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The renter’s guide to sustainability

To celebrate World Environment Day this June 5, we’re talking all things sustainability when it comes to home. While renting may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of helping the environment, there are a number of reasons why it can be more Earth-friendly than owning. Plus, whether you own or rent a home, there’s several ways to make your home life more eco-conscious, which can have a cumulative effect over time. Check out our top green living tips below to get inspired!

Innovating the single-family industry through technology

13 easy ways to replace plastic at home

July 3 marks International Plastic Bag Free Day, an annual awareness event to reduce the use of plastic bags across the world. Many cities and counties across the U.S. have already committed to the cause by either implementing a plastic bag tax or charge at stores or banning them altogether. With just a few swaps in your daily home routines, you can also help reduce plastic consumption on the planet. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

How to be a better neighbor

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Over the course of the year, there are several “national” days that enlighten us on how to be a better neighbor. National Good Neighbor Day on September 28 is the most popular, and serves as a good reminder to strengthen community where you live by practicing proper neighbor etiquette. Whether you’re just moving in or have lived in your home for years, here’s how to be a better neighbor.  

Browse our homecare tips, seasonal trends, lifestyle solutions, and insider perspectives designed to make your everyday experience of single-family living simpler and brighter.

10 ways to clean your home more efficiently

Do you dread moving from room to room with a vacuum and a brush, digging into corners, scrubbing dirty sinks, and wondering where that mystery stain on the living room came from? Cleaning your home can be overwhelming, if you approach it without a strategy. Don’t worry—we’re here to help!

11 easy ways to turn your bathroom into a spa

Did you know that August is National Wellness Month? In other words, it's time to take a moment and treat yourself. One of the best ways to incorporate a daily self-care routine is to create a beautiful bathroom space that invites you to wind down and relax. And it doesn't take a renovation project or huge budget to make it happen. Here are a few of our favorite ways to turn your bathroom into a spa. 

How to replace your AC filter

To ensure your HVAC system operates at peak efficiency, you’ll want to make sure you get it inspected and tuned up at least once a year. While a tune-up can be complicated and should only be performed by a trained technician, there is one thing you can do as the resident that’s just as important and far easier: regularly replace your home’s air filters. Read on for our complete guide to help make this a simple routine that seamlessly fits into your maintenance calendar. 

Your complete guide to changing your AC filter at home

9 DIY home projects you can do in one weekend

The weekend is the perfect time to give your home TLC by tackling an easy DIY project. There are plenty of options to be inspired by, from décor upgrades to gardening and maintenance hacks, and you don't need to run out and spend tons of money on supplies to accomplish them. Instead, breathe new life into your old items using what you’re already likely to have around the house. With a focus on maximizing, reusing, and upcycling, these ideas present new ways to enjoy your home. 

How to take care of your luxury vinyl flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is a home feature that offers several benefits. It’s a durable surface and typically waterproof, so scratches, stains, and moisture that might damage other tiles won’t be as harmful. Vinyl also gives your floors a sleek, modern look, and has good thermal properties, which add comfort and warmth to your home. However, keeping this surface in good condition over time does require some maintenance. Learn how to take care of your luxury vinyl flooring with these do’s and don’ts. 

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American Homes 4 Rent | Blog

2022 home interior design trends we love

Home is no longer a landing pad between work, travel, and other responsibilities. Most people still spend a vast majority of time at home, and interior design trends for 2022 reflect this pace of life. While calming neutrals and a minimalist aesthetic are still on trend for many people, 2022 is also opening the doors to maximalism, complete with brighter colors and bolder decor all around. Here are some of the latest design trends for the year ahead, plus tips on how to incorporate them into your own home. 

Annual bedroom refresh 101

You can’t go play until you clean your room! Many of us have heard this mantra from a young age. While you certainly could ignore that advice now that you’re older, it turns out mom and dad knew what they were talking about. With May 10 marking official Clean Your Room Day, there’s no better time to get started with freshening up your bedroom, and keeping it that way. 

Lighting tips to support your mental health at home

Good lighting, both natural and artificial, has a major impact on our mental health. It can reduce depression and seasonal affective disorder while boosting our sleep and circadian rhythm, giving us more energy throughout the day. On the other hand, bad lighting can quickly derail our well-being and lead to negative effects such as stress, anxiety, eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Below are lighting ideas for every room to support your mental, physical, and emotional health wherever you are at home. 

7 tips to keep your patio furniture fresh this summer

The start of summer is upon us! While that means plenty of exciting moments, like backdoor barbecues, travel plans, hitting the pool, and watching fireworks under a starry sky, summertime also brings unique elements into your yard, from cushions wearing out in the sun to inclement weather damaging furniture. Maintaining a clean and fashionable patio doesn’t require breaking the bank or spending a ton of time, but it does take strategic planning. Here are tips to keep your patio furniture fresh this season.

