Making your Home Yours – Creative Crafts

9429144_SKnitter, quilter, painter – there are so many outlets for creativity – art and craft provide a deep pleasure and satisfaction for many people. Your home will shine when it reflects your creative interests.

Adding a quilt to a wall makes a home feel warm and inviting. A comfy knitted or crochet throw that you made yourself brings you and your home together for yourself and visitors.

Many of the traditional crafts have become new again as changing textures, colors and designs give new life to older crafting methods. One advantage to crafts you create yourself is that you can select just the right colors and pattern to fit with your home’s color and style.

3776506_SIs your home traditional? Then a quilt like the one on the right might be perfect over your fireplace or hanging on a wall. If you have vaulted ceilings, a large quilt can take full advantage of the space. Smaller wall quilts or a selection of paintings can be tucked in transition spaces in your home, providing a personalized burst of color and personality.

Don’t be shy about showing off your creative endeavors. While you may strengthen your skills over time, even beginning efforts add a sense of who you are to your space, and your guests will feel more welcome in a home that has something of you in it.

When your home shows your interests and talents, it becomes a reflection of all aspects of your personality and character. Let people into your world when you invite them into your home, by demonstrating your creative side.

Making your Home Yours – DIY

18165356_SOne of the advantages of buying a new Fulton Home comes from personalizing it to your taste and preferences through the Fulton Homes Design Center.

Once you move in, tackling a simple Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project can help you make your new home feel even more like it’s yours. To explore some DIY projects for all skill levels, you might want to search Pinterest under DIY home ideas.

You might want to assemble, paint or stain, or even decoupage pictures onto a chest like the one to the left. Or create an interesting series of hooks for coats and purses just inside the garage using branches, old doorknobs, or even plastic animals. These and more ideas are available with Pinterest.

Some pins give detailed information, such as the ones that help you choose the right type of tool for every situation, or provide a how-to for painting furniture without having to sand first.

Other pins may have no real information, just a picture with an idea. But with some planning and research you may find detailed instructions for just what you’re looking for to tackle a home project.

Most people think of painting walls when it comes to DIY. Pinterest can help there too. Maybe you want to paint horizontal stripes on one wall – just search “paint horizontal stripes,” and you will find pin after pin with directions, images and ideas for approaching the project.

Do you want wide stripes? Maybe you’d like a subtle option – then take a look at how lovely stripes in the same color, but contrasted by layering a matte and glossy finish.

Even a simple project can help you love your new home even more. After you’re unpacked and settled, take a few minutes to browse through Pinterest to look for projects that catch your fancy and fit within your skill set. And have fun in your lovely new home, built just for you.

Pinterest Power

14817814_SHow well do you know Pinterest? It’s an online application that allows you to sort and store information and images from all over the Internet.

Well, whether you’ve vaguely heard of it or you’re an active pinner with followers in the hundreds, you may want to start following the Fulton Homes Pinterest site.

First, it has multiple photos of various Fulton Home models and neighborhoods, which can help you remember various homes after you’ve visited.

Next, the number of overall suggestions to decorate your home, entertain, engage in crafts, cook, get organized and more keeps growing weekly. The focus is providing pins for current and future Fulton Homeowners.

Don’t stop there – take a look at the Pinterest people Fulton follows and discover an amazing selection of ideas, images, and thoughts focused on the needs of people and families.

If you haven’t yet, you might want to consider creating your own Pinterest boards. It’s an easy way to keep track of the kind of information that you used to tear out of magazines and file, never to look at again.

Instead of cluttering your home, you can store literally thousands of good ideas on Pinterest, taking advantage of other people’s discoveries and sharing yours.

If you haven’t explored the possibilities of Pinterest, simply type the word in your search engine and you’ll find yourself jumping into a fascinating world. And while you’re doing that, how about visiting http://pinterest.com/fultonhomes/, and seeing what the Fulton Homes Pinterest site has to offer

Fulton Homes Design Online – Closets

heirloom collectionWhat could you use more of in your closets? How about drawer space? Are you looking for a special spot for accessories? For some great ideas, visit Fulton Homes Design Online and investigate the many options offered through the Rubbermaid selection of closet organizers.

This option above, from the Rubbermaid Heirloom Collection, comes in your choice of three luscious finishes – white as shown here, cherry or mahogany.

