At nēmm, we believe in conscious choices, so we strive to help our clients make such choices. Our projects are built upon three pillars - our interiors are beauty-led, comfort-oriented, and health-conscious. These are the core values that we work and live by. We focus on sustainable solutions and natural materials that contribute to your well-being and reduce your carbon footprint.
healthy environment at home.
A key element that we rely on in the designs we create is biophilia - our innate need to be in touch with nature. The use of natural materials in the interior plays a key role in creating a cozy, healthy, and sustainable environment. Materials such as wood, stone, clay, linen, wool, etc., not only add natural beauty, texture, and warmth to the space but also do not contain toxic substances and chemicals that harm our health. This is extremely important for children, people with allergies or sensitivities, but also for everyone else.
Natural materials bring peace, and balance and create a sense of connection with nature, which is especially valuable in today's fast-paced lifestyle. They also reduce our environmental footprint, making them not only beautiful but also a cost-effective choice. With proper care, these materials are extremely durable over time.
There are countless examples of ecological materials, but in this topic, we will pay special attention to a few materials that will help you start the change towards a better and healthier home.
finishing coatings.
Modern life challenges us to seek a balance between aesthetics, comfort, and environmental protection. One of the key steps in this direction is the use of environmentally friendly finishes in our homes. Rarely would one think about whether this or that paint can affect one's health, but this choice can have a great impact on the quality of life in any given room.
Materials such as clay plasters and lime paints, for example, are great options for finishing because they not only add a beautiful look to the home but also bring many benefits to health and the environment. They are completely non-toxic and do not emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, these coatings are extremely weather-resistant. Clay and lime create durable and beautiful surfaces that can last for years without the need for frequent maintenance. Clay plasters are ideal for walls and ceilings, adding warmth and texture to the space. They can be mixed with pigments to create a variety of color shades, and lime paints are extremely suitable for rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens, thanks to their resistance to mold and bacteria.
Not a lot of brands on the Bulgarian market offer ecological finishing coatings, one that does is Sevarex. Their products are made of high-quality natural ingredients that guarantee not only an aesthetic result but also a safe environment for your home. The company offers a wide selection of clay and lime plasters, and other natural coatings that can be customized according to your needs.
Another option for wall finishing is zero-VOC paints. One of the world-renowned leaders in the production of such products with which we partner is Benjamin Moore. The company offers a wide range of paints that combine innovative technologies and environmental care. Benjamin Moore's "Aura" and "Natura" lines are created without harmful volatile organic compounds, making them safe for use in enclosed spaces, including children's rooms and bedrooms, and some of the products are specially formulated for spaces where hygiene is of paramount importance, such as kitchens, hospitals and schools.
Producing natural coatings requires significantly less energy and resources than synthetic alternatives, reducing the carbon footprint and supporting sustainable practices. By investing in materials like clay plasters and lime paints, you are not just improving your home, but contributing to a better future for everyone.
textiles.
In our homes, we are usually surrounded by textiles - curtains and blinds, furniture upholstery, decorative pillows and bedspreads, rugs and runners, bed linen, and duvets. Textiles not only add coziness and style but also play a key role in our health and well-being. Natural textile materials, such as linen, silk, wool, cotton, and hemp, are becoming increasingly preferred due to their valuable qualities and sustainability, and the production of natural textiles also has a smaller environmental footprint. Materials such as linen and hemp, for example, use much less water and chemicals in processing, compared to synthetic alternatives.
Wool is a much-loved material that adds softness and comfort to interiors. It is particularly suitable for textile elements such as carpets, pillows, blankets, and upholstery. Thanks to its natural insulating properties, wool provides warmth in winter, while regulating the temperature in summer. Wool repels dust mites, it is hypoallergenic and antibacterial. This renewable and biodegradable material is suitable for people with sensitivities to synthetic textiles. In addition, wool has exceptional durability. It retains its shape for a long time and is resistant to stains and wear. Wool textiles not only add coziness but also contribute to acoustic comfort by reducing noise in the room.
