Concerns have arisen regarding the level of air pollution in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Individuals who experience the consistently poor air quality index, even within their homes, may jeopardize their health. Thoughtful interior design offers one approach to ensure the well-being and comfort of residents while indoors, but there are additional strategies available.
Condense and Simplify to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
To maintain comfort in the face of air pollution, Harry Priawan, CEO & Co-Founder of Dekoruma, recommends adopting a compact interior design. Minimizing the quantity of items in your home simplifies cleaning. Given the accelerated dust accumulation in polluted areas, keeping these spaces clean and uncluttered becomes even more critical.
Let Your Colors Shine
When planning your interior, aim to avoid an excessively bland appearance. Consider incorporating pops of color as accents. For instance, you could paint one wall white and the other in a pastel shade. This approach not only visually enlarges the room but also infuses it with a breath of fresh air. If your living space is restricted, it is advisable to invest in space-saving and multipurpose furniture. This effectively reduces clutter and facilitates effortless cleaning.
Adopt a Japanese Way of Life to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
Priawan suggests embracing the Japandi, or Japanese-Scandinavian, style. He believes this design aligns perfectly with the preferences of Indonesian homeowners. While Japanese design’s minimalistic and multipurpose features have gained recognition, it is often critiqued for its limited color variety. In contrast, Scandinavian design favors lighter furniture hues, such as light brown wood, while still allowing for the inclusion of vibrant accessories.
Open Up Your Home to Nature
Incorporating indoor plants can significantly enhance the quality of your living space. Priawan emphasizes the importance of having houseplants in the current climate. However, he advises careful plant selection, as indoor plants receive less sunlight than their outdoor counterparts. The presence of indoor plants enhances air quality visually and physiologically, particularly during the nighttime.
Addressing Air Quality
The air quality index consistently registers hazardous air pollution levels in DKI Jakarta. For example, Iqair monitoring data from September 6, 2023, at 4:00 PM WIB, revealed an air quality index of 153 in DKI Jakarta, with PM2.5 values at 60 g/m3. Consequently, DKI Jakarta experiences unhealthy levels of air pollution.
This designation places Jakarta as the second most polluted city globally, trailing only behind Doha, Qatar, which boasts an even higher index rating of 158. Both Jakarta and Doha are categorized as having unhealthy conditions, indicated by the red index color. Kuching, Malaysia, ranks as the third most polluted city worldwide, with an index score of 132, placing it in the orange category, denoting unhealthiness for vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, due to the hazardous levels of air pollution in Jakarta, careful interior design is crucial for maintaining a pleasant and healthy living environment. Despite the challenging air quality circumstances in the city, employing techniques such as simplification and decluttering, experimentation with color, adoption of Japandi style, and the incorporation of indoor plants can create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.