Everyone wants a beautiful home, but the truth is that not everyone has the bandwidth to maintain one. In particular, surveys reveal that most Americans find keeping their homes clean and presentable stressful. According to SWNS, up to one in six respondents put off cleaning their homes for up to a month. Sentiments only seem to get worse during seasons when most people tend to entertain guests. Per a study by OnePoll, almost 50% of all respondents admitted that they’d rather endure an awkward hour-long conversation than clean and maintain their homes.
That said, if you’re not keen on gruelling home upkeep, you don’t have to choose between diluting your personal style or settling for a messy abode. Instead, it’s worth looking into easy but effective home decor tips that are low-maintenance but pack a stylish interior design punch. So, if you want a beautiful home without the stress of heavy maintenance, here are some hacks to try out:
Add life with artificial plants
No matter what your home style is, adding some plant life is a lovely way to add a lively pop of color and texture. This is especially effective in smaller spaces or ones where you may not have any outdoor areas since it prevents the home from feeling too industrial or closed off. That said, most plants do require care, with specific requirements regarding water level, sun exposure, and even repotting to consider. Additionally, even some plants with minimal needs can pose an issue if you have young children or pets who could ingest or topple them.
As such, try using fake plants instead. QVC’s outdoor decor pieces showcase how you can find various artificial plants that range in size, color, and price points. This includes everything from a more Zen-inspired Bonsai topiary to more romantic faux lilac trees that can also fit nicely in indoor spaces. Although these are designed to look just as stunning as the real deal, they only need a light dusting every so often. They’re also more economical in the long run since you can enjoy them no matter the season or the occasion.
You can apply wallpapers, paints, etc. on walls and see how they look in various interiors.
Choose stain-resistant textiles
Stains are part and parcel of any home, especially if you have kids, pets or often have people over. Unfortunately, stained upholstery can be an eyesore, especially if it’s on furnishings that draw the eye, like a couch. In some cases, the stains may even be so substantial that they require a pretty serious deep clean. Worst-case scenarios may even require the intervention of a professional.
To prevent this, opt for stain-resistant fabrics. As a rule of thumb, synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are great for low-maintenance homes since they tend to have a closer weave. As a result, anything staining is more likely just to be repelled than absorbed. They’re also known to be highly durable, so they won’t fade or lose their shape easily. On the other hand, if you prefer natural textiles, leather and wool are both great bets. The former can typically cost quite a bit, though retailers like Costco do occasionally offer them at marked-down prices.
Meanwhile, wool is a classic option that lends a soft, timeless feel. In terms of fighting off stains, these have lanolin in their fibers, which naturally repels moisture. With these fabrics, your need to do a heavy cleaning can be drastically cut down.
Embrace accent lighting
Last but not least, don’t underestimate the power of lighting. With the right lights, you can shape the ambiance without having to do much else. By this virtue alone, you can reduce the amount of items you’d otherwise need to create your desired look.
If you’re worried that accent lights are out of your budget, think about placement instead. Rather than going for more expensive architectural pieces, go for ones that are versatile enough to be placed where they can create a vibe for your space. For instance, you could use a budget-friendly light option to mimic how more high-end homes or establishments are illuminated. The adhesive strip lights from IKEA are handy for such a task since you can just stick them under some of your furnishings to immediately add a cozy warmth that requires little to no further tinkering from your end.