In addition to drawers and shelves, checkout these interesting options:

hamperHamper: Keep clothes ready for laundering in Rubbermaid’s 24 inch wide hamper. With a cover that coordinates with the other closet elements, it’s easy to hide your dirty laundry. You may want to consider two hampers if you bring clothes to the dry cleaners frequently.belt rack

Belt Rack: Keep easy track of your accessories in one place. The belt rack has five spaces, all capable of holding two-to-three belts.

tie rackTie Rack: Ties stay tidy and organized with the Rubbermaid tie rack. This can also be used to hold scarves and other accessories.valet rod

Valet Rod: Do you like to plan your clothes for the next day the evening before? With this valet rack, you can easily organize your clothes for any event or reason.

Your style, your life, your space and everything in its place! Take advantage of the opportunity to make your closet truly work for you every day. Visit Fulton Homes Design Online for more information on the variety of closet options available in your new Fulton home.

The Fulton Homes 7th Annual Fence Patrol

9337217_SAt Fulton Homes, there’s a strong focus on family and community, and as part of this Fulton Homes has always been a proud proponent for Water Safety in the Phoenix area. Our Two seconds is too Long campaign has helped build awareness of the risks families face with pools or other open water.

The first protection against the tragedy of children drowning is a secure pool fence. In response to that, Fulton Homes started its Fence Patrol six years ago. This summer is Fulton Homes 7th Annual Fence Patrol. Fulton Homes has teamed up with KMLE Country 108 FM radio and Ironman Pool Fence to award selected Valley families in need with a free pool fence including installation. The fences are specifically designed to meet city codes for optimum safety.

Over the last seven years, Fulton Homes Fence Patrol has helped hundreds of people equip their homes with barriers to help prevent youngsters from falling into the pool. The company also supports the Valley of the Sun YMCA, providing swimming lessons to disadvantaged youths who learn valuable life skills, including personal safety and growth, stroke development, rescue and water sports.

Interested parties in the Fulton Homes Fence Patrol have until August 7th, 2012 to nominate themselves or someone else for a pool fence, by logging on to www.kmle108.com and clicking on the Fence Patrol icon. For more information call (602) 452-1000 or go to our website and click on the “Fulton Foundation” link. And remember, a pool fence can and does save lives.

Summer fun Means Observing Pool Safety

15845300_SIn July’s heat, a pool turns the backyard into an enjoyable place no matter the temperature. At the same time, pools pose a risk, particularly for toddlers. According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Inez Tenenbaum, “drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.”

Follow these steps to secure your pool to minimize the risk for your children and others in your neighborhood.

  • Make sure your pool fence is at least four feet tall or taller, with self-closing and latching gates.
  • If you have a spa, use a lockable safety cover over it.
  • Install door alarms on any doors that lead directly to your pool.
  • Use pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go in or near the pool.
  • For extra security, consider a surface wave or underwater alarm to notify you if a child or pet falls in the pool.

During parties and gatherings, include these steps in your planning to keep children playing in the pool safe.

  • Walk through basic pool safety tips with the children before the party starts – things such as no running near the pool, no hitting or kicking at each other, and no horseplay on the diving board.
  • Have the adults take turns serving as the designated lifeguard to watch when children are in the pool.
  • Check the pool or spa immediately if a child is missing.
  • Make sure that you or someone in your family has basic CPR training

The best way to keep your children safe around a pool is to make sure they know how to swim. Even very small children can learn basic floating techniques. With just a little effort, you can do your best to keep your family safe and happy and swimming all summer.

Fulton Homes Design Online – Colors & Textures

Std Int 2-Tone Paint ColorDecorating your home starts before you place your first piece of furniture. Choosing the right paint color provides a great start to the decorating process.

Gone are the days when every wall in a new home is painted the same Navaho White. Fulton Homes provides a choice of 12 designer colors for your walls, all 12 available in low VOC paints.

Or maybe you want to go with a two-tone look with Frazee eggshell wall paint in 16 Designer Colors? Take a look at choices online at Fulton Homes Design Online and then make your final selection at the Fulton Homes Design Center.

Doors, baseboards, casings, trim, closets, garage and ceilings will all be painted with Swiss Coffee. This soft off-white complements any wall paint choice.

You may want to bring samples of your upholstered furniture colors, and consider your flooring and cabinet and countertop choices when making your final paint selection. By spending a few minutes, you will find that the right paint choice helps bring everything in your home to a coordinated whole.

Exterior Color Scheme 24CYou have a choice of exterior paint choices also, along with Coronado stone trim. These colors are chosen to coordinate with your home’s particular elevation. Paint samples are available in both the Sales Office and Design Center. The photo to the right shows only one of the options you can choose from for your own home.

