Work your Green Thumb to Improve Air Quality

Chemicals released by carpets, foam insulation, paint and other sources are present in the air we breathe. As our homes become better insulated, those indoor air pollutants can linger longer in the spaces we inhabit. Here’s the good news: You don’t need to invest in an air purifier or other costly solution. What you need is something green and leafy. 

Indoor plants are one of the most cost-effective ways to brighten a space, create a relaxing, restful environment, and purify the air. In fact, in the 1980s, NASA studied house plants as a way to naturally and cost-effectively purify the air in space. The results of that study, and others since, show there are plenty of household plants that soak up the air pollutants and release fresh, clean oxygen. 

Here are five plants to get you started:

Aloe Vera

When it comes to breathing easier, aloe helps to clear formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Beyond that, this easy-to-grow plant is perfect for a sunny kitchen window where the gel found inside it’s leaves can be used to soothe mild burns. Notice brown spots on your plant’s leaves? The amount of harmful chemicals in the air may be excessive. 

English Ivy

NASA listed this beauty as its top pick. In the study, English Ivy was the most efficient in absorbing pollutants. From formaldehyde to soaking up carcinogens from second-hand smoke, this low-maintenance plant should be part of your décor. 

Peace Lily

Although you’ll want to keep this plant out of the reach of children and pets, the Peace Lily offers beauty and high marks as an air filter. In fact, this plant topped NASA’s list for removing the three most common volatile organic compounds (VOCs): formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, among other air pollutants.

Rubber Tree

If your thumb is more brown than green, pick up a rubber tree. This low-maintenance plant thrives even in poor lighting. Don’t let its easy care fool you; the rubber tree is also a powerful toxin eliminator. 

Snake Plant

The snake plant is a night owl. It’s efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen at night while most plants are doing so during the day. This plant thrives with little light and water and will absorb the toxins released by your carpets and wood furniture.

by Anjie Cho

Three Steps to Successful Plant Care

Happy Earth Day! In honor of this wonderful holiday, I have written a lot of posts about indoor plants.

Plants should be incorporated into your décor not only for their aesthetics but, as discussed previously, their ability to purify the air and how they contribute wood element into your spaces. The wood element creates kindness, flexibility and healing in your life.

Of course, having plants means you’ve got to care for them. Even low maintenance plants, like rubber trees, require some level of care. Here are 3 tips for keeping those greens... well, green.

Know thy plants

The first and most important step to successful houseplant care is to know what each plant requires. Every plant needs sunlight, water and food to thrive. They don’t, however, all require the same amounts. Take time to understand the needs for each plant you’re purchasing.

Know thy home & thyself

Let’s step back for a moment. Before making your plant selection, decide where they’re going to live in your home. Perhaps you want to place that nocturnal snake plant in your bedroom. It thrives in low light, so don’t place it on the dresser next to the window that gets strong midday sun.

Similarly, some of us have greener thumbs than others. If plant care isn’t really high on your list of daily tasks, look for low maintenance plants. If you’re willing to invest more time, of course, be open to plants that might require a bit more TLC like an African violet or orchid.

Know thy tools

You can turn almost anything into a planter. However, make sure you’re providing good drainage before you place your plant in it. That cute teacup may look fabulous with a small plant, but without one or more holes in the bottom, you risk root rot caused by poor drainage. Have several different-sized containers, as well. As your plant grows, you’ll want to transplant it into something larger to accommodate its expanding root system. 

When you purchase your plants or transplant them, pick up a new bag of potting soil. You want fresh, loose, sterile soil – don’t recycle old soil or use soil from your yard. Some plants, like cacti, require a soil mix formulated specifically for their needs. Again, research your plants’ needs and buy accordingly.

After you’ve researched your plant’s specific preferences, make sure you’re providing the proper amount of water, light and fertilizer. You’ll also want to inspect your plants for pests and disease and treat them accordingly if needed.

by Anjie Cho

Door Decisions: Selecting Solid Core vs Hollow Core Doors

Love those renovation plans you’ve drawn up! The color is fantastic. The new furniture you’re eyeing will work well in the space. Those pops of color are perfection. But, wait. The door. What about the door? Don’t overlook the entrance to your room. Beyond the aesthetics, you’ll want to consider the construction of the door you select. The differences in budget and benefits between solid core and hollow core doors will impact your choice.

Solid Core Doors

Don’t confuse the solid core door with a solid wood door. The door we’re talking about here is a particle board (or similar material) center covered with a veneer outer layer. Solid wood doors, in contrast, are just what it says. If you purchased a solid wood cherry door, the entire door, one side straight through to the other, would be cherry wood. On the other hand, a comparable solid core door would be a cherry veneer over a particle board center. 

Hollow Core Doors

The hollow wood door is not literally hollow. The center of this door is a cardboard honeycomb sandwiched between two pieces of veneer and a solid wood frame. 

Make your pick

If budget is your deciding factor, the hollow-core door is a good choice. The construction materials used yield a lightweight and relatively inexpensive option. You won’t necessarily sacrifice style, either. Many of these doors are impressive replicas of their more high-end cousins. These same perks, however, mean such a door is only good for interior use. A hollow core door does not have the security and durability needed for an exterior door.

The solid core door offers several advantages. With its solid construction, this door serves as a better heat and sound insulator than their hollow counterparts. These doors are also stronger and more secure and as such, they will withstand more than a hollow core door. While the solid core door is more expensive in comparison to the hollow core, it does cost less than the solid wood doors making it a good option for many budgets.

Doors in Feng Shui

In feng shui philosophy, door represent the mouth of the inhabitants in the home. No matter what types of doors you choose, make sure they are kept in good working order and they can open at least 90 degrees. Avoid doors that hit each other when they open. Finally, best to avoid double doors in the bedroom!

by Anjie Cho