QUICK GUIDE WALL FINISHES & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Your home’s interior walls play a vital role in creating a comfortable and personalised space, so it’s important to consider all the options when deciding how they look. But with so many choices available, how can you decide which is best for your project? Let’s take a look at the options.
Good air quality inside the home is particularly important for everyday health, and the wall finish you choose can come with a host of benefits that’ll create a better living environment while contributing to your home’s character. Here’s what you need to know:
Wall construction
What are VOCs and why are they important?
Your internal walls will be constructed at first fix stage, marking your first opportunity to see how your rooms will be divided (and probably your last chance to affordably change them). Most are built with studwork, as it’s cheap, space-saving and quick to put together, plus offers an easy place to run services.
“Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the culprits behind the strong odour of some oil and solvent-based paints,” says Charlotte Cosby, creative director at Farrow & Ball. VOCs can be irritants, but with proper ventilation the risks to your health are low. Even so, it’s recommended that you opt for a low-chemical emulsion for interiors. “Ideally, it should be water-based, low- VOC and therefore breathable for you and your family,” says Emma Bestley, cofounder and creative director at YesColours.