We all desire to have a beautifully accessorise home, but who has time for all that dusting and cleaning of knick-knacks and furnishings? A beautiful home is often equated with extra work.
For those who fret about these things, the good news is that, of late, many interior finishes are making life and home maintenance easier. You can also make life less stressful for yourself by the way you decorate.
PAINT
Ask for paint finishes which are attractive and cleanable as well. Some will even take scrubbing. Look for satin and eggshell type finishes from your favourite paint brand. Remember, too, that high-gloss trim paint is not only easier to clean, it's also more durable, withstanding chips and wear.
Bookshelves and what-nots
Reduce the number of items on your bookshelves and what-nots. This makes dusting easier and less time-consuming than shelves lined with lots of small knick-knacks.
PLUMBING
Select plumbing fixtures based on how easy to clean the fixtures are. Select fixtures that you can clean behind, and which do not have many small crevices for cleaning.
WINDOWS
Make sure that the blinds you choose can be easily wiped clean, sprayed with water or vacuumed. The old-fashioned roll-up shade is a good option. Also, think about lining curtains with a liner instead of using blinds.
CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY
Purchase fabric coverings/protection for furniture and carpeting to extend the life and looks of your furniture.
BEDDING
Instead of standard comforters, choose bedspreads or duvets with fabrics that can be thrown into the washer and properly cleaned.
In the rooms which gather the most dust and see most traffic, remove all surplus objects. Aim for that 'spartan' look. Less objects collect less dust and dirt. Don't forget to change the filters for your room air conditioner so that dust will not be redistributed after you clean.
- Outlook Team
