16 Trendy Home Features That Seem Luxurious But Need Constant Upkeep

Some home features look like they belong in a magazine spread, think marble countertops, vessel sinks, or floor-to-ceiling windows, but behind all that glam? A whole lot of maintenance.

Just because it screams luxury doesn’t mean it won’t also scream “clean me!” every weekend. From high-maintenance “wow” factors to sneaky design choices that secretly double your to-do list, I’m spilling the truth on 16 trendy home features that might just come with more upkeep than you bargained for.

They may look fabulous… but get ready to work for that glam!

1. Glass Shower Doors

Nothing screams ‘spa bathroom’ like frameless glass shower doors. However, those crystal-clear panels become water-spotted nightmares within minutes of your morning rinse.

You’ll need daily squeegee sessions and weekly vinegar treatments to keep them transparent. Otherwise, hard water deposits create a foggy film that’s tougher to remove than lipstick from collar shirts.

Many homeowners eventually abandon the squeegee routine, leaving their luxury shower looking perpetually grimy.

Want my designer secret? Consider partially frosted glass that hides water spots while maintaining that upscale look.

2. Marble Countertops

Marble countertops grace every designer kitchen on social media. What those perfect photos don’t show? The panic when someone spills red wine or sets down a hot pan.

Marble is porous and extraordinarily susceptible to etching and staining. Lemon juice, tomato sauce, coffee, all enemies of your pristine surface.

You’ll need special cleaners, immediate spill response, and resealing every 6-12 months.

Though undeniably beautiful, marble demands constant vigilance. Several clients have called me in tears after their first cooking adventure left permanent marks on their $5,000 countertop investment.

3. White Upholstery

White sofas and chairs present an airy, sophisticated vibe in any living space. Behind that magazine-worthy look lurks a cleaning schedule that rivals a part-time job.

Every crumb, pet hair, and coffee drip showcases itself proudly against that pristine background. Removable, washable covers help, but expect frequent cleaning sessions.

Most white fabrics require professional cleaning several times yearly to maintain their crisp appearance.

Performance fabrics offer some relief, yet even these miracle textiles can’t completely escape the reality of living.

You want a candid advice? Save white upholstery for formal spaces or childless, petless homes.

4. Open Shelving

Open kitchen shelving looks effortlessly chic in design magazines. Reality check: those perfectly arranged dishes collect grease, dust, and cooking residue faster than you can say ‘where’s my duster?’

Everything displayed requires regular washing, even when unused. Your cute mugs and plates become dust magnets, while cooking splatters reach surfaces cabinets would normally protect.

The aesthetic demands perfect organization and matching dishware.

Most homeowners underestimate the styling commitment too. Those magazine-worthy arrangements require constant attention and editing.

Limit open shelving to one statement area rather than replacing all upper cabinets.

5. Hardwood Floors In Kitchens

Thinking about running those gorgeous hardwood floors straight into your kitchen? It may look seamless and elegant, but are you ready for the battle scars?

Kitchens are tough terrain, spilled drinks, dropped pots, and constant foot traffic can leave your hardwood looking worn before its time. Water damage near sinks and dishwashers is especially relentless.

Even engineered wood puts up a better fight, but it still can’t outlast tile or luxury vinyl in kitchen combat.

If your heart’s set on wood, be prepared. Invest in protective treatments and embrace a bit of patina as part of the charm.

6. Freestanding Bathtubs

The freestanding tubs create stunning focal points in bathroom designs. Behind their sculptural beauty hides an awkward cleaning situation that few consider before installation.

Reaching behind and underneath these showpieces requires contortionist skills. Water splashes create hard-to-reach puddles that can damage flooring over time. The exterior surfaces need regular wiping to prevent water spots and dust accumulation.

Acrylic options show scratches easily, while cast iron demands special cleaning products to maintain its finish.

Consider a drop-in tub with similar aesthetics but easier maintenance if cleaning isn’t your favorite weekend activity.

7. Floor-To-Ceiling Windows

These massive windows offering panoramic views feel absolutely magical, until cleaning day arrives. The soaring glass panels require professional equipment or dangerous ladder work to maintain.

Fingerprints, water spots, and dust become highly visible when sunlight streams through. Window treatments for these architectural statements often require custom solutions with matching maintenance needs and costs.

Energy efficiency presents another challenge, as temperature control becomes difficult during extreme seasons.

While I still recommend these dramatic features for view-worthy locations, I always suggest budgeting for quarterly professional cleaning and high-quality window treatments.

8. Dark Kitchen Cabinets

Deep, moody kitchen cabinets create dramatic, sophisticated spaces that photograph beautifully. Living with them reveals their secret talent, showcasing every fingerprint, dust particle, and water splash in startling detail.

Dark finishes, especially high-gloss ones, demand daily wiping to maintain their sleek appearance. Cabinet hardware requires extra attention as oils from hands create noticeable marks around frequently used drawers and doors.

Water drips from wet hands become immediately visible, creating streaks that catch light unflatteringly.

However, if you love the drama, choose matte finishes over glossy ones and install under-cabinet lighting to minimize shadow areas.

