When designing a home’s interior, be it the layout or the style, there are a lot of different facets to consider. In fact, owners must consider elements ranging from form and function to ease of maintenance.
With this in mind, there is a common misconception that a low-maintenance home is not inherently stylish. However, by making smart design choices, a low-maintenance home doesn’t have to come at the expense of style.
Stylish yet low-maintenance design ideas
A low-maintenance home doesn’t have to be a home that lacks personality and character. Rather, when sorting through layout and design options, make sure to keep elements of practicality at the fore.
By making smart design decisions from the beginning, you can craft a home that features beautiful inclusions that won’t make cleaning the house a chore. Giving you the space needed to enjoy the home and the people in it.
1. Consider your layout
When it comes to current design ideas, a major trend is that of an extra bedroom, dedicated kid’s playroom or even a home office. However, while more space can be ideal, it also means more space to maintain.
Additionally, it’s often the case with large homes that certain spaces become dead spaces. Rather than using a second lounge room, it gathers dust. Instead of playing in the toy room, kids are in the living room with their parents.
This is why assessing your family’s true needs and wants is important. Otherwise, you could end up with rooms that are simply dust collectors.
2. Think hard about open-plan spaces
Another home design trend is that of open-plan living. For some houses, this may mean that there are no walls separating the kitchen, living room and dining room. While this helps give the feeling of space, such a design is incredibly high maintenance.
For example, aromas, cooking grease or even smoke from the oven may seep out and cover other surfaces in the home such as glass tabletops, bookshelves or even the balustrades of the staircase.
Rather than open plan living, consider zoning off the kitchen and leaving the living room and dining room open.
3. Opt for durable flooring
Walking into a home with carpet is instantly comforting. However, carpet is an incredibly high-maintenance flooring choice. Carpets must be regularly vacuumed, spills will need to be tended to instantly and vigorously.
To eliminate stress and lean into the low-maintenance lifestyle, opt for more durable flooring options such as vinyl or large tiles. This way, cleaning spills is as simple as grabbing a paper towel.
4. Find different ways to let the light in
A home with glass features gives the illusion of space and the presence of natural light. This is both a beautiful design trend and a beneficial one. Especially when you consider that natural light brings warmth and Vitamin D, all while helping freshen up the air indoors.
However, these same glass features can be a magnet for fingerprints, smudges and condensation. In other words, they can be high-maintenance. So, rather than compromising on light, opt for a colour palette that is light and bright or even install frosted glass panels.
5. Prioritise storage
While displays showcasing books, china and memorabilia can be quite effective and personal, they are yet another thing to clean. Even photo frames and remote controls sitting out in the open will collect dust.
This is why those looking for a low-maintenance living should prioritise storage. By providing objects with a designated place, you can minimise clutter and therefore the amount that needs to be dusted.
When it comes to storage, opt for floor-to-ceiling cabinets. This way you won’t have to periodically dust the top of the cabinets.
6. Design the space
When designing a home’s interior, it can be tempting to opt for consistency in each space. However, by wanting the same look and feel in every space of the home, you may be creating a rod for your own back.
With this in mind, rather than placing the same flooring in the bathroom as you are in the common living areas, opt for something different. Keep the colour theme and style the same but opt for larger tiles in the bathroom. This is a smart move as larger tiles have fewer grout lines to clean.
7. Carefully consider cornices and mouldings
Cornices and mouldings add character to the home by highlighting elements of style and heritage. However, these uneven and often rough surfaces can be especially hard to clean. With this in mind, opt for clean, even lines and add character through items with colour and interesting patterns.
Designing a low-maintenance home
When it comes to designing a low-maintenance home, it’s important to remember that elements of style do not have to be sacrificed. Rather, with so many design options out there, you can craft rooms and spaces that match your needs.
Importantly, by opting for smart design options, you can create spaces that can be enjoyed and yet spaces that are also durable. Ensuring that, rather than getting the window cleaner or vacuum out every day, you can actually sit back and enjoy your house.
