Decorating for the Allergy-Prone

When you\'re prone to allergies or live with kids who are, you tend to pay more attention to what you put around the home. From your furniture to your counters to even the knobs on your cabinets, you have to consider how they\'ll affect you. But that doesn\'t mean you have to limit your design options. These days, there are design themes and materials for just about any type of homeowner-including the allergy-prone.

Rugs and carpets are probably the first thing you think of when choosing allergy-safe décor. If you don\'t want to skip them altogether, your best bet is to choose those with all-natural fibers. Organic cotton and wool work best because they contain no added chemicals, and even have built-in antibacterial properties. Wool is especially recommended because it\'s built to last and doesn\'t require much maintenance. Both materials also come in various colors, although the dyes used may not always be natural.

Your furniture and upholstery also play a big role in your décor. Some would argue that they\'re even more important than rugs, because you make more direct contact with them. Again, all-natural fabrics are your best bet. However, it\'s just as important to choose the right material as it is to take care of it. Over time, sweat and dust gather on the fabric, so you\'ll have to clean them out. Slipcovers may be a good idea if you don\'t have time for regular cleaning.

Another commonly neglected element is the window treatment. Both blinds and curtains have the tendency to collect dust and dirt, even in the course of a day. Blinds should be dusted, and curtains should be washed and replaced, at least every other week depending on where you live. If you\'re considering blinds, look into getting the vertical type which doesn\'t gather dust as easily.

Finally, make sure your home has an open, airy feel. Cramped environments are an allergy\'s worst enemy. Make sure there\'s enough space to let in natural light and air, and avoid putting different fabrics too close together. Once in a while, change up your layout so the wear and tear is more evenly distributed.