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We’ve all seen those magnets that read, “Good moms have sticky floors, messy kitchens, and happy kids.” I may or may not be a good mom, but no doubt, I am a happier and more relaxed mommy when my house feels cleaner.

We are currently renovating our house, and my goal in designing it is a home that feels airy and bright, yet requires minimal daily maintenance to keep it looking clean and in good condition. I spoke to a few top designers for guidance on how to strike that balance and create an oasis that always feels welcoming. Here are their tips.

Natural Light

All the designers agreed that the lighting in your home makes the single biggest difference between a dreary house and a bright, airy one. Try to include as many windows as possible when renovating or building a home. For privacy, Penny Kraus, design associate at Susan Strauss Design, suggests adding semi-opaque sheer curtains.

Although the bigger the windows the better, cap your window height at door height for greater aesthetics. In addition, before you finalize a window plan, keep in mind your furniture layout and space for drapery. Floor-to-ceiling drapery brings the eye up, giving the illusion of taller ceilings.

The casing profile around the windows should be three to four inches wide max, says Tova Kook of TK Design, and you can even consider a more modern, cleaner look with no casing at all, just sheetrock.

Artificial Light

In addition to natural light, and certainly in lieu of it, make sure your ceilings are well lit, with lighting fixtures no more than five feet apart.

While we’re up here at the ceiling, paint them right for maximum light. Penny recommends Benjamin Moore OC-151, also known as PM2, with a flat finish for the airiest effect. If you have a highly competent painter, a satin finish on your walls is ideal because it gives a beautiful effect and is easier to clean. Otherwise, eggshell is your best bet. (See Family Room Issue 16, “Paint 101,” by Shiri Feldman, for a full rundown on paint finishes.)

For walls with paneling, make sure the proportions are correct; if the vertical rectangles are too short, the ceiling will appear lower.

Tova suggests painting your ceiling and moldings the same color as your walls to make the room feel larger. For best results, use 30 percent less pigment in your ceilings and paint them with a matte finish, and paint the moldings with a satin finish.