- Bareo
- March 2026
A healthier choice for your home
When people think about luxury interior design, they often imagine elegant furniture, natural wood, or refined stone surfaces. Yet there is another essential element that is often overlooked, even though it exists closer to us than almost anything else inside the home: the paint used within the living environment.
Today, the definition of luxury has evolved. True luxury is no longer defined solely by appearance or expensive materials, but by the quality of everyday living. A home that is beautiful, comfortable, and healthy for its residents represents a more meaningful form of luxury.
Among the many materials used in interior spaces, paint plays a surprisingly important role in indoor health and environmental quality.
A Health-Conscious Approach to Interior Paint
As people become more aware of health and environmental issues, the selection of materials used inside the home has become increasingly important. Paint is present in many forms throughout a residence, including:
- Wall and ceiling finishes
- Furniture coatings
- Wood stains and varnishes
- Protective coatings on built-in cabinetry
Most conventional paints contain chemical compounds known as VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). These chemicals often produce strong odors and can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and respiratory system. VOCs are commonly found not only in paints, but also in:
- Wood stains and spray coatings
- Thinners and solvents
- Adhesives used in plywood and composite boards
- Furniture materials such as MDF, Particle Board, and HMR boards
Because these materials are widely used in modern construction and furniture manufacturing, VOC exposure can occur more frequently than many homeowners realize.
What Are VOCs?
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) are organic chemicals composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen. They have relatively low boiling points, which means they easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. Once released into indoor air, VOCs can remain present for long periods before breaking down. As a result, they are considered one of the contributors to indoor air pollution.
High concentrations of VOCs inside buildings can lead to various health issues. In some cases, they are associated with what is known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), where occupants experience symptoms such as Headaches, Eye irritation, Nausea, Respiratory discomfort, etc.
In severe cases, long-term exposure to certain VOCs may affect the nervous system, reproductive health, or increase cancer risks. Because of these potential health effects, many countries, particularly in Europe, have established regulations limiting VOC levels in indoor paints. Products are commonly categorized as: Low-VOC paint, Very Low-VOC paint and No-VOC paint
Only paints meeting strict certification standards are recommended for residential interiors.
Solvent-Based Paint vs Water-Based Paint
Traditionally, many furniture finishes and coatings relied on solvent-based paints, which use chemical solvents such as thinners. These paints typically produce strong odors and release higher levels of VOCs.
Over the past decade, however, a healthier alternative has become increasingly popular: Water-Based Paint. Water-based paint uses water as the primary solvent rather than chemical thinners. When manufactured according to modern environmental standards, these paints produce very low or near-zero VOC emissions. Another advantage is that interior spaces can usually be occupied within only a few hours after application, making them safer for homeowners and families.
Other Sources of VOC in the Home
Besides paint, VOCs can also be found in adhesives used to produce engineered wood products such as Particle Board, MDF, HMR Board, Plywood, etc. These boards often rely on urea-formaldehyde adhesives, which can release VOCs over time.
To reduce these emissions, the wood industry has developed E0-grade boards, which significantly limit VOC content. However, because E0 materials are more expensive, only certain manufacturers consistently adopt them in production.
Bareo and Water-Based Paint
A Commitment to Health and Responsibility Since 2014, Bareo has implemented the use of water-based paint for more than 90% of our built-in furniture finishing processes. Only a small number of specialized finishes still require solvent-based coatings due to durability requirements in certain applications.
By adopting water-based technology, Bareo ensures that interior environments remain safer and healthier for homeowners. After the final finishing process, spaces can typically be used within 2–3 hours, requiring only simple ventilation during that period. This approach makes Bareo interiors particularly suitable for sensitive spaces such as Children’s bedrooms, Elderly living areas, Master bedrooms and private living spaces
At Bareo, we believe that these details matter. The use of water-based paint is just one example of our commitment to creating homes that are not only elegant, but also safe and healthy for long-term living. If you are planning to design or renovate your residence, Bareo is ready to help you create a home that embodies both luxury and well-being.
Explore Our Work : Discover our portfolio of luxury residential interior design Bangkok and interior design and decoration projects across Thailand.
Contact Bareo today to begin designing a living space that is refined, comfortable, and healthy in every breath.
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(+66) 61-846-6633
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[email protected]
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FAQ : Luxury Interior Design in Thailand
Q1: Why is built-in furniture more common in luxury homes in Thailand?
Built-in furniture is widely preferred in Thailand due to its ability to maximize space efficiency, especially in condominiums and penthouses. In luxury residences, it also ensures a seamless aesthetic, precise craftsmanship, and long-term durability. Unlike loose furniture, built-ins are tailored to the architecture, creating a more refined and cohesive living environment.
Q2: How long does a luxury interior design project take in Thailand?
The timeline varies depending on project size and complexity:
- Condominium / Penthouse: 3–6 months
- Luxury Houses / Villas: 6–12 months
This includes design development, production, and installation. High-end projects often require custom fabrication, which adds to the timeline but significantly enhances quality.
Q3: Can foreign homeowners manage an interior design project remotely?
Yes. Many luxury interior design firms in Thailand offer full turnkey services, including remote project management. This typically involves:
- Online design presentations
- Progress updates with photos/videos
- Procurement and installation coordination
This is especially beneficial for expatriates or overseas property owners.
Q4: What should I prepare before starting a luxury interior project?
To ensure a smooth process, clients should prepare:
- A clear budget range
- Lifestyle requirements (e.g., entertaining, family living, work-from-home)
- Reference images or preferred styles
- Property details (floor plans, developer restrictions)
Q5: Is wellness-focused interior design popular in Thailand?
Yes, increasingly so. Especially at BAREO we concern and focused on client’s wellness and health together with aesthetic. Many luxury homes now incorporate:
- Natural ventilation and lighting
- Low-toxicity materials e.g. E0 Wood Board, Water-based paint
- Acoustic comfort
- Spa-like bathrooms and relaxation areas
This aligns with global trends in wellness living and sustainable design.
Written by Than.T (Thanchanok Thammakulangkul)
Bachelor of Architecture, First-Class Honors, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (2019), Master of Business Design, Domus Academy, Milan (2020), Grade 106/110 and One-year program in “Chinese for Foreigners,” Donghua University, Shanghai, awarded “Excellent Student” for both semesters (2024–2025)
Passionate about design and writing since high school, Than.T has authored articles on architecture, art, and interior design for over 15 years.
Writing Advisor:
Mr. Worawut Thammakulangkul
Interior Designer and Founder of Bareo Company Limited
With over 35 years of experience, Mr. Worawut stands as one of Thailand’s foremost figures in luxury interior design. His visionary approach has shaped some of the nation’s most distinguished residences—spaces that embody both timeless beauty and the unique lifestyle of each homeowner. As the creative leader behind Bareo’s award-winning projects, he has guided the design team to achieve numerous international accolades. His expertise, artistry, and unwavering dedication continue to elevate Thailand’s interior design industry onto the global stage.
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