How to Decorate Podcast Summary
Episode: Ep. 391: Designing a Healthier Home with Kishani Perera
Release Date: December 10, 2024
Host/Author: Ballard Designs
Guest: Taryn Perera
Introduction
In Ep. 391 of the How to Decorate podcast, Ballard Designs welcomes Taryn Perera, an esteemed interior designer with over two decades of experience. Taryn shares her journey from traditional interior design to pioneering healthier home environments, blending aesthetics with wellness.
Taryn's Design Philosophy Evolution
From Clutter to Calm
Taryn discusses the evolution of her design aesthetic over the past 20 years. Initially known for her layered and eclectic styles, she has transitioned towards a more minimalist and calming approach.
"I've become a little less cluttered... sparseness makes me happy. It's just more calming to me." [02:30]
Her ability to adapt and incorporate diverse styles has allowed her to cater to a wide range of clients, enhancing her versatility as a designer.
Reusing Materials and Antiques
The Charm of the Past
Taryn emphasizes her passion for reusing materials and incorporating antiques into her designs. She believes that vintage pieces add warmth, character, and history to modern homes.
"Pieces have an energy to them that sometimes good, sometimes bad... I always convince them to get even one little piece... it transforms the room from feeling just very new and cold to having that history and the story." [03:35]
Her early work showcased a keen eye for thrifted finds, positioning her ahead of the trend towards sustainable and vintage-inspired interiors.
Personal Health Journey
Health Challenges Leading to Innovation
Taryn opens up about her personal health struggles, which became the catalyst for her focus on healthy home design. Diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivities and immune system issues, she discovered that indoor toxins, particularly mold and mycotoxins, were adversely affecting her health.
"My entire life, you're around black mold and these toxins... genetically, you are more susceptible." [06:50]
This revelation not only transformed her personal life but also her professional path, driving her to create environments that prioritize health without compromising on style.
Designing Healthier Homes
Choosing the Right Materials
Taryn delves into the specifics of healthier home design, highlighting the importance of selecting non-toxic and sustainable materials. She advocates for alternatives to traditional wood framing, such as steel, aluminum, concrete, and masonry, which are less prone to mold and chemical treatments.
"Fiberglass insulation... little bits in the air aggravating people's lungs. Instead, I really love the idea of wool insulation, which is literally sheep's wool." [20:58]
She also recommends magnesium boards over conventional drywall and promotes the use of natural paints with low or no VOCs to reduce indoor air pollution.
Challenges in Implementation
Overcoming Industry Resistance
One of the significant hurdles Taryn faces is the resistance from contractors accustomed to traditional building methods. Convincing them to adopt new materials and techniques requires extensive education and persistence.
"There's initially a ton of resistance... but after I educate them a little bit, they're like, yeah, you're right." [21:32]
Despite these challenges, Taryn observes a gradual shift towards acceptance, especially among commercial builders who are more open to sustainable practices.
Practical Advice for Healthier Homes
Easy Steps for Listeners
Taryn offers actionable tips for creating healthier living spaces:
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Air Purification: Invest in HEPA filter systems or affordable tabletop air purifiers from brands like Blueair or Air Doctor Molecule.
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Water Filtration: Utilize countertop reverse osmosis systems to ensure clean drinking and cooking water.
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Ventilation: Regularly open windows and ensure proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms.
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Organic Upholstery: Choose furniture with plant-based insulations and fabrics, opting for natural materials over chemically treated ones.
"Even in older homes, making sure you know, your bathrooms have fans that are really pumping out the moisture is very helpful." [12:00]
Innovations in Materials
Embracing the Future of Design
Taryn is excited about the ongoing innovations in non-toxic materials. She highlights the emergence of plant-based leathers like cactus, apple, and mushroom leathers, which offer sustainable and aesthetically pleasing alternatives.
"There are things like cactus leathers, apple leathers, mushroom leathers... very beautiful colors." [32:27]
The increased availability of organic fabrics and sustainable materials has significantly broadened the design possibilities, allowing for vibrant and healthy interiors.
Client Relationships
Tailoring to Individual Needs
Taryn underscores the importance of understanding and adapting to each client's unique preferences and lifestyles. Whether working with creatives or those new to design, she tailors her approach to ensure personalized and cohesive spaces.
"I'm just a facilitator. I'm here to put my spin on what you want and make it better." [33:53]
Her long-term relationships with clients like Molly Sims and Rob McElhenney showcase her ability to evolve designs that remain timeless and reflective of her clients' changing tastes.
Q&A Session: Listener's Rug Dilemma
Navigating Design Challenges
In the Q&A segment, Taryn addresses Karen's concern about mismatched rug colors in her entry hall and living room. She offers thoughtful advice on balancing patterns and colors to create harmony.
"Pick up the ground color of the living room rug... something more neutral." [43:29]
Additionally, Taryn suggests incorporating statement pieces like vibrant light fixtures or artwork to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Conclusion
Taryn concludes the episode by expressing her enthusiasm for the future of healthy home design. Her commitment to blending beauty with wellness offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to create a living space that is both stylish and health-conscious.
"I'm very excited about the future of design and where it's kind of going in this organic and non-toxic way because it's happening." [32:12]
Final Thoughts
This episode of How to Decorate provides a comprehensive look into the intersection of interior design and health. Taryn Perera's expertise and personal experiences offer listeners practical solutions and inspiration for creating healthier, more beautiful homes.
For more insights and design tips, visit howtodecorate.com and follow Ballard Designs on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review to share your feedback.
Notable Quotes:
- "Let me think about that. And I've kind of learned to love and appreciate and then work with all sorts of different styles and eras." – Taryn [01:38]
- "My entire life, you're around black mold and these toxins... genetically, you are more susceptible." – Taryn [06:50]
- "I'm just a facilitator. I'm here to put my spin on what you want and make it better." – Taryn [33:53]
Key Takeaways:
- Healthy Homes Matter: Prioritize non-toxic materials and proper ventilation to enhance indoor air quality.
- Sustainable Choices: Embrace reusing antiques and sustainable materials to add character and reduce environmental impact.
- Personalization: Tailor design choices to suit individual health needs and aesthetic preferences.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of innovations in sustainable and non-toxic design materials to create vibrant, healthy living spaces.
For more episodes and design inspiration, subscribe to the How to Decorate podcast and join the Ballard Designs community in making every home a sanctuary of health and beauty.