AAA House Manager Blog

Plants are one of the most natural and affordable (depending on what you select!) ways to liven up an interior, and Millennials have noticed. In case any confusion remains as to the growing obsession (pun intended), the Instagram hashtag #plantsofinstagram clocks in at more than 4 million posts — that's 3 million more than the cohort's beloved #avocadotoast! But the approachable hobby isn't only for Millennials. Anyone and everyone can benefit from some added verdure in their life. As members of the House Plant Club will brightly explain, plants make people happy.

Happy 2020! With this new year, comes a wonderful opportunity to set some new habits around your home. One we can't recommend enough: doing a little something for your home each month. Those small efforts add up quickly! To make it easier, we compile our top recommendations each month. No need to research, simply follow along and start appreciating the impact around your home. If you want to skip ahead, we have the entire year's plan set out in our 12-month Bay Area Home Maintenance Checklist, plus optional calendar reminders and monthly emails so you never miss an update. 

What are your home goals for 2020? As you're sitting down to set your New Year's resolutions, will any for your home make the list? Whatever the project, we're here to help when you need us. Here are a few ideas (and a special free smart home tech offer):

Between Scandinavian-inspired minimalist design and hygge vibes, house plants becoming a staple of modern living, and open floor plans taking the lead, 2019 was a more subdued, earthy year for home décor and design. Lovers of everything lavish and extravagant will be pleased to hear that more decadent styles are on the horizon, largely thanks to a nostalgic re-imagining of 1920's classic looks. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year! With the caroling, marshmallow toasting, glowing lights... and bursting pipes. OK, so maybe winter isn't all hot mulled wine and gingerbread decorating, but most home maintenance and hosting hiccups can easily be avoided with a little preparation. 

Last month, we shared our top tips for getting your home ready for fall. Now that winter is around the corner, it's time to winterize. Bay Area winters, while mild by most standards, also tend to be unpredictable. One day the sun will shine during lunchtime, then torrential rain will come down for three days straight and cause floods all around the Bay. Since we never quite know when the weather will turn, it's best to start preparing for those chilly nights and hefty downpours in November. Here are the biggest tasks to prioritize this month: 

The countdown is on! We’re exactly three weeks from Thanksgiving which means, if you’re hosting, you’re likely starting to feel the pressure of getting your home in order. (Fingers crossed you haven’t invited any Judgy McJudgersons who will be inspecting every inch of your home.) Either way, whether you’re looking to make a good impression or just want to liven up your living area for the holidays, here are 5 ideas for adding some pizzazz to your entertaining spaces before Thanksgiving.

Halloween has always been a time for playful self-expression and creativity for children and adults alike, and that festive spirit is only increasing as Millennials show how serious they are about their favorite holiday, according to Forbes. Whether you're looking to step up your Halloween decoration game or just get some inspiration for around the house, these 4 DIY ideas are sure to please.

Summer is winding down, fall is on the way and we’ll soon be seeing nothing but weeks of poor weather. Which means your deck will be sitting alone and forgotten. After a long summer of standing up to the blistering sun — blistering depending on where in the Bay Area you’re located — the drastic change to rain and freezing temperatures will be tough. It’s no wonder you may be seeing cracks, fading and other damage. Not to fear, there is hope. With these 4 tips, you could have your deck looking as good as new.

September is fast approaching, but summer fun does not necessarily have to end just yet. With the end of August comes a more tolerable sun and a host of fun, fall-themed decorating and hosting ideas. All you need is a few materials and some guests to enjoy the end of summer.