Toxic-Free Nesting: When Interior Design Meets Motherhood

Send us Fan MailWhat if the beautiful nursery you've created for your baby is actually filled with invisible toxins? When interior designer Alexandra Shield found herself sitting on the empty floor of her unborn son's room, overwhelmed by research on harmful chemicals lurking in seemingly innocent furnishings, she knew she had to make a change.Alexandra takes us on a journey through the hidden dangers in our homes – from PVC-laden blackout curtains that off-gas harmful phthalates to the chemicals coating "performance fabrics" marketed to families. With her decade of interior design experience and passion for sustainability, she reveals practical ways to create healthier spaces without breaking the bank or throwing everything away.The conversation explores startling realities about our indoor environments: children's uniquely vulnerable physiology, the chemical cocktail hiding in household dust, and how standard building materials impact not just our families but farmers and ecosystems worldwide.  Alexandra breaks down what certifications actually matter (look for GOTS for textiles and Green Guard Gold for furniture) and which natural materials naturally perform better without added chemicals.Beyond personal health, Alexandra addresses the staggering environmental impact of interior design – 10 million tons of furniture enter US landfills annually – and shares inspiring alternatives like upcycled marketplace finds, water-saving fixtures that conserve 6,000 liters per person yearly, and innovative materials made from coffee grounds and mushroom roots.Whether you're designing a nursery, renovating a home, or simply becoming more conscious about your living space, this episode provides actionable wisdom for creating beautiful interiors that support both human and planetary health. Connect with Alexandra for her free guide on designing a healthy nursery or to learn how her virtual design services can transform your space from anywhere in the world. Free Gift:  https://www.alexshielddesign.com/sign-up-nursery-guide https://www.alexshielddesign.com https://www.instagram.com/alexshielddesign/If this conversation stirred something in you… good. That’s where change begins.Make sure you’re subscribed, share this with someone who needs it, and if you’re ready to tell your story, step into your voice, or build a life that actually feels like yours… You’re in the right place.I’m Julie Fairhurst, and this is where stories turn into power.Go to my website if you would like to be a guest on the Women Like Me Stories & Business in the toolbar click Let's PodcastJulie's Website