Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Day - May 12
How Chemical Sensitivity Reshaped the Way I Design
Does the smell of a candle, fresh paint or a new sofa make you cringe, or worse, make you feel sick?
Most people never think twice about these things. But for those living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), everyday environments can become overwhelming and even disabling.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, sometimes called chemical intolerance or TILT (Toxicant- Induced Loss of Tolerance), affects people in different ways. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person, which is one reason this condition is often misunderstood.
Many people with MCS react to synthetic fragrances, cleaning products, paints, off-gassing, and other chemicals commonly found in homes, offices and public spaces.
One of the hardest parts for many who suffer from this condition is feeling unseen or dismissed by others.
I understand that personally.
I lived with chemical sensitivities for nearly 14 years, and for the last four of those years, I became homebound because of how severe my reactions were. My world became incredibly small. Simple things many people take for granted, like grocery shopping, visiting friends, or being in public spaces, became nearly impossible. It was isolating, emotionally draining, and life-changing not only for me, but my husband as well.
Thankfully, there is hope.
After years of searching for answers, I was finally guided in the right direction toward healing. Once I began addressing the root causes, my health improved quickly. My life completely transformed. I felt alive again, and able to fully step back into life. That experience changed not only how I live, but also how I design for others.
Not everyone experiences chemical sensitivities to the same degree, but many people notice headaches from fresh paint, new carpet, strong fragrances, and other everyday chemical exposures. More and more people are also becoming intentional about the products they bring into their homes and how their environments affect daily living.
Even for those who do not identify as chemically sensitive, many are seeking homes that feel calmer, healthier, and supportive of everyday life. Cleaner air, low-VOC finishes, natural materials, and thoughtful product selections can profoundly influence how a home feels.
Today, that awareness informs every project I take on.
I guide clients through low/no-VOC finishes and paints, intentional material selections, and refined interiors designed to support how they want to live and feel.
Healthy design does not have to feel sterile.
Homes can still feel elegant, layered, warm and beautifully composed while also supporting well-being.
During MCS Awareness Month, and especially today on MCS Awareness Day, the goal is to bring greater awareness, understanding, support, and empathy to those living with this often misunderstood illness. Many people suffer quietly because their symptoms are minimized or overlooked. Greater awareness creates empathy, encourages support, and helps those affected feel seen and understood.
It is also a reminder that safer, healthier environments matter deeply, including workplaces and medical facilities where people can safely receive care without becoming ill from exposures.
Awareness is important, but action matters too. Small changes can make a meaningful difference. Choosing healthier personal care products, eliminating synthetic fragrances, and using more non-toxic cleaning products are simple ways individuals can help create cleaner, more considerate environments for everyone.
Understanding matters. Compassion matters. And the spaces we live in matter more than most people realize.
As a designer who has personally lived through chemical sensitivities, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the products, materials, and everyday exposures. That experience now shapes the way I design, helping clients create spaces that are supportive, beautiful, and truly comfortable to live in.
As more people become aware of how environments influence daily well-being, interest in healthier homes, green living, and more intentional lifestyles continues to grow.
If you or someone you know is looking for thoughtful guidance in creating a healthier, more supportive home environment, I’d love to connect.
Michele Nicholson
Principal Designer | Haute Interiors, LLC
Where Design Meets Well-Being
Hendersonville, NC
