Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.

Let's talk about the current haze situation in our beloved Lion City. Yes, if you haven’t notice, Singapore is not turning into Genting Highlands, the pesky and irritating Haze is back! For those who are unaware, the Haze carries with it harmful toxicants such as TVOCs and PM2.5, that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. (source: EPA) While we can't control the environment outside, we can certainly make our interior spaces better with some clever interventions! As an interior designer, I'm here to share some ideas on transforming our homes and offices into cosy and haze-free havens. 

PM 2.5 particulate matters are so small in comparison to your human hair. Some of these particles can get deep into your lungs and even into your bloodstream and cause serious issues to your health. (Image Source: EPA)

Mechanical Interventions.

Firstly, mechanical interventions play a vital role in keeping our interior spaces clean and healthy. Air purifiers equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can help to tackle airborne pollutants, including those pesky haze particles. Investing in these devices can significantly improve the air quality indoors.

Plants Are Useful Too!

But hey, let's not overlook the non-mechanical interventions as well! Indoor plants, such as the resilient spider plant and peace lily, act as natural air purifiers, absorbing toxins and releasing fresh oxygen. Not only do they enhance the aesthetics of our spaces but also provide a breath of fresh air – quite literally! 

Personally, I have had an affinity with plants since young and had always incorporated some kind of greeneries into my designs. In my home, I try to find ways to dress up the space with the use of plants. With the haze upon us, even more reasons for me to convince my wife to go green with me indoors!

Almost all the bay ledges in The Designerd’s home are dressed in different pots of plants.

6 Ways You Can Intervene.

Now, let's dive into the concept of an interior designer's intervention. It goes beyond simply creating visually pleasing spaces. Our expertise lies in designing functional and harmonious environments that address Homeowners’ specific needs. From efficient space planning to thoughtfully selecting materials, furniture, and lighting, we strive to create spaces that enhance your well-being and ensure optimal comfort even during challenging times like the haze season. 

Here are 6 ways that an interior designer or Homeowner could implement in their approach to designing a space that addresses the internal air quality of a space.

Invest in an Air Quality Meter, that reads the level of toxicants in your interior spaces.

1. Adequate ventilation: Incorporate good air circulation and ventilation systems in interior spaces to minimize the entry of outdoor pollutants and improve the indoor air quality.
2. Air purifiers and filters: Invest and install high-quality air purifiers and air filters to efficiently remove particulate matter from the indoor air, reducing the impact of haze.
3. Sealants: Use air-tight seals around doors, windows, and other openings to prevent external pollutants from entering the interior spaces.
4. Plants and greenery: Integrate indoor plants and greenery into the design to naturally filter and purify the air. Plants like the Areca Palm, Snake Plant, and Boston Fern are known for their air-purifying qualities.
5. Use of materials: opt for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials and finishes in furniture, paints, and other interior elements to minimize the release of harmful chemicals and improve indoor air quality.
6. Smart technologies: Implement smart air quality monitoring systems to track and respond to changes in indoor air quality, automatically adjusting ventilation and purifying systems as needed.

Do Something About It, At Home.

So yes, there’s something you can do, my friends! We’ve move past those days where we had to wear a mask everywhere we go only to come back to wearing it again to deal with the haze! While there’s really nothing much, we can do to stop the haze, but we can make sure we take care of our interior spaces at home for the sake of our loved ones!

Posted on 13th October 2023

Written by Astley Ng – the designerd.

SIXIDES Editorial Team