We’d all like to keep our homes immaculate 24/7, but that’s not always possible due to work and social lives keeping us extra busy.
And while we don’t have any guests dropping by unannounced at the moment, visitors will hopefully soon be looking around our abodes once again – plus there’s always the Zoom background that needs to appear tidy.
As such, US-based MyDomaine revealed the top tips for ‘faking a clean home look’, according to several interior designers.
The hacks include always lighting a candle to offer a fresh vibe and sweet-smelling environment, and keeping just your countertops clear of clutter to avoid wasting moments on other areas if you are short of time.
US-based MyDomaine revealed the top tips for ‘faking a clean home look’, according to several interior designers. The hacks include always lighting a candle to offer a fresh vibe and sweet-smelling environment (stock photo)
SPEND TEN MINUTES STRAIGHTENING YOUR ITEMS
A clean home doesn’t always have to be completely pristine, but it does have to look organised, according to Kristen Peña, owner of K Interiors.
She said that pushing in chairs neatly, folding any blankets you might have and fluffling your pillows presents a tidy and clean house.
‘It’s amazing what a five to 10 minute trip around your house straightening, fluffing and folding will do for the overall appearance of the home,’ the interior designer explained.
ALWAYS HAVE A CANDLE LIT
If friends suggest a last-minute Zoom or unannounced guests drop by once coronavirus restrictions are eased, but your home is filled with clutter, don’t panic.
Interior designer Gail M Davis suggested a candle being lit offers a fresh-feeling environment despite the clutter you might have dotted around.
She also said that for in-person visitors, wiping down the sides with cleaning wipes give the illusion the house has just been cleaned since the scent of the product stays.
Other tips include a spritz of glass cleaner in the vestibule or near the front door.
KEEP YOUR COUNTERTOPS CLEAR
Interior style expert Ashley Moore’s favourite trick to fake a clean home is to ensure all your countertops are clear of any mess.
‘From the kitchen to your office desk to your bathroom, keeping surfaces clear of any clutter really helps a home feel cleaner than it is’, Ashley added.
HIDE YOUR MESS IN STYLISH STORAGE
Alessandra Wood, interior design expert and vice president of style at Modsy, said closed storage pieces are a big help when wanting to hide any untidiness in a home – especially for those wanting to spruce up their place quickly.
Allowing you to hide your clutter while the surfaces stay ‘clean and minimal, the interior designer said good storage is key to wanting any space well-organised.
If your home is on the smaller side, storage is even more crucial, and items such as baskets, fashionable boxes and shelves can be layered in and around the storage piece to make the most of the space.
ONLY TIDY THE MAIN ROOMS
‘If I am truly tight on time, I close all the bedroom doors and store anything extra in my laundry area,’ says interior designer Maggie Griffin.
She said the focus should be on the main spaces that are going to be seen by your virtual or in-person guests.
Meanwhile, Kelley Mason, stylist at Lulu & Georgia, said the only room people pushed for time need to concentrate on is the bathroom.
The interior designer said this is because anything less than ideal will be noticed straight away, whereas less than sparking clean windows, for instance, won’t be.
If someone is coming into your bedroom – prospective buyers for instance – and you’ve not had the chance to put on new bedding, turn the duvet cover upside down and tuck the ends in to create the illusion of clean linen.