leading causes, because they release low level toxic emissions into the air continuously, for years after their application.  Beware of any product containing ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or methylene chloride.

A variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were essential to the performance of paint, until recently. Now the technology has improved, and non-toxic alternatives are available.

You’ll feel like a Raja in this meditation chair. This one also provides the perfect place to practice the art of baby massage, on or between your outstretched legs. Several other uses for this comfortable extended throne come to mind, but you’ll have to use your own imagination. If you have a baby, you must have figured it out at some point (wink).

Responsible use of forest products and finishes for woods is advocated by “Harmony In Design” . Towards this goal, they have created an entirely new line of meditation products made out of Mango wood and other sustainable resources. After 20 years the mango tree stops bearing fruit, and can then be harvested for timber. Since mango trees can be plantation grown, they prevent the clear cut practice that is damaging rain forests. Multiple uses of the Mango tree, make it a win win crop, providing the delicious and nutritious mango fruit that so many enjoy.

Look at the beautiful rose carved into the wood. The Raja boasts elegant craftsmanship from every angle, and yet has a tastefully rustic quality that makes it easy to incorporate into your room decor.

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There is only one certified organic baby hammock you can buy, the Kanoe baby hammock . Its superior materials, versatility, and contemporary design set it apart.  From birth to about two years of age, the unique canoe shape safely cradles and comforts your baby.  The hammock bounces and sways, mimicking the sensation of being held and rocked by a parent. A specialized weight-calibrated hanging assembly enables this motion.  When bounced and rocked by hand, the Kanoe is especially effective at soothing and calming restless babies. The Kanoes are constructed from the finest quality certified organic cotton canvas,  and dyed with low impact, non toxic dyes. KANOE LLC is committed to providing the safest product to nurture your child. To accommodate different ceiling heights, all the Kanoe’s straps are adjustable. The adjustable straps also allow you to set the hammock at a tilt for babies with colic or reflux.

These straps attach to the bottom ring of the specialized spring assembly, which then attaches to an eye lag. The eye lag can be screwed into any solid structure, such as a beam, ceiling joist, or tree limb, allowing for a wide range of motion. The Kanoe hammock can be moved to anywhere around the home; just unhook the hammock from one eye lag, and then hook it to another. The more eye lags you install, the more places you can hang the hammock. The Kanoe is easy and quick to transport. It rolls up into a beautiful bag made of the same organic cotton canvas fabric. The Kanoe comes with 2 eye lags for ceiling mount, a carrying bag, the instructions, and its strap/spreader bar assembly, custom spring calibrated for infants up to 35 pounds.

This is an ideal gift for a baby shower!

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Shown above in Nutmeg / Burgundy,

the Kanoe Hammock also comes in Earth/Sky…

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…and in Natural/Khaki

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Room Doctor has eco-friendly and economical solutions! There are a variety of styles, and each bed is available in all sizes for children and adults.

This solid-wood platform bed is simple yet stylish,  made of sustainably grown, premium, southern yellow pine, grown and manufactured in the USA. The platform bed sits 15″ high off the floor, providing 10 1/2″ of space beneath for storage and for ventilation. Feng Shui principles recommend allowing free space beneath your bed to allow chi to circulate. This bed is perfect for a single mattress or futon. The unfinished solid wood is safe because there are no toxic chemicals emitted. Leave the bed unfinished, or you can easily add a non toxic finish or stain to match any decor. The bed comes in 2 compact boxes for easy transportation and ready-to-assemble (which makes finishing very simple). As allen wrenches are included, there are no tools required for you to have . If you want underbed drawers, they are sold separately (shown below).

If you think that safe, eco-friendly wood furniture is to be taken for granted, think again! Most wood furniture companies do not use wood from sustainably managed forests and plantations, and then they make it even worse by preserving it or constructing it with toxic adhesives and carcinogenic chemicals like formaldehyde that invade your body with toxic emissions. They then add insult to injury by adding poisonous paint and stains. When you find a company like Room Doctor, take advantage of their ethical standards and protect your family with Room Doctor unfinished solid wood furniture.

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Room doctor also makes mission style beds.

The feet have dual tapered uprights.