Fulton Homes Design Online also shows you the textures offered on the interior and exterior walls of your home. Browse through the “colors and textures” section and discover those options that may stay in the background, but will have a real impact in the final look of your new Fulton Home.

Fulton Homes Design Online – Doors

Montano Iron DoorWhen friends and family visit, their first impression of your home happens before they enter, with the front door. To start getting some ideas for the perfect front door for your home, check out Fulton Homes Design Online. Are you drawn to this dramatic option? It’s the Montague Iron Door, which brings light into your entryway without compromising security.

2 Panel Plank Door ThermaTruOr perhaps you would prefer a wooden door such as the one on the right: the ThermaTru 2 Panel Plank Door? While you may want to make some preliminary choices online, the Fulton Homes Design Center has full-size samples of exterior doors to enable you to make the right final selection.

Now walk into your home, because you have some choices to make with interior doors also. Do you have a den or office that would benefit from French doors? Fulton has them for you. French doors let in light while still providing some sound reduction. They also add character to a home.

glass pantry doorHow about an inviting door for your kitchen pantry? Add a touch of old-fashioned charm with this glass pantry door.

You’ll also get to choose from a variety of interior door styles for the other rooms. Take a few minutes to visit Fulton Homes Design Online to see what’s available.Pedestal Handset - oil rubbed bronze

Like your lighting choices, you also can select from a choice of metal finishes for your door hardware – including Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Wrought Iron and Oil Rubbed Bronze. Any front door gains dimension with a handset such as the one to the right, the Pedestal Handset in oil-rubbed bronze, by Design Elements from Yale.

Exterior and interior doors and hardware contribute significantly to the character and personality of your home. Enjoy making just the right choices to keep your home focused on the look and style you want.

Consider Granite

3 cm chiseled countertopAlmost every new homeowner wants granite countertops in the kitchen. Recognizing that, Fulton Homes made granite kitchen counters standard in all of its kitchens.

Granite is an incredibly durable choice. The stone has the second highest hardness rating after diamonds, and it lasts a lifetime.

Fulton Homes Design Online provides an interesting introduction to granite. You may want to start by learning more about granite through the product tours: one provides insight on maintenance and the other gives general disclosure information. One good thing to know is that the newest granite sealers are almost maintenance-free.

Granite comes in about 100 different colors, and shopping your choices is an amazing experience. Remember, your decision doesn’t stop with the slab selection. Take a look at one of the more exotic choices of edge detail in the above photo– a chiseled edge. This option really shows off the stone. Take the time to investigate your edging choices.

granite bathroom upgradeUpgrade to granite for a luxurious look in the master bath. This photo shows the impact of adding granite – supporting the spa feel of the space with a splash of warm brown and gold. Want to enjoy a bath that feels decadent and inviting? How about this one?

Sorting, folding, cleaning and drying the family’s clothes require some serious time in the laundry room. How about granite countertops to spoil yourself a little?

As a natural stone, no two pieces of granite are alike. The individual markings and even variances in the stone itself add to the charm of each piece. Your counters have a unique personality. When you review your countertop options throughout your home – start with granite.

Fulton Homes Design Online – Tile Flooring

Ceramic Tile in Design Center- Rachel's KitchenWhere would you like tile in your home? Most people would choose it for bathrooms, many for kitchens, and some people want it throughout much of their living space.

Tile is extremely low-maintenance and lasts for the life of your home – two good reasons to choose it. The exciting thing about tile comes from the incredible variety of looks, sizes and shapes available.

Take a look at the tile above – Interceramic Royal Windsor 10 inch by 20 inch brick pattern staggered. You can take an in-person look at this tile at the Fulton Homes Design Center. But you might want to start your search earlier with Fulton Homes Design Online.

In addition to ceramic, porcelain tile is available for your Fulton Home. Porcelain is harder than ceramic, and more complex to install. Many people are drawn to its stone-like appearance.

Ceramic Tile in Design Center - Bobby's KitchenYour tile flooring can also change dramatically with your choice of installation options. For example, the flooring to the right is set at the diagonal. This can make a room feel larger, and draw people through an open-concept space. Talk with your designer to learn more about installation choices.

Finally, don’t ignore the variety of grout choices. A neutral, light or dark grout can dramatically change the look of your floor. While you’re at it, be sure to have your grout sealed. Grout is the only part of a tile floor vulnerable to staining. Sealing your grout eliminates this situation.

Take the time to consider tile. In the right place with the right selection, it provides flooring to suit your taste and your maintenance goals, and it’s a dramatic option in your home.