“What’s one innovative way you’ve personalized your home environment to support your family’s health? How has this impacted your family’s overall well-being?”
Upgrading our HVAC system with a whole-home ventilation system
One of the most effective changes we made at home was upgrading our HVAC system with a whole-home ventilation system. Specifically, we added an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator), which has completely changed the way air flows through the house. It’s not just about heating and cooling anymore—it’s about the quality of the air we’re breathing every day.
Most traditional HVAC setups just recirculate the same indoor air, which can build up allergens, dust, and other airborne irritants. With the ERV, we’re constantly bringing in filtered outdoor air and pushing out stale indoor air—without sacrificing temperature control or energy efficiency. It balances humidity too, which really helps in climates where things can swing between too dry and too damp depending on the season.
We paired the system with upgraded filters (MERV 13) and smart sensors that track indoor air quality in real time. So if cooking sets off too much particulate matter or someone lights a candle, we can literally see the air quality change and let the system respond automatically.
The difference has been pretty incredible. My seasonal allergies stopped flaring up within the first few weeks of having the ERV installed.
There’s also a comfort in knowing that when the house is sealed up tight during the winter or when air quality outside is poor, we’re still getting fresh, clean air inside. It’s an invisible peace of mind, if that makes sense.
The air just feels better. Less heavy, less stuffy—and you notice it most when you leave for a few days and come back. It’s like walking into a home that breathes.
Investing in ventilation wasn’t just about comfort. It was a move to support long-term health, reduce allergens, and create a cleaner, more consistent environment for our family. Definitely one of the smartest, most high-impact upgrades we’ve made—quietly working in the background every day.
Philip Crutchfield, Franchise Owner, Varsity Zone HVAC
Integrate safety-forward, wellness-enhancing features that promote independence and reduce stress
One innovative way you can personalize your home to support your family’s health – particularly for aging loved ones – is by applying many of the same principles we use in senior homecare.
For example, integrate safety-forward, wellness-enhancing features that promote independence and reduce stress. That could include installing non-slip flooring, optimizing natural lighting, simplifying layouts to minimize fall risks, and using smart home tech to monitor health metrics and medication reminders.
These changes aren’t just about safety – they promote dignity and daily comfort. For example, something as simple as lever door handles or a walk-in shower can dramatically improve ease of living for older family members. It also creates peace of mind for everyone in the home.
As someone who works in the senior care space, I’ve seen firsthand how the environment affects health outcomes. Bringing that mindset into your own home will allow your family to age in place more gracefully and reduce the need for reactive care. It’s about designing a home that grows with you – and that proactive approach has made a noticeable difference in our overall well-being.
Christian Bullas, Owner, Senior Homecare By Angels
Creating what we call a ‘brushing station’
As a dentist and a parent, I wanted our home environment to subtly reinforce the importance of oral hygiene without it feeling like a lecture.
One simple but effective change we made was creating what we call a ‘brushing station’ – a small, well-lit hygiene nook with toothbrushes, floss, timers, and rinse cups in both bathrooms, along with fun reminders that make brushing feel rewarding rather than routine.
We also keep xylitol gum and tooth-friendly snacks like cheese sticks or nuts in reach, especially after meals, to reinforce good habits and reduce the urge for sugary treats.
This personalization has transformed our family’s mindset about oral health. My kids are more engaged in their brushing routine, we’ve cut down on cavities, and dental visits are more positive overall. It’s also been a subtle but powerful way to show my kids that oral health is part of total wellness, not a chore, but a lifestyle.
Dr. Kristy Gretzula, Dentist/Owner, Hawley Lane Dental
Improving natural light around the home
My family and I are all people who do tend to suffer a bit during the colder months and shorter days of winter, so one thing we’ve done to help with our well-being year round but especially during this time of year is focus on improving natural light around the home. I’m a big plant lover both personally and professionally, so incorporating lots of plants and greenery into our decor has also helped a lot! But, we’ve also gone around rethinking our window treatments and colors used in decorating. Ditching curtains, for instance, has really helped open up rooms and allow in lots more natural light during times of the year we might be hurting for it.
Ryan Farley, CEO, LawnStarter
Limiting carpet in the home and even choosing different fabrics for curtains
We are unfortunately a family of allergy-sufferers, so I’ve definitely had to make some adjustments over time to help relieve symptoms as much as I can. I’ve found that things like limiting carpet in the home and even choosing different fabrics for curtains have really helped lessen symptoms. We have noticed an overall reduction in allergies, and I do believe removing carpet and opting for more hard flooring made a huge difference there!
Carr Lanphier, CEO, Improovy
Introducing eco-friendly pest control solutions
One innovative way we’ve helped families personalize their home environment for better health is by introducing eco-friendly pest control solutions tailored to individual household needs. Instead of relying solely on traditional chemical treatments, we use low-toxicity, plant-based alternatives that are safe for children and pets. We also implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices that minimize pesticide use by focusing on prevention, monitoring, and sustainable solutions.
This approach has had a noticeable impact on families’ well-being. Many of our clients report a reduction in allergy symptoms, improved indoor air quality, and greater peace of mind knowing that their homes are protected from disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes and cockroaches—without compromising their family’s health.
Our goal is to create pest-free environments that support overall wellness, and we’ve seen firsthand how a safer, cleaner home can lead to less stress and a healthier lifestyle for the entire family.
Jerry Eason, Owner, Diamond Exterminators
Setting up a no-shoes area right by the front door
One thing we did that’s actually made a big difference is setting up a no-shoes area right by the front door. We added a bench, a couple of baskets, and a washable rug so it’s easy to drop shoes, bags, whatever, the second we walk in.
It might sound small, but it’s helped a lot with allergies and keeping the house cleaner overall. We don’t track in dirt from the yard, and I’m not constantly vacuuming. It’s just one of those simple setups that makes everyday life a little easier and healthier without much effort.
Hayley McAteer, Owner & Interior Designer, Cushee
Creating a wellness nook
One way I personalized our home to support my family’s health was by creating a wellness nook—a small, peaceful space for relaxation, light exercise and mental resets. It wasn’t a big renovation; I just repurposed a corner of our living room. I added a yoga mat, a mini air purifier, essential oils diffuser and soft lighting. We brought in a few low maintenance houseplants like snake plants and peace lilies for air quality and a touch of nature.
What made it personal was the no-tech rule for that space and a small bookshelf with mindfulness journals, stretching guides and a few favourite books. We use it for daily stretching, meditation or quiet time—even 5-10 minutes a day.
This small change has had a big impact. We all feel less stressed, especially during busy weeks and we sleep better and feel more grounded. It’s also become a way for us to be screen free, especially in the evenings which I didn’t anticipate but really value. Personalizing that space to focus on calm and wellness has created a ripple effect—more mindful habits, better moods and a sense of balance at home.
Sovic Chakrabarti, Director, Icy Tales
Creating a dedicated wellness space
One innovative way I’ve personalized my home environment to support my family’s health is by creating a dedicated wellness space. I set up an area in the living room with a few simple but impactful features: an air purifier, plants known for their air-purifying qualities, and a few comfortable seating options for stretching or meditation. For my parents, I’ve incorporated adjustable lighting that can be softened in the evening to help improve sleep quality. Since implementing this space, I’ve noticed that my parents are more mindful of their physical and mental well-being. It’s been a subtle but meaningful change—encouraging them to spend time unwinding, breathing clean air, and being more active. This small, intentional setup has had a noticeable impact on their overall health and mood.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen