When selecting the materials for a home renovation project, ask your supplier about the necessary maintenance to keep your features pristine. This is also the advice of our interior design contributor, Katie Perry, who has years of experience in this area. “Lots of people choose to add beautiful marble tiles to a bathroom or stunning marble countertops to kitchens without thinking about the upkeep. If it isn’t practical for you and your household, big-ticket items that require ongoing maintenance can be something you later regret.” The added cost of the material upfront, as well as ongoing costs over the years, can add up quickly if you’re not careful.