Transforming 13162 Boca de Canon with Nurtured Nests
At Living West, we’re always excited to share stories of transformative and inspiring spaces and 13162 Boca de Canon is no exception. The current owner, fitness entrepreneur and natural wellness aficionado Tracy Anderson, partnered with Nurtured Nests, a renowned healthy home design and environmental consulting company, to turn their house into a sanctuary of health and wellness. We spoke with JoAnna Elliott, co-founder of Nurtured Nests, to learn more about her unique approach to creating homes that promote well-being, from the materials used, to the air you breathe.
Can you tell us a little about Nurtured Nests and your approach to home design?
Nurtured Nests is both a healthy home design and environmental consulting company, we seamlessly blend the two in all aspects of our services. Some people think, “oh, those seem very different” but in reality, when you are proposing finishes or interior furnishings for a new build or remodel/restoration project, really any aspect of the build, you need to consider the health of end user. So, interior and building design, material considerations - all are very much related to environmental health. As a Building Biology Environmental Consultant, Material Health Advisor and Microbial Investigator, I design around the health of the occupants using principals grounded in Building Science, Material Health, and Industrial Hygiene. In addition, my co-founding partner, Rosa Ferro, designs for wellness grounded in the principals of Feng Shui and Material Health. Together, we thoughtfully explore how a space impacts the people living in it and work to make sure that everything—from design to ventilation to finishes—complements their well-being. We focus on every detail, ensuring that the space is not only esthetically pleasing, but that it is also healthy to live in.
For the Boca de Canon project, what was your primary focus?
Tracy came to us with a very clear vision for her home. She wanted to ensure that her family’s living space was as healthy as possible and she has an exquisite eye for design. Our role was to support that vision by selecting materials and finishes that would enhance the indoor air quality while ensuring the home was aesthetically stunning. We also brought in local artisans and vendors to help execute the design in line with our health protocols. The result is a home that’s not only beautiful but also promotes a healthy indoor environment.
You mentioned that the process went beyond just selecting non-toxic materials. Can you explain how you work with contractors to execute these ideas?
When we start a project, we don’t just hand over a list of non-toxic materials. We collaborate closely with the contractors to ensure they understand and follow our healthy building protocols. For example, with Tracy’s project, we specified a unique plaster for the interior, and because plaster must be mixed with water as part of the application process, we made sure the water used in the process was purified to avoid contamination. It’s about making sure every aspect of the project—down to the installation methods —is done in a way that purified the air inside the home. All of our projects involve extensive material research and drafting of customized protocols that consider all aspects of the build from start to finish.
That’s incredible attention to detail! Did you work on the home’s ventilation and water filtration systems as well?
Both the air and water supplies for her home are customized with advanced filtration systems that ensure proper air circulation, removing contaminants like VOCs (volatile organic compounds), fine particulate, viruses, bacteria, and other toxins. As with all of our projects, were were careful to ensure the systems were aligned with our holistic approach to home health.
We’ve heard that healthy home design goes beyond just the renovation phase. What steps do you take to ensure a home remains healthy long-term?
We do recommend annual check-ins or home health tune-ups, similar to how you’d check in with a doctor. Just like our lives evolve—whether that’s adding a pet or making lifestyle changes—homes need periodic assessments to ensure the air quality is maintained, any new contaminants are addressed. We also help clients create a preventative maintenance schedule for all aspects of their home. to ensure all systems are operating at their optimal level.
Can you offer any tips for people who want to start improving their home’s health today?
The first step is always to get an assessment. Without knowing what’s going on in your space, it’s hard to know where to focus your efforts. Once we conduct an environmental assessment, we can make recommendations, from simple fixes like improving ventilation or using non-toxic cleaning supplies, to more complex changes like installing new filtration systems. If you’re not ready for a full overhaul, start small. For example, eliminating products with high VOCs, like certain paints or furniture, is a great place to begin.
Lastly, we know you’ve worked with clients all over Southern California and beyond. Do you have any advice for homeowners looking to integrate healthier design principles into their homes, no matter where they live?
Our approach is tailored to the needs of the individual, no matter their location or budget. Regardless of whether our project is a large renovation or improving IAQ in a small apartment, we start with a thorough environmental assessment. From there, we can prioritize improvements based on your needs. The key is to stay informed about the materials you’re bringing into your home and how they impact your health. And remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing—small, thoughtful changes can make a significant difference.
Working with Nurtured Nests on the 13162 Boca de Canon property was an enlightening experience, showing how thoughtful design can transform a space into a sanctuary for both mind and body. If you’re inspired by this project, JoAnna and her team offer valuable expertise in creating homes that are as healthy as they are beautiful.
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