A healthy dose of interior design for a little girl with leukemia
Portland-based environmental wellness consultant and interior designer Michelle Bexelius donated her time and services to help create a safer, more restorative bedroom for a young local girl undergoing treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Nine-year-old Stella was diagnosed with AML on February 1, 2010. When Michelle learned about Stella and her family, she reached out and offered a complimentary environmental wellness assessment of their home.
The goal was simple: identify practical ways to reduce unnecessary environmental exposures while creating a bedroom that felt comfortable, uplifting, and distinctly Stella’s.
The project included repainting Stella’s room with high-quality low- and zero-VOC paints and primers, reconsidering furniture placement in relation to electrical wiring, and replacing select flooring, furnishings, and materials with more thoughtfully chosen alternatives.
Through the project, Michelle demonstrated that wellness-focused design and beautiful interiors can go hand in hand.
“There is almost always an alternative when it comes to materials and products. You simply have to understand your priorities and know what to look for,” Michelle explains.
Stella Today
A wonderful update: Stella went on to become a healthy college student and, in 2019, was selected to represent Grant High School on the Rose Festival Court.
She has also given back through volunteer work with several organizations, including the Children’s Cancer Association, contributing her talents as a fundraiser and photographer.
Go Stella!
Michelle checked the electromagnetic frequency (EMF) levels, moved Stella’s bed, and checked for lead in the window sills. The family also received healthy mattresses, pillows and bedding thanks to (Eclectic Home/Plank and Coil), sustainable cork floors (Eco Haus) and custom designed textiles (cool cotton). The bedroom was cleared of clutter, the stuffed animals were minimized and the space was organized to create a harmonious haven.
We also want her room to resonate with her style making it fun for an almost 9 year old and her 4 year old sister to call their own. Michelle designed curtains and a duvet cover and pillow to brighten the room. Melamine furniture and plastic storage containers were replaced with solid wood pieces to improve the indoor air quality.
It will be a bright moment when Stella sees her room for the first time. We will be there smiling too knowing we helped improve the health of her room so a little girl can heal and grow up and fulfill her dreams.