Interior Design Tips For The Messy Person - Home & Texture
Decorate Low Maintenance Design Tips

6 Low Maintenance Design Hacks for People Who Hate Cleaning

Style that survives daily life.

January 20, 2025 at 5:50 PM PST
Decorate Low Maintenance Design Tips

6 Low Maintenance Design Hacks for People Who Hate Cleaning

Style that survives daily life.

January 20, 2025 at 5:50 PM PST

Living in a constant state of mess doesn’t mean you can’t have a stylish home. With the right interior design strategies, you can create a space that not only looks great but also forgives your less-than-perfect housekeeping habits.

The key to maintaining a presentable home despite a messy lifestyle lies in smart design choices. By selecting the right materials, colors, and organizational systems, you can create an environment that naturally resists chaos and clutter.

This guide will help you transform your space into a low-maintenance haven that can handle real life while still looking pulled together. These practical tips focus on solutions that work with your habits rather than fighting against them.

living room
Photo credit: Israel Sebastian

Embrace the ‘Less is More’ Philosophy

The first rule of low-maintenance interior design is to minimize the number of items in your space. Fewer possessions mean fewer things to clean, organize, or potentially make a mess with. Focus on essential furniture pieces and limit decorative items to those that truly bring you joy. Consider furniture with clean lines and simple designs that don’t collect dust in elaborate crevices.

Strategic Storage Solutions

The key to managing clutter is having designated spaces for everything. Invest in furniture that doubles as storage. Ottoman seats with hidden compartments, beds with built-in drawers, and coffee tables with shelves are great choices. Choose closed storage over open shelving to hide inevitable mess and make rooms appear instantly tidier.

istockphoto-2146930786-612x612
Photo credit: iStock Photo

Smart Material Choices

  • Choose dark-colored upholstery that hides stains
  • Opt for washable slipcovers on sofas and chairs
  • Select easy-to-clean surfaces like leather and vinyl
  • Install stain-resistant carpets or opt for hardwood floors

Design That Forgives

The best interior design for messy people is one that can handle daily life without showing wear and tear. Choose patterns over solid colors to disguise spills and stains. Invest in furniture with distressed finishes that actually look better with age and use. Remember that textured fabrics and surfaces are more forgiving than smooth ones when it comes to hiding imperfections.

Create a Drop Zone

A well-designed drop zone near your entryway is essential for containing everyday chaos. Install hooks for coats, a bench with storage for shoes, and designated spots for keys, mail, and bags. This prevents items from migrating throughout your home and creates an organized first impression.

Drop Zone Essentials

  • Wall-mounted hooks or coat rack
  • Storage bench with cushion for sitting
  • Mail sorter or small shelf
  • Key hooks or decorative bowl
  • Shoe storage solution

Multi-Functional Spaces

Design rooms that can serve multiple purposes without creating visual clutter. Use room dividers with built-in storage, folding furniture that can be tucked away, and modular pieces that can be rearranged as needed. This flexibility allows you to adapt your space while maintaining order.



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