Low-Maintenance Home D

Most people take on home décor purely from the aesthetic sense, choosing the right colors, comparing patterns, and creating a visual theme that holds everything together. But many homeowners, and even a few designers, fail to see the practical side of decorating. Your home décor should match your lifestyle as much as your personal taste. A single person in a small pad naturally wouldn't choose the same décor as a large family in the suburbs.

One thing that more and more people need is low-maintenance décor. No, we're not talking tacky plastic or industrial metal. Low-maintenance décor combines style, function, and practicality. And the good news is that it's not hard to find, with more and more designers catering to the rising urban crowd. From wall décor to furniture and flooring, you won't run out of options when it comes to low-maintenance design.

The first thing you should look for is a durable material. You want pieces that won't gather dust, require regular cleaning, or need to be recharged (such as battery-powered lamps). Many homeowners are getting wire wall décor, which is made from recycled wires and molded into creative pieces. Some even double as wall hangers, so they're not taking up useless space.

For flooring, you may want to ditch the carpet for area rugs. There are lots of new materials in the rug industry, both synthetic and natural, that can last in virtually every environment. Polypropylene, sisal, and wool are some of your best options. They also come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so matching your existing décor shouldn't be much of a problem.

Furniture is also an important decision, especially if you have kids and pets in the house. You wouldn't want the cat to scratch your delicate silk covers or your kids to plop down on your stark white couch after playing in the mud. Look for a piece that doesn't stain easily, and preferably one that you can clean and replace on your own. Instead of upholstery, consider getting slipcovers-you can simply pull them up and thrown on a new one while it's in the wash.

You don't have to give up style or pay a premium for you home d