The dirty secret to a clean home

Leslie Banker, an interior designer, recently encountered a rather unhygienic situation as a pigeon soiled her jacket while she walked home. Fortunately, her apartment features a designated laundry area with a sink, allowing her to wash the jacket immediately upon entering. “I would not have wanted to do that in the kitchen sink or a bathroom,” she remarked. This incident highlights the importance of creating a “dirty zone” within the home, a dedicated space for managing everyday messes before they spread throughout the living area. Interior design expert Albert Betesh of Cicognani Betesh Architecture Studio describes dirty zones as the “first line of defence,” helping to contain mess before it infiltrates other parts of the house. Even a small corner of the kitchen can serve this purpose, improving the overall experience of the home. According to Betesh, planning such spaces is essential. “The only question is whether you’ve planned for it,” he explains. “If you don’t, it inevitably becomes the front hall, kitchen island or dining table.” Interior designers Sara Hillery and Betsy Wentz emphasize the value of organizing dirty items within specific zones. Hillery notes that placing bags down, making a pile, and dealing with them in chunks can prevent clutter from spreading. “Then you can come back later and digest it, one chunk at a time,” she says. Wentz suggests taking an inventory of household dirty items, such as muddy shoes, sports gear, and cat litter, and assigning designated storage locations for each. She recommends practical solutions like a small cabinet in the kitchen for coffee clutter or a large basket near the garage for pet toys. Convenience plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of dirty zones. Betesh warns that overly complex systems may go unused. “If it becomes too complicated, it will never get used,” he cautions. Hidden spaces, such as benches with closed storage near the front door or garage, offer additional utility. Wentz describes her own setup, which includes colorful lockers for each family member. “When you open the doors … it’s a disaster back there,” she admits. As an alternative, she suggests using multiple baskets in varying hues to maintain visual harmony. Color choices for dirty zones are also important. Hillery recommends green for areas where brown items, such as Amazon boxes, are common. “Green looks really good with brown,” she observes. She favors hyacinth baskets and tote bags for both functionality and aesthetics, though she acknowledges that these containers may hold less visible items like bunched-up towels or open bags of chips. Flooring materials in dirty zones should prioritize durability and moisture resistance. Porcelain tile, luxury vinyl planks, and brick are recommended options. Dark colors and strong patterns, such as chequerboard designs, help conceal dirt. Hillery points out that focusing on the floor rather than the shoes enhances the aesthetic appeal. Banker herself prefers green or blue ceramic tiles, which reflect light and contribute to a vibrant atmosphere. Interior designer Lisa Erdmann advises adding an area rug to capture excess dirt, further enhancing cleanliness. Wall coverings in these areas must be resilient. Hillery suggests vinyl wallpaper installed above waist level to avoid damage from toddlers or pets. Wentz advocates for patterned wallpapers that can mask imperfections and provide visual interest. She also incorporates corkboards adorned with mica paper, offering a functional yet stylish solution for displaying memorabilia. Over time, these boards have evolved from showcasing swimming achievements to housing college acceptance letters, reflecting the changing nature of family life.