The Architecture of Atmosphere: Natural Paints and Finishes
What to Look For
Ingredients
Look for natural pigments and plant-based resins
Manufacturing
Ethical sourcing, clean production, minimal waste
Transportation
Regional availability, low-carbon distribution
Certifications
Greenguard, Cradle to Cradle, Ecolabel
Paint does more than color a room, it defines how a space feels, breathes, and affects those who live within it. In creating a home with presence and a feeling of calm, the choice of wall finish becomes foundational, it tells a story in a way. Quiet, subtle, and deeply tactile, a considered paint or no paint at all will make simple shifts to the atmosphere.
I love to approach paint not as a backdrop, but as a contributor to daily health, material honesty, and longevity. Here are some things to consider.
Ingredients: The Invisible Layer
The best paints are the ones you don’t notice because they don’t off-gas, irritate, or disrupt. Traditional paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), synthetic binders, and heavy metals. These can linger for months, years after application. Instead, look to brands that use:
Plant-based oils and resins
Mineral pigments
Water as a carrier
Brands like ECOS Paints, Clare, AURO, and BioShield prioritize these ingredients, offering finishes that are breathable and non-toxic.
Manufacturing and Material Integrity
Just as with food or textiles, the way paint is made matters. Seek out companies that manufacture in small batches, disclose full ingredient lists, and design with environmental responsibility in mind.
Look for lifecycle transparency and minimal plastic in packaging. The most thoughtful manufacturers are part chemist, part environmentalist.
Transport: Consider the Distance
Paint is heavy. Its carbon footprint increases with every mile it travels. When possible, choose local or regional manufacturers. You may also find small-batch makers in your area who create lime- or clay-based paints using native earth pigments.
Certifications: A Quiet Stamp of Assurance
Certifications are not everything but they help. Trusted third-party verifications include:
GREENGUARD Gold
Cradle to Cradle
EU Ecolabel
Declare Label
These standards ensure low emissions, healthy indoor air quality, and ethical production practices.
Beyond Paint: Natural Wall Finishes
In some spaces, paint may not be needed at all. Consider natural alternatives that offer texture, breathability, and a timeless feel:
Clay Plaster: Rich in texture, clay naturally regulates humidity and improves acoustics.
Limewash: A mineral-based finish with depth and subtle sheen, antimicrobial by nature.
Tadelakt: A polished lime plaster from Morocco waterproof and used in baths for centuries.
Exposed Raw Materials: Brick, wood, and stone can be left untouched, expressing their own story.
These alternatives create living surfaces—ones that evolve over time and reflect natural light with nuance.
“Good design is as little design as possible.”
This philosophy is not about austerity, but about purity. When the walls of a home are finished with care, restraint, and integrity, everything else can breathe.