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You’ll love these beds, and you’ll love the price!!!!

You can’t go wrong with organic cotton…

and they make great baby shower gifts!

The Naturepedic line of organic cotton bedding gives your child a natural and chemical-free alternative. All fabrics are breathable, machine washable, and durable . The 100% organically grown cotton crib sheet variety pack ( 1 Ivory, 1 White, 1 Flannel) features an elastic perimeter and fitted design for a secure fit.

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The Naturepedic  contoured changing pad cover features 100% organic cotton fabric with a clear  waterproof coating that is so non-toxic, it is actually rated food grade (100% polyethylene)
The hypoallergenic and easy-to-clean pad is stuffed with organic cotton filling, so it is pure, natural, and chemical free. The pad also features the Air-Core support layer, made of non toxic environmentally friendly, 100% food grade polyethylene. The Air-Core network of closed cell air pockets provide a firm and comfortable base, without the toxic emissions of polyurethane foam vinyl, PVC or phthalates or the allergenic properties of latex rubber or wool. The pad has an easy safety buckle to keep your baby secure while changing.

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The naturepedic 100% Organically Grown Cotton sheet features Luxurious 250 Thread Count Sateen. The Fitted Design and Elastic Perimeter Provide Secure Fit for15″ x 30″ x 2″ bassinet mattresses , both rectangular and oval (featured in the previous post). Of course the sheet is machine washable. Grown and made in the USA.

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They also make sheets for a portacrib measuring 24″ x 38″ x 2″

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Protect your mattress and provide comfort with the Naturepedic Airflow Sheet. It is a crib Mattress Pad + Sheet in 1. The  top and bottom layers of the sheet are made from 100 % organic cotton fabric. The Airflow technology increases air circulation. This advance in design allows the Airflow sheet to breathe and  improves temperature control. These features help to reduce sweating so your child will sleep peacefully. For increased comfort, the internal lattice structure helps to relive pressure points. Pop the Airflow sheet in the machine to wash and dry; there’s no fuss. The fitted version employs a full elastic skirt. The quick release version features snaps so there is no need to lift the mattress. Great options for your convenience!

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This organic cotton crib mattress is the winner of prestigious endorsements and many awards; Naturepedic crib mattresses are simply the most healthful available.

The Naturepedic Crib Mattresses is an award winning combination of natural, non-toxic and healthful materials. The mattress is stuffed with organic cotton filling that is grown in the U.S. There is NO polyurethane foam, so there are no toxic emissions. The quilted organic cotton surface features a luxurious sateen finish for added comfort.

The Naturepedic Crib Mattresses meets and exceeds all federal and state flammability standards with  Non-toxic fire protection that is naturally derived, and without the use of  harmful fire retardant chemicals that release deadly fumes when ignited and carcenogenic emissions even when not ignited. There is NO brominated or chlorinated chemicals, PBDEs, modacrylic, PAN, boric acid, antimony, etc. There is also no latex, wool, coir, or other materials that cause allergies. Naturepedic mattresses provide firm support to keep your baby and toddler safe; they are recommended by the “Healthy Child Healthy World” national children’s advocacy coalition, and meet the strict GREENGUARD certification standards. Made to fit standard crib size, the dimensions are: 27.75 x 52 x 6. The mattress also fits the toddler bed. The mattress is entirely made in the U.S.A.

This is a spectacular gift for a baby shower! There is no greater joy than knowing that your baby is safe and comfortable.

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Naturepedic makes organic waterproof mattress pads, featured in the previous post, but if you want the mattress itself to be waterproof, then this is the mattress for you:

The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Ultra 450 mattress features a no-compromise, luxurious, organic cotton cover, with a  waterproof coating so pure that it meets food contact standards. The 100% polyethylene  water proof layer has NO biocides, lead, Vinyl/ PVC, or phthalates. The waterproof surface is easy to clean and also provides an impenetrable barrier to dust mites. Naturepedic always uses exclusive Flamebreaker Fire Protection which meets and exceeds all state and federal flammability standards. The firm flat surface with heavy-duty 450 coil orthopedic innersprings provides ideal firmness, winning pediatrician and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommendations. Heavy-duty border rods add strong side, center, and edge support.

