9 Ways to Improve the Indoor Air Quality of Your Home
Everyday tips for detoxing the air in your home—because you’re worth it
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Create a Unified Plan
Homeowners David Froehlich and Jason Castleberry called in architect and designer Tom McElroy to bring their vision for timeless spaces to life. He started by unifying the kitchen’s sliced-up floor plan, which was comprised of separate spaces for the sink, laundry, and mudroom. Then, with a blank 246 square feet to work with, McElroy layered on the cooking-obsessed couple’s must-haves, including copious amounts of cabinetry and counter space, a roomy island for friends to hang out at, and new appliances and fixtures, all while staying in step with the home’s cozy appeal.
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Add the Right Touch
“We loved the charm of the existing house, so we tried to keep the same feel with the renovations,” says Froehlich. “We used unlacquered brass hardware to age over time, marble counters that would etch to add character, subway tiles but square for a more modern look.” Glass door panes echo the home’s original built-in cabinetry. White Wash subway tiles, from $15/sq. ft.; fireclaytile.com.
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Make It Flow
Because the mudroom and laundry at the rear of the kitchen had lower ceilings, turning three spaces into one seamless kitchen took careful consideration. To make it feel continuous without altering the exterior of the house, McElroy opted to vault the sink and laundry areas, which created a sloped ceiling.
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Mix and Match
To contrast with the room’s bright, natural light, the couple chose Benjamin Moore’s deep Narragansett Green for the cabinetry. (Subtle green veining in the marble countertop picks up on this.) Paint, benjaminmoore.com. Massey Bin Pulls and Vernon cabinet knobs, from $10; rejuvenation.com.
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Just Add Books
Open shelving for showcasing and easy access to the couple’s beloved cookbook collection was a happy surprise, once McElroy discovered the exterior wall jogged inward and a continuous two-foot counter wouldn’t be an option. McElroy suggested the couple mix in some wood tones (they settled on walnut) to break up the bold hue. “I wanted to make it appear less bulky or [like] a room full of cabinets, and adding a second material helped to do that,” he says. “We mostly accumulated the cookbooks together, and some are old family cookbooks from each of our families,” says Froehlich. “Everyone comments on the cookbook collection when they see the kitchen.”
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Take a Cue
In the bathroom, a graphic tile pattern that riffs off vintage patterns and water motifs anchors the space. Although it was romantic, stepping in and out of the original claw-foot tub felt impractical to the couple. Removing it called for a reshuffle of the small space, starting with creating the ultimate serene open-shower area. The shower floor’s ombré pattern was inspired by Froehlich and Castleberry’s love of swimming. “I thought the ombré was like walking into the ocean,” says McElroy. Weathered Coast Story 3-in. hexagons in Calcite, Carbon, Cyclone, Dusty Blue, Gypsum, Morning Thaw, Nautical, and Salton Sea, from $35/sq. ft.; fireclaytile.com. Thomas Hook, $24; schoolhouse.com.
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Almost Alfresco
The double-hung window with a lower sill was swapped out for an awning window, which is cleaner and simpler to operate and also situated much higher in the wall for privacy. Still, Froehlich says when the frosted window is ajar, it’s like taking an outdoor shower. A long niche that runs the full length of the shower holds plants and shampoo bottles.
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Waffle Robe
For a quick bathroom refresh, choose a mix of natural, textural, and subtly hued accessories, starting with this cozy robe. $119; parachutehome.com
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The Humble Co. Toothbrush
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Large Marble Canister
$20; containerstore.com
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Linen Knit Floor Mat
$68; shop-foglinen.com
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White Seersucker Hand Towels
$15; shop-foglinen.com
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Pacha Soap Co. Clarifying Charcoal Marbled Soap
$24/lb.; wholefoods.com
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Round Body Brush
$26; trouva.com
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Iris Hantverk Birch Wood Toilet Brush and Concrete Cup
$61; amazon.com
