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Whether you are designing a new home or renovating an existing one, you’ll find a big advantage in using design features and materials that help create a home which is low in maintenance. This is one of the best ways to improve the efficiency of the home in terms of spending less time and energy in cleaning and maintenance. Here are some handy tips to get you going.

1. Go for easy-to-clean surfaces

• Install flooring materials such as laminated wooden flooring, vitrified tiles, porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles, as they are easy to maintain. Use large-format tiles because they result in fewer grout lines and are easier to clean.
• Avoid using a carpet as it works as a dust magnet and becomes a breeding ground for dust mites. Also, do not go for natural stone flooring materials because the floor then requires periodic maintenance to retain its original look.
• Have a dedicated spot for removing shoes at the entrance so that dirt, soil and other pollutants do not enter the home.
• Consider leather upholstery as it is stain-resistant and more durable than fabrics. Since leather is expensive, one can opt for leatherette as it is an affordable option.
• Use materials such as engineered quartz or granite for the countertop as they are stain-resistant and easy to clean.
• Simple light fixtures such as ceiling-mounted down lights are preferable to elaborate lighting fixtures like chandeliers as they do not accumulate as much dust.
• Consider porcelain tiles for cladding the balcony walls and outdoor areas of the home as they prevent dampness and create a highly durable surface which is easy to maintain.
• Avoid using Venetian blinds for the windows and do not go for louvred doors or windows as each slat tends to collect dust and is difficult to clean.

2. Invest in built-in storage

• Introduce built-in storage so that the storage is out of view. Keep the storage behind closed cabinets, within storage beds and wardrobes.
• The built-in storage and furniture should have a streamlined look with straight lines so that it can be cleaned with minimum effort.

3. Introduce simple design features

• Install a wall-mounted commode and a floating sink cabinet just as in the image above so that the bathroom flooring can be easily maintained.
• Divide the bathroom into distinct wet and dry zones, with a glass shower cubicle. The glass should be coated with a hydrophobic coating, which protects it from soap scum, limescale deposits and the growth of mould and mildew.
• Install floor-to-ceiling wardrobes and similarly, for the kitchen, go for cabinets that touch the ceiling so that there is no gap between the top of the cabinetry and the ceiling. This will prevent dust from collecting on the top of the wardrobes and overhead cabinets.

4. Declutter
Decluttering is one of the most important tricks to creating a low-maintenance home.

• Display only a few items so that they accumulate less dust and require less cleaning.
• Do not hoard things and periodically get rid of clutter. This will make more space for new items.
• Keep the flat surfaces of the home like the tabletops, kitchen countertop and bathroom countertops clear so that they are easy to clean and impart a clutter-free look.
• Club similar items together and have a designated place for keeping each item.
• Keep all the frequently used items in areas which are easy to access. Be in the habit of putting things back in the right place after use.

5. Maintain the home
To repeat an old adage, a stitch in time saves nine. Prevent costly repairs by periodically maintaining the home. How?

• Get your electrical home appliances such as the air conditioners, kitchen chimney and washing machine checked annually.
• Inspect the home carefully for any wall cracks, damp patches or loose plaster and rectify it. Paint the home every three years.
• As a preventive measure, get an annual pest control service for your home so that it is pest free.
• Check for leaky pipes and get them repaired immediately.