Do’s and don’ts of decorating your patio

As the weather gets nicer, we want to spend more time outdoors among the chirping birds, sunny skies, and blooming trees. If you have a yard, it’s easy to do that right at home, without having to travel far. Check out our tips to transform your patio into an inviting destination this season, no major renovations required!   

11 ways to maximize your nook spaces

Designing and theming nooks is an ideal way to turn your home into a multi-use space, whether you work remotely, have kids attending school virtually, or need room to devote to a creative project. Instead of discarding a small nook as a throwaway space, get creative in how you can use it to maximize your life at home. Plus, it can add a sense of order to your living space without taking up a huge footprint in your floor plan. Here are 11 inspirational ideas to repurpose your home’s nook spaces:

Spring bulbs to plant for summer blooms 

April officially kicks off the spring season by ushering in Lawn and Garden Month. You don’t even need to change your existing landscape to enjoy a garden of full blooms. All you need is a few pots, soil, and a mix of the right bulbs to get started. And, if you planted spring-flowering bulbs in the fall, you may be ready to take those out and replace them with new ones. Discover 12 different bulbs that will add beautiful color and texture to your home throughout the summer. 

Spring bulbs to plant for summer blooms

Lessons in home management from March Madness

One of the most exciting times of the year is upon us: March Madness! If you’re not a big college basketball fan, however, the NCAA Tournament can still teach us some valuable lessons about life, planning, and, yes, even home management. Here’s a look at five of our favorites.

7 musts to usher in spring at home

As Daylight Savings Time begins and the warm weather takes up permanent residence, it’s the ideal chance to get your home—and body—ready for seasonal changes. With simple planning, you can get it all done and still have time to enjoy the best of spring with family and friends. Follow these ten steps to come out of winter hibernation: 

Turn your bedroom into a zen palace 

For many of us, our bedroom is our sanctuary. It offers a unique experience compared to the rest of the house. It’s where we’ll spend about a third of our day, yet we’re not awake for most of the time we’re there.   In that sense, the bedroom is a comforting, inviting place. At least, it should be. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to start letting your bedroom slip or allow life’s stressors to invade our safe space. Consider these easy steps to turn your bedroom into a zen palace, and keep it that way.

Turn your bedroom into a zen palace

How to brighten your home

Creating a bright and airy environment in your home is a great way to boost your mood and love the space around you. And it doesn’t have to require a lot of time or money. It takes just a little extra effort to let in more light each room. Not only will you appreciate the new aesthetics, you’re also likely to notice a difference in how you feel throughout the day and while you sleep. 

Easy upgrades for better health and wellness at home

We’re all aware that our surroundings directly affect our health, but did you know your indoor environment can impact your well-being, too? Creating a wholesome interior living space that supports your physical and mental health doesn’t require a complete renovation. Consider the following home upgrades to reduce pollution, protect your family, and support your day-to-day wellness.

Top 13 ways to organize your child's room

In honor of National Organize Your Home Day, we’re offering our best organizational tips for one of the most problematic areas in people’s homes: children’s bedrooms! Between toys, schoolwork, clothes, and arts & crafts supplies, it can be hard to create calm out of the chaos. Beyond keeping the space clean, these organizational techniques empower your children to easily tidy up after themselves, enjoy everything they own, and avoid having to ask you where something is because they can’t find it. 

How to create a meditation space in your home

Between a global pandemic, supply chain shortages, rising living costs, The Great Resignation, and general uncertainty, people are looking for ways to reduce their stress. One of the best methods for that is meditation, which saw significant increase across the globe throughout 2020. Creating a meditation space at home doesn’t have to be a complex exercise. If you’re feeling stuck, there are a few essentials and tips to consider. Here are five to help you get started.

11 tips to keep your home warm this winter

It’s a recurring fight every winter: you versus the cold. Even if you live in a typically warm climate, you’ll still find chilly days coming down on you, sometimes without warning. Luckily, there are plenty of tips to keep your home warm, many of which won’t add to your energy bill. Follow these steps to get started.

10 tips to winterize your home

As temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to start ticking items off your fall home maintenance checklist. Putting in a bit of effort now can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches once it really gets cold. Even if you don’t live in an area that traditionally experiences much winter weather, it’s still smart to follow these tips. Irregular weather patterns in recent years have shown that one unexpected winter storm can cause significant damage. Here are 10 simple ways to winterize your home.

3 philosophies to incorporate into your interior design

Revamping your home design isn’t just about buying new things; it’s about reshaping the framework of how you use your space. There are three interior design trends that truly embody this principle: wabi-sabi, hygge and biophilic design. Each one focuses on using your home to improve your well-being. Find out what each design style means and how to incorporate these interior design schemes into your home for a timeless, inviting result. 

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Decor

11 easy ways to turn your bathroom into a spa

9 DIY home projects you can do in one weekend

How to take care of your luxury vinyl flooring

Lighting tips to support your mental health at home

7 tips to keep your patio furniture fresh this summer

The renter’s guide to sustainability

Do’s and don’ts of decorating your patio

11 ways to maximize your nook spaces

Spring bulbs to plant for summer blooms