9. Vessel Sinks

They may bowl you over with style, but vessel sinks aren’t always smooth sailing once you start using them. These above-counter beauties love to make a splash, literally. Even a simple handwash can turn into a countertop car wash.

That stylish gap between sink and counter? It’s basically a grime magnet, collecting all the stuff you don’t want to deal with. And unless you’re tall enough to dunk in the NBA, the extra height can turn everyday use into a bit of a stretch, especially for kids or vertically-challenged adults.

To top it off, those sleek exteriors show every water spot like they’re trying to win a shine-free contest. While they’re a visual knockout, vessel sinks often miss the mark in the practicality department.

10. Polished Metal Fixtures

They may shine bright like a diamond, but high-polish metal fixtures can quickly lose their sparkle without a little elbow grease, and a lot of patience. Brass, copper, and chrome bring instant glam to your kitchen or bathroom, but keeping them photo-ready? That’s a full-time job.

One minute they’re gleaming, the next they’re covered in fingerprints, smudges, and water spots doing abstract art on your faucet. Hard water loves to leave behind stubborn mineral souvenirs, and each metal demands its own VIP cleaning routine, no one-size-fits-all here.

And unlacquered finishes? Let’s just say they age like fine wine… or like a science experiment, depending on how you feel about patina.

11. Indoor Water Features

Wall fountains and decorative water features create soothing soundscapes in luxury homes. Behind that tranquil ambiance lurks a maintenance schedule that rivals aquarium keeping.

Algae growth, mineral buildup, and pump maintenance become regular concerns. Water evaporation requires constant monitoring and refilling, while splashing can damage surrounding surfaces.

Humidity issues may develop in poorly ventilated spaces. Most indoor water features need weekly cleaning and monthly deep maintenance to prevent unpleasant odors or murky water.

Consider high-quality artificial alternatives or reserve real water features for outdoor spaces where maintenance challenges are less problematic.

12. Intricate Tile Patterns

Elaborate mosaic or patterned tile work transforms ordinary spaces into artistic showcases. The numerous grout lines in these complex designs become dirt magnets that fight back against cleaning attempts.

Small tiles mean more grout, and more opportunities for discoloration, especially in shower areas. Regular sealing becomes essential yet tedious due to pattern complexity. Standard mopping often proves ineffective for detailed cleaning.

Hand-scrubbing with specialized brushes becomes necessary to maintain appearance, particularly with contrasting grout colors.

I agree these are some beautiful patterns, but I also suggest limiting them to feature walls or low-traffic areas unless you enjoy meditative scrubbing sessions.

13. Floating Vanities

Floating vanities might look like they’re levitating in style, but don’t be fooled, what they gain in modern flair, they make up for in sneaky cleaning demands. That airy space underneath? It’s basically a five-star resort for dust bunnies and rogue hair strands.

The wall behind your chic setup quickly turns into a grime magnet, and unlike traditional vanities, it won’t let you off the hook. Plus, exposed plumbing means any leaks turn into front-row drama, and possibly wall damage if things go sideways.

Installation isn’t just a simple drill-and-go either; it often calls for serious wall reinforcement. And if repairs pop up later? You might be saying hello to your drywall again.

14. Farmhouse Sinks

Ever fallen in love with a farmhouse sink at first sight? You’re not alone, those deep basins and apron-front designs are total showstoppers. But behind that rustic charm lies a bit of a high-maintenance relationship.

That exposed front? It loves to showcase every splash, drip, and sudsy mishap. White porcelain models, while gorgeous, tend to wear their battle scars, scratches and stains, right out in the open.

And without a countertop edge to catch water, you might find more of it soaking into your cabinets than you’d like.

Grime also loves to hang out in the hard-to-clean seam where the sink meets the cabinetry. So yes, farmhouse sinks are beautiful, but they’re a little needy.

15. Skylights

Dreaming of that magical, sun-drenched glow from above? Skylights deliver next-level natural light that no lamp can compete with. But along with that heavenly shine comes a few very down-to-earth problems.

Unlike your regular windows, these sky-gazers collect leaves, pollen, and bird “gifts” faster than you can say “spring cleaning.” And unless you have Spider-Man-level climbing skills, cleaning them usually means calling in the pros. Leaks? Yep, still a thing, especially in areas with wild weather mood swings.

Those dreamy rays can crank up your cooling bill in the summer and let warmth escape in the winter. Here’s the cheat code: choose models with built-in blinds and book a pro cleaning twice a year. That way, you get the glow without the grief.

16. Living Green Walls

Vertical gardens create stunning biophilic statements in luxury interiors. Behind those lush displays lurks a maintenance schedule rivaling a part-time gardening job.

Watering systems require regular monitoring and adjustment, while dead plant material needs prompt removal. Insects and plant diseases demand immediate attention to prevent spreading.

Lighting requirements mean additional fixtures and energy costs.

Most successful installations need weekly tending and quarterly professional maintenance to stay Instagram-worthy. Start with a small living wall in a well-lit area before committing to larger installations, and consider preserved moss walls for lower-maintenance alternatives.