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There is also an organic bassinet mattress,  twin sized mattress, and adult sized matresses by the same company.

Here are the Bassinet mattress available in both rectangular and oval shaped, to fit both types of bassinets, and made with the same award winning combination of materials.

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…..and the cradle mattress also made with the same healthful materials:

The Naturepedic organic cradle mattress measures 18 x 36 x 2 , and features a Non-Toxic Waterproof Surface.

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They also make a portacrib mattress:

The Naturepedic Portacrib MP40 measures 18″ x 36″ x 2″ and has the same non toxic waterproof surface.

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Your older children deserve the same consideration. Protect their health and safety with a twin sized Naturepedic mattress.

You get all the same materials that made the crib mattress win awards, but with room for growing bodies to stretch out.

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For a mattress that allows your toddler to transition to a more mature option once potty-trained, the Naturepedic 2 in1 combo 660 mattress offers waterproofing on one side, and quilted covering on the other side. This is also available with a non toxic box spring for underneath.

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Your whole family should be sleeping on Naturepedic mattresses! They offer Full sized and Queen sized adult mattresses, and they are available with non toxic box springs to go underneath.

The adult mattresses feature 528 premium orthopedic innersprings with border wire, and have all the same organic and non toxic components as the baby and twin sized mattresses.

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Children have a way of crawling into your bed, so if you won’t do it for yourself, so it for them. Besides, you need to be safe and healthy in order to protect their safety and health. Make it a clean sweep and replace all of your mattresses at once. The family that sleeps safely together, stays together.

The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Waterproof Pad makes no-compromises. It  is versatile and lightweight. Place it under under the sheet and you won’t have to worry about wetness ruining your mattress. The water proof pad is easy to change and convenient to pack when traveling. The top and bottom layers are 100% organic cotton for a soft, breatheable, safe, non toxic, eco friendly, alternative that keeps your mattress clean and dry.

The ultra-thin waterproof membrane in the center of the crib pad features DrySleepTM technology. This advanced material effectively blocks liquids from passing through, yet still allows the fabric to “breathe. The pad allows water vapor to escape in order to prevent the baby from getting sweaty and promote a drier, more comfortable sleep. The material does not contain rubber, vinyl , PVC,  phthalates , or latex, so your baby will not suffer from allergies or emmissions. On that subject, the crib pad blocks dust mites and other allergens. This is the best hypoallergenic alternative for water proofing your crib mattress. The crib pad measures 28″” x 52″”, and makes am excellent baby shower gift.

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This wonderful water proof organic mattress pad is available for adults as well. Here is a photo of the Queen sized pad.

Now you can sleep soundly with out allergy attacks, and with the security of knowing that your mattress is protected. You can also put this on your sofa or lounge chair under the decorative slip cover.

This is a particularly good investment if you sublet your furnished home. Keeping your furniture hygenic will help it to last for many more years.

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With wonderful wood furniture, you’ll need a wood preserver by Howard. The Naturals collection provides everything you’ll need to keep your wood furniture looking its best for generations to come. The wood preserver shown here will bring out the luster in your favorite decor elements. The best part? The Naturals line is completely non toxic!

When you follow the Naturals Wood Cleaner and Polish with the Naturals’ Wood Preserver, your furniture will be be gorgeous and protected from the ravages of time and wear. The wood preserver  combines vegetable derived ingredients, Brazilian carnuba wax and beeswax  with essential oils. This product will enhance the beauty of all types of unfinished and finished woods.

This is great for wood doorways, window frames, paneling, cupboards, and any other wooden house hold items, as well as wood furniture.

While other people are spraying or rubbing carcinogenic chemicals on the indoor surfaces of their homes, and exposing them selves and their loved ones to dangerous emissions, you’ll be showing them a better way. With Howard Naturals line of products, you’ll breathe safely, and the only fragrance will be the lovely scent of essential oils. What better way to freshen your house for spring cleaning? Practical, safe, and pleasantly uplifting, this line is just what you need. The icing on the cake? It’s very competitively priced. There is just no excuse for exposing your family to toxins when the eco-friendly alternative is so affordable.

Packaged in 12 fl oz, these products were made in the USA.

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