From busy schedules to demanding everyday life, your home should be a space that’s easy to maintain, working to make your life easier – not harder.
When focusing on how the space works day to day, you can help create a more relaxing atmosphere. Whether it’s choosing the right flooring and fixtures, embracing minimalism, using smart technology or more, there are plenty of design elements to consider.
Need some creative tips and strategies to get you started? Read on to discover a few simple ways you can use to design a more low-maintenance home without compromising on comfort and style.
Choose materials that stand the test of time
The key to designing a home that’s easy to maintain is to choose materials that are both stylish and durable. These materials are especially important in areas like the bathroom and kitchen where spills are a regular thing.
Stainless steel fittings and fixtures are known for their strength and resistance to heat and corrosion, helping to maintain their timeless look. Stone benchtops offer a similar blend of style and durability. Their non-porous surface makes them a hygienic choice for food prep, plus they’re easy to clean.
Your flooring choice is also important when looking for a low maintenance space. Both hybrid flooring and luxury vinyl plank are durable and easy to maintain, making them an ideal option for any space.
Embrace minimalism for a clutter-free environment
Another way to take back the time you’d spend cleaning is to adopt a minimalist mindset. Here are a few top tips:
- Balance style with functionality by investing in fewer pieces of furniture, particularly ones made from high quality materials that serve multiple purposes.
- Create extra space during large family gatherings with an extendable dining table and nesting tables.
- Store out-of-season clothes and other accessories in a bed frame with built-in drawers and shelves.
- Sofa beds are also a classic and versatile choice, making it easy to pull them out when friends and family come to stay over.
- Keep things organised with smart storage solutions, including shelving units, wall-mounted cabinets and sorting bins.
Simplifying your space also means less dust and dirt, reducing the time and effort required to maintain your home. If you have less things, you end up cleaning less.
Integrate technology for smart home cleaning
Cleaning your home no longer needs to feel like a chore. Thanks to smart home apps and tools, it’s now possible to do the cleaning with just the touch of a button (or the swipe of your phone screen), leaving more time to sit back and relax with a good book or the latest episode of your favourite show.
Robot vacuums and mops can offer a complete clean while getting into those tight corners, navigating your home using sensors to avoid obstacles. Most models empty out dust and debris on their own and can even charge themselves.
Smart appliances like washers, dryers and dishwashers are just as handy. You can set them up easily from your phone meaning you don’t even need to be home to put a load on. Set the washing machine or dishwasher while you’re at work or at the shops and have everything done by the time you walk through the door.
Voice-activated assistants, like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, can also make everyday tasks a breeze. With a simple command it’s easy to turn on the dryer, start a wash cycle or set up reminders to fold laundry or to take out the rubbish.
Landscape with low-maintenance greenery
A minimalist design isn’t just for indoors – it’s great for outside too. With a little creative planning, you can turn your garden into a cool and calming oasis without all the maintenance and care that often comes with it.
Consider a garden with a more clean and contemporary style, with built-in furniture designed to last. Create gravel paths in place of plants while still keeping texture and interest. Add climbing plants as a wall feature, creating a lush focal point that also helps maintain privacy.
For those without a green thumb, perennials can also make your life easier, growing continuously throughout the year in warmer climates. Succulents, too, need little watering, having a higher tolerance for hotter temperatures. Native plants that thrive in local climates are also ideal, surviving on less nutrients and preventing soil erosion.
A small patio or sitting area is perfect for entertaining with friends without having to perform regular lawn care. Instead of mowing and trimming, you can simply sweep or pull out the leaf blower to clear debris, leaving you with more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones and to soak up the atmosphere.
Enjoying your new space
By embracing a more low-maintenance lifestyle, you can elevate the look and feel of your home and create a more functional space. Whether you’re looking to cut down on the clutter, build a relaxing garden retreat or scale down your furniture and decor, all it takes is a few small steps to start creating a simple and stress-free place for you to enjoy. After all, who wants to spend all their time cleaning when you can be relaxing instead?