Scent Free Remodeling

Space needing storage solution

Living scent free covers all aspects of your life. It doesn't only affect how a person reacts to fragrance in clothes, personal products, cigarette smoke, etc.  What if you need to remodel your home? Like me, if you are also chemical and fragrance sensitive, you have to consider the materials you will use. 

Are you affected by offgasing?  Off-gassing is the release of vapors that can be toxins, chemicals or odors from building products such as paint, glue, carpet, and types of wood used.  One of the chemicals that can have a high level of off-gassing is formaldehyde.  Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.  I found this OSHA Fact Sheet on formaldehyde interesting.  If you have an allergy or sensitivity to chemicals or fragrance what building materials you use matters. 

When I enter newly constructed buildings (even though the structures have been completed months past), I have headaches, breathing issues and the like. So I know that whatever the remodeling we do, I have to heavily consider what products I will use.  After all, I have to sleep here.  I know we have to tackle each project and room in sections.  This was an old house built in the 1930s; spatial proportions are limited.  For instance, there are limited closets.  When I say limited, I mean two (2) in the entire house.  So storage solutions are a prime concern.  

On the side wall, my husband made a wall hanging solution for coats/jackets.

This is the one of spaces needing an overhaul. It is under the stairs and a perfect place for a storage.  For some reason this beautiful buffet which I will paint (pictured below) was stored there.  

 

Buffet stored under the stairs.

If you have any ideas on how to make the most of this space, let me know what you think.  Currently, after removing the buffet, I stored my husband's bowling equipment, mop, vacuum cleaner, not well organized, but at least out of the way.   I also photographed a vintage drawer my mom used to store sewing patterns, fabric and notions.  It is too large for the sewing craft room so I was thinking to cut off the legs and use this as a bench under the stairs.  Before I cut the legs and paint, we have to do a dry run to see it will fit.  I would cover the bench with foam and material for seating when taking off boots and shoes.  

This space would still have the fit the bowling equipment, vacuum and mop.  Some of the bench drawers could be used for hats, flip flops, etc. 

I helped my husband on a paint job and we used a low VOC paint from Sherwin Williams.  This paint didn't cause a reaction so I know I will use again.  However, I will not be painting the space as there are other factors to consider.  Some of the current paint may have lead, flooring may have asbestos and that takes us to a another level of remodeling... so at this point this will not be a finished space, however, it must be usable.

Under the stairs current use