Every so often, we fall in love with a new decor style… only to discover that it’s not the best choice. Beautiful photos can sometimes mask a less appealing reality: decor ideas that demand more maintenance than one might first imagine.
Therefore, before embracing a trend, you should consider not only how it looks, but also the time and effort required to maintain it.
Dusty Open Shelving
Open shelves bring a sense of lightness to the space and provide a nice spot to display pretty serving dishes, glasses, or a few decorative items. Problems usually start after a few weeks.
Unlike closed cupboards, open shelves leave their contents exposed to dust, cooking particles, and food splashes. Anything placed on the shelves must be cleaned regularly. It’s also important to use the dishes kept there frequently to prevent dust from collecting on them.
To get the look without having to clean constantly, consider:
- only installing open shelving in a small section of the kitchen;
- only storing seldom-used items in closed cabinets.
The Trendy Bouclé Sofa
Bouclé fabrics have been popular for a few years now. People love its texture, which instantly lends a soft, cozy feel to a living room, bedroom, or hallway. What’s more, the small loops add interest to the decor.
But the loops can also trap crumbs, hairs, and dust, as well as making certain stains harder to remove. In a home with young children or pets, durability and ease of cleaning might matter more than the textile’s appearance in the showroom.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you should give up on the idea. You simply need to choose a fabric that suits your lifestyle and check the manufacturer’s recommendations before buying.
The Dulling Stone Countertop
All natural stones, such as marble or quartz, react differently to stains, cleaning products, and more acidic substances.
Certain stones:
- necessitate routine sealant applications;
- are more vulnerable to damage than a good old laminate countertop.
Otherwise, you can expect burn marks and discolouration!
Before deciding on a stone, it’s important to research its porosity, maintenance requirements, and stain resistance. A beautiful natural material can be an excellent choice, provided you’re aware of its specific needs.
Spotty Matt Black Finishes
As for matte black faucets, knobs, light fixtures, and accessories, they can become the least-loved features of the property.
Why? Because they tend to show certain types of residue, particularly mineral deposits and water stains. Fingerprints are also clearly visible on this type of finish.
Regular cleaning remains essential in a high-traffic kitchen or bathroom to ensure these surfaces look their best.
Whether you mind performing this daily chore is up to you!
Smudgy Glass Surfaces
Large glass surfaces—whether a shower wall, a window, or a glass door—brighten up a room and make it feel more spacious. Window walls are frequently a sought-after feature amongst buyers of new condos.
But they have one drawback: they get dirty easily.
Water droplets, soap scum, limescale, dust, and fingerprints can quickly spoil their appearance.
The solution: plan for regular cleaning and invest in the right tools, such as a shower squeegee or a telescopic window washer for floor-to-ceiling windows.
Very Light-Coloured Decors That Show Every Speck of Dirt
The paler the surface, the more certain types of dirt tend to show. A beige sofa, a cream-coloured rug, or off-white walls may require extra care in high-traffic zones.
The answer isn’t necessarily to avoid light colours altogether. Instead, combine them with more hard-wearing materials and textiles in the most dirt-prone areas.
Speaking of which, minimalist interiors dominated by pale colours are increasingly going out of style.
So, what should we take away from all this? That perhaps the solution lies in finding a balance between aesthetics, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Ultimately, a house should not only look visually appealing; most importantly, it should be a pleasure to live in!