Our partners from Home of Wool are dedicated to creating a line of bedding, mattresses, and home products that improve the quality of life. Unsurpassed quality, purity, comfort, and safety from a Bulgarian-certified manufacturer. In addition to wool, they also have products made from other natural materials, such as silk.
Silk is yet another natural material suitable for use in the home. It is obtained from the cocoons of silkworms, distinguished by the properties that make it an ideal choice not only for bedding but also for decorative pillows, curtains, or upholstery.
In addition to providing comfort and airiness, silk has a positive effect on health. With its natural thermoregulatory properties that maintain optimal body temperature throughout the night, silk also supports the natural hydration of the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and inflammation. Silk bedding reduces friction, which protects the skin from wrinkles and prevents hair from tangling and breaking. We would say that sleeping on a pillow with a silk cover is almost mandatory, especially for the ladies.
This naturally hypoallergenic material repels dust mites, dust, and other allergens, making it a perfect choice for people with sensitive skin and allergies. Although it is fine and delicate, silk is extremely strong and durable. If properly cared for, silk bedding can last for years without losing its softness and shine.
Linen, unlike silk, has a much rougher texture, but it also finds its application in interiors as a remarkably versatile textile. It is one of the oldest fabrics on the planet and was widely used before cotton was discovered and adopted. Strong, durable, and easy to maintain, linen has been one of the most prized fabrics since the era of Ancient Egypt. Linen textiles have a remarkable ability to cater to a wide range of needs and situations. From creating an organic-looking interior that resonates with the beauty of nature, to building a space that exudes elegance and relaxation, linen can be the perfect canvas for design accents with impeccable functionality.
The texture of linen is organic and rustic, adding depth and character to any interior without compromising durability. With use and washing, linen becomes even softer while maintaining its strength, making it ideal for bedding and upholstery. The natural folds of linen are part of its charm. They bring life to the fabric, and their drape ability makes it an excellent choice for curtains, filtering natural light beautifully while also providing privacy.
Unlike synthetic fabrics, natural fabrics are breathable, living materials that allow natural air circulation, do not retain odors, and are the best choice you can make for you and your family.
furniture.
Needless to say, we always encourage the use of natural materials when it comes to furniture. In addition to its timeless aesthetics, which are unsurpassed, wood and stone furniture have invaluable qualities. They not only bring warmth and comfort to the home, but also create a healthy and harmonious environment, and one of the greatest advantages of wood and stone is their texture and beautiful aging. No piece of wood or stone is identical to another, which makes each piece of furniture or interior element special.
Touching wood brings a sense of comfort and connection with nature. Its warm tones and the raw yet elegant look of the stone create balance and tranquility in the interior.
Durable, strong, and long-lasting, these materials withstand daily use, and with proper maintenance, they can retain their beauty for decades. This makes them an economically justified investment, and what could be better than bequeathing something beautiful, with history and functionality to the next generation?
greenery.
At nēmm we always try to use plants as part of the interiors, because they add life and help create a balanced environment. For us, it is important that every element in a home not only looks beautiful but also brings a sense of true connection with nature, as we said above. Therefore, using plants as a central element in interior design is of key importance, through them, we directly bring nature into the interior.
The ability of indoor plants to disinfect the air, for example, is one of the most valuable qualities, but it is by no means the only benefit they bring. The presence of plants is associated with reduced stress levels and overall improved emotional well-being. Natural elements create a more pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, which in turn enhances creativity and focus and increases our productivity.
A large leafy plant can naturally become a focal point in a room, drawing the attention of those entering the space. Taller plants can add visual height to a room by drawing the viewer's gaze upward, creating the illusion of increased space and spaciousness.
To sum up, we would say that using natural materials in the interior is not just a design choice, but a way to create a healthy and sustainable home. They connect us with nature, provide comfort, contribute to the ecological balance, and create interiors resistant to trends and time. In a fast-paced digital world, these materials remind us of the importance of simple, authentic things that bring peace and harmony to our everyday lives.
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