You’ve created a beautiful home. With a little care and attention, it will stay that way for years to come.
From the very beginning of this journey, we envisioned more than just rooms filled with furniture—we imagined a home full of energy, comfort, and personal expression. It has been an absolute joy to work with you, and watching your space come to life has been incredibly rewarding. As we now close the chapter on the design phase, I want to leave you with something equally important: how to care for the finishes and materials that make your home so special.
You chose every surface, textile, and detail with intention, and caring for them can be simple. With the right routine and a few simple habits, you can preserve the beauty, functionality, and longevity of your space for years to come.
Caring for Your Metals
Metals bring shine, contrast, and character to a space, but each finish needs its own approach.
For stainless steel, a soft cloth with mild dish soap or a stainless steel cleaner is all you need to remove fingerprints and smudges. Always wipe in the direction of the grain and dry afterward to avoid water spots. Avoid anything abrasive or bleach-based.
Brass, whether lacquered or unlacquered, should be cleaned gently with warm, soapy water. If your brass is unlacquered and you love a shiny finish, use a brass polish or a simple mix of lemon juice and baking soda. Harsh chemicals or abrasive tools can scratch or strip the lacquer—so gentle is key.
Copper has a warmth and richness that only grows over time. Clean it with mild soap and water, and if you want to restore its gleam, polish it with a mix of lemon juice and salt or a copper-specific polish. Or let it develop a beautiful patina naturally—there’s no wrong choice.
Other finishes like chrome, bronze, aluminum, and wrought iron each have their quirks. Generally, soft cloths, mild soap, and a gentle hand are all that’s required. Avoid strong chemicals and always dry surfaces to prevent rust or corrosion.
Natural Stone & Surface Care
Stone is timeless—but not invincible. Whether you chose marble, quartzite, soapstone, or quartz, the care is about protecting both beauty and performance.
Marble is porous and soft, which means it benefits greatly from sealing every 6 to 12 months. Daily cleaning should be done with a pH-neutral cleaner or mild soap and water. Wipe up spills immediately, especially acidic ones like wine, vinegar, or lemon juice, to avoid etching. Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards to protect the surface.
Quartzite is incredibly strong but still benefits from sealing every year or two. Mild soap and a soft cloth will keep it clean, but like all natural stones, acidic spills can stain if not cleaned quickly. It’s also best to use cutting boards rather than chopping directly on the surface—even the toughest stones can scratch.
Soapstone, with its velvety feel and moody tones, darkens over time. That’s part of its charm. If you want to accelerate or even out the patina, applying mineral oil or soapstone wax is optional. It’s naturally non-porous and doesn’t need sealing—another reason it’s so beloved.
Quartz and porcelain countertops are both low-maintenance options, perfect for busy kitchens. Daily wiping with mild soap and warm water is usually enough. Quartz is resistant to stains, but harsh cleaners can dull its surface, so stick to pH-neutral products. Porcelain is similarly durable but can scratch or chip if mistreated. Always use trivets and cutting boards to protect them both.
Flooring that Lasts
Whether you opted for natural hardwood, luxury vinyl tile, or classic tile floors, regular care keeps them looking like new.
Hardwood floors love consistency. Sweep or vacuum often with a soft-bristled brush and mop with a lightly damp microfiber cloth using a pH-neutral cleaner. Wipe spills immediately to prevent warping or staining, and avoid heels, steam mops, and vinegar—all of which can damage the finish. Every few years, professional refinishing will breathe new life into the wood.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a modern favorite for its durability and water resistance. Sweep or vacuum frequently, and mop with a neutral vinyl cleaner. Avoid bleach, wax, or steam cleaners, and you’ll preserve its beauty for years.
Tile floors are extremely durable but rely on grout for longevity. Clean tiles regularly with warm water and a pH-balanced cleaner, and clean grout with a baking soda paste or grout-safe product. Sealing grout annually is an easy step that prevents long-term discoloration.
Rug & Textile Tips
Rugs and soft furnishings bring warmth and texture, and each fiber type has its own needs.
Wool rugs should be vacuumed regularly using suction only—no beater bars. Spot clean with wool-safe products and have them professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months.
Cotton rugs are often machine washable, making them great for casual spaces. Just check the care label and air dry flat to avoid shrinkage.
Synthetic rugs (like polyester and nylon) are stain-resistant and durable—ideal for high-traffic areas. These can usually be deep cleaned with carpet cleaners or even hosed off outdoors.
Silk rugs require delicate handling—no vacuuming, and professional cleaning only. Natural fiber rugs like jute or sisal should be vacuumed with care and kept dry to avoid mildew or warping.
Washable and outdoor rugs are wonderful for their low maintenance. Shake them out regularly, spot clean when needed, and store them properly during harsh weather.
Furniture & Fabric Care
Fine wood furniture should be dusted regularly and wiped with a damp (not wet) cloth when needed. Always clean with the grain and use coasters, placemats, and protective pads to avoid heat, moisture, and scratches. Avoid dragging items across surfaces or exposing wood to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Outdoor furniture, whether metal, wood, wicker, or resin, needs seasonal attention. Clean surfaces with gentle soap and water, store cushions and fabrics when not in use, and apply protective oils or waxes to extend longevity. Covers are your best friend during off-seasons.
For upholstered pieces, vacuum fabric regularly and spot clean using the proper method based on the fabric care code (W, S, WS, or X). Direct sunlight can fade most textiles, so protect with shades or curtains if possible.
Final Thought: A Home That Ages Beautifully
Designing a home is about more than style—it’s about creating a backdrop for your life. With the right care, the materials we’ve chosen together will not only stand the test of time but will age beautifully, taking on the story of your home and family.
So take the time to love and maintain your space. Keep it clean, be gentle, and stay ahead of wear—and it will continue to return the favor in beauty, comfort, and functionality for many years to come.
Thank you for trusting me with your vision. It has truly been an honor to bring it to life.
FALL IN LOVE with where YOUR LIFE UNFOLDS
ASR Design Studio is an exclusive residential interior design studio in Southern California.
We specialize in remodeling, new builds, furnishing, and thoughtful styling.
Our approach to creating homes blends our signature style of modern coastal design with our clients’ personal preferences, lifestyles, and objectives.
We believe that your home should tell the story of who you are.
