I'm honored to have my low-maintenance home design expertise featured in Real Simple magazine, where I shared practical tips on simplifying home maintenance while maintaining aesthetic appeal. For a deeper dive into these strategies,  read the full article here.

High-gloss surfaces may look sleek and modern, but they are magnets for fingerprints, smudges, and scratches. Instead, embrace matte or satin finishes for a low-maintenance home. These resilient and anti-smudge finishes make them perfect for a low-maintenance home. The result is a surface that minimizes the visibility of everyday wear and tear, keeping your home looking pristine with minimal effort.

• High-gloss surfaces show fingerprints and smudges quickly.
• Matte or satin finishes are more resilient and anti-smudge.
• These finishes minimize the visibility of scratches and wear.

Wall-to-wall carpeting can trap dust, dirt, and allergens, requiring regular vacuuming and deep cleaning. Opt for hardwood flooring paired with area rugs for a low-maintenance home. Hardwood is easier to clean and more durable, while area rugs can be easily swapped out and cleaned, making them a smart choice for a low-maintenance home.

• Carpeting traps dust, dirt, and allergens.
• Hardwood flooring is easier to clean and more durable.
• Area rugs can be swapped out and cleaned easily.

Dark, ornate cabinetry might be visually striking but shows dust and requires intricate cleaning. Instead, select clean-lined cabinetry and trim in light or medium tones for a low-maintenance home. This choice prevents visible dust accumulation and simplifies your cleaning routine, ensuring your kitchen and bathroom stay tidy with less effort.

• Dark, ornate cabinetry shows dust and is hard to clean.
• Clean-lined cabinetry in light or medium tones is easier to maintain.
• It simplifies cleaning and reduces visible dust accumulation.

Heavy, multi-layered drapes with tassels can be challenging to clean and maintain. Opt for simple fabric Roman shades or machine-washable curtains for a low-maintenance home. These options are easier to clean and add a touch of elegance to your home without the burden of constant upkeep.

• Heavy drapes are challenging to clean and maintain.
• Simple fabric Roman shades are easy to clean.
• Machine-washable curtains add elegance with minimal upkeep.

While open shelving can be stylish, it attracts dust and contributes to a cluttered appearance. Prioritize closed cabinetry for efficient storage and a sleek look and a low-maintenance home. Incorporate a few well-placed open shelves for easy access to items or displaying decorative pieces, but avoid going overboard with open shelving.

• Open shelving attracts dust and looks cluttered.
• Closed cabinetry offers efficient storage and a sleek look.
• Use open shelves sparingly for easy access and decor.

Upholstery in light colors and delicate fabrics can be a nightmare to maintain. Choose mid-tone or performance fabrics that are designed to resist stains and are easier to clean for a low-maintenance home. This simple switch can keep your furniture looking fresh and new with minimal effort.

• Light-colored fabrics are hard to maintain.
• Mid-tone or performance fabrics resist stains.
• Easier to clean and maintain furniture.

Complex, multi-component lighting systems, like crystal chandeliers, can be challenging to clean and maintain. Embrace elegant fixtures with accessible and cleanable parts for a low-maintenance home. This ensures your lighting remains beautiful and functional without the hassle of frequent and intricate cleaning.

• Complex lighting fixtures take a lot of work to clean.
• Choose elegant fixtures with accessible, cleanable parts.
• Maintains beauty and functionality with less hassle.

Overabundant decorative items can make a space feel cluttered and require frequent dusting. Instead, focus on intentional decor featuring impactful statement pieces or functional decor with dual purposes, such as storage or utility for a low-maintenance home. This approach not only reduces visual clutter but also simplifies your cleaning routine.

• Too many decorative items create clutter and need frequent dusting.
• Focus on impactful statement pieces.
• Use functional decor that serves dual purposes.

For parents, creating a low-maintenance home is crucial for managing the demands of family life. A low-maintenance home that is easy to clean and maintain allows you to spend more time with your children rather than constantly tidying up. Implementing these strategies can help ensure your home remains a safe, clean, and stress-free environment for your family.

• A low-maintenance home reduces daily cleaning tasks.
• More time for parents to spend with their children.
• A cleaner home environment promotes better health and wellbeing.