Author Archives: FultonHomes

Secret Household Cleaners: Lemon

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Lemons have many added health benefits. This citrus fruit is loaded with vitamin C, increases iron, and may lower the risk of stroke. However, this yellow pulped, sour fruit has more than just culinary benefits. Lemon’s citric acid also makes an excellent cleaning agent.

Clean Butcher Block or Cutting Board

Butcher block countertops can be challenging to clean. However, cleaning your cutting boards and butcher block counters does not need to be a difficult or elaborate task. Simply, slice a lemon in half. Using the citrus side of the lemon, add table salt. You can now use the gritty texture to scrub clean and remove stains from your wood. This natural remedy makes an excellent alternative to hard chemical cleaning agents.

Tremendous Copper Cleaner

From faucets, pots, and pans to décor and appliances, copper looks great in any home. However, being exposed to the air and other natural elements, copper begins to corrode. Do not let this chemical reaction alarm you because you can remove this green tint with lemon juice. Rejuvenate your copper and get back that shine with some quick lemon juice and salt.

Great Microwave Cleaner

Microwaves tend to build up some muck in them over time but cleaning them may be easier than you think. Fill a microwaveable safe bowl with water. Squeeze your lemons into the water and place the remaining lemons into the bowl. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, allowing the water to boil. Once the timer goes off, leave the bowl in the microwave for five to ten minutes. The steam in the microwave will break down the gunk. Then, simply wipe down the walls of the microwave with a paper towel or pour the hot lemon juice onto a dish towel to wipe down the remaining debris.

So, when life hands you lemons, now you are ready for much more. This little citrus fruit packs a punch for household tasks. Learning the uses of everyday household items can allow you to save money and clean your environment naturally. For more insight on other secret household cleaners, make sure to subscribe!

Tips for Hosting Guests Overnight

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Entertaining and hosting a guest can be a blast! However, setting up for them can be a little challenging. If you have ever stayed at a hotel, you may not know all the work that goes into the room before you even arrive. Likewise, prepping for your guest can be more than just inviting them over, especially if they are spending the night. If you are hosting an overnight guest, here is everything you need to know to make their stay as best as possible:

Evening Entertainment and Dining

Prior to your guest’s arrival, you should have the evening planned. These plans should be tentative and adaptable in case your guest has something else on their agenda. Communicate with your guest before they arrive and discuss what you may have in mind. You should also try to provide dinner for your guest. Make sure you recognize any of your guest’s food allergies and have options available at dinner. These simple tactics can make the evening flow smoothly.

Bedroom and Bathroom

Your guest room should provide the necessary accommodations you would expect if you were to check in to a hotel. Make sure you provide your guest with clean sheets, extra blankets, lots of pillows, and an alarm clock. You may want to provide extra cell phone chargers, water bottles, and an empty wastebasket. Make sure they understand what bathrooms are available for them to use and are provided with basic toiletries, tissues, and towels.

Breakfast

You may want to forewarn them about the breakfast plan the night before, so they know. This can show you thought ahead. Provide coffee, juice, and water for your company. You can make it buffet style or just make them a plate. This simple gesture can go a long way in making your guest feel like your home is welcoming.

Hosting guest is a fun way to open the doors to your home and make your atmosphere more welcoming. Your guest will notice the extra little details you put into treating them. For more insight on hosting guests, make sure to subscribe!

Garage Cleaning Checklist

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Garages can quickly become the collecting ground of mayhem and messes. Many people like to postpone house projects and put issues for another date in the garage or basement. However, this eventually leads to a daunting project that we have long been dreading. The best way to embark on this journey is to create a straightforward checklist. Stay focus and take some time out of your weekend because we are going to clean out that garage!

Strategize and Inspect

First, start by assessing the garage. Determine a realistic time frame in which you can accomplish the project. Decide if you need more storage or bins to organize the space. Somethings get put into the garage and not their correct homes. Decide what is staying and what can be put into a storage unit.

Deep Clean

Pull everything out from your garage. Sort them into organized piles:

  • Donate
  • Storage Unit
  • Keep
  • Dispose

You may need to look at the relevance of certain belongings. If it is summer, you may not need to keep your winter items in the garage, so organize it accordingly. Also, when your garage is empty, take advantage of a broom, and wash the flooring. You may want to invest in a degreaser to remove stains from the floor and treat oil. Wipe down your windows and counter space during this time as well. Having your garage fully accessible to be cleaned is a rare opportunity. Make sure to utilize it fully and clean every nook and cranny.

Maintain

Set up a monthly maintenance calendar to avoid the mess. Keeping up and maintaining your garage’s cleanliness is the easiest way to prevent a big project. During each month, pull your cars out and broom out your garage. You can mop it afterward to help keep it clean.

Cleaning your garage can be a daunting task you may avoid, but it needs to be done. It is valuable square footage to the blueprint of your property, so try to stop using it to pack away projects for a later time because having a clean garage is rewarding.

Pest Control in the Valley

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Arizona’s breathtaking landscape continues to allure tourists and homebuyers to this ideal paradise. With some of the most consistently blue skies in America, the Grand Canyon State has so much to offer travelers. From unbeatable rural scenic views to the friendly city dwellers, Arizona has it all. Yet, if you are new to the Valley, you may be unfamiliar with some of the challenges the desert brings with it. This rocky oasis is inviting to more than just humans. Many pest and critters enjoy Arizona as well; this means we need to be smart about our home’s pest control.

Critters to Consider

While a new home is not going to be infested, you should not wait. If you wait, you may be subject to some unwanted guests. Ants are very common in Arizona. You can be susceptible to fire ants which no one wants or carpenter ants. The carpenter ants will eat into your woods in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and this can easily cause unwanted structural damage. On the outside of your homes, you could be exposed to killer bees or even wasps. While beautiful flowerbeds may attract these fellows, you do not need them nesting up near your home. Another lethal intruder is some types of spiders. While tarantulas are scary, they are not as dangerous as the Black Widow. Having your home treated to prevent termites, roaches, and rodents is a widespread Arizona protocol.

How Often Should I Spray?

Once your home has been treated, keep up on your pest control. Some of these home invaders can cause severe structural damage. Typically, having your home treated bi-monthly will prevent any infestations. It is not guaranteed that an untreated home will be infested, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you can act ahead, you will not have to deal with these unwanted vermin’s later in life.

Make sure any company you hire is abiding by the Arizona state laws. Termite control laws and regulations can prohibit specific procedures. Keeping your home safe and pest free is essential, but be sure to follow Arizona’s state laws to stay safe.

Tips for Spotting Quality Wood Furniture Pieces

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Let’s be honest; no home is complete without some type of wood accent sprinkled throughout the house. Yet, finding high-quality wood furniture can seem nearly impossible. Often, you will find a piece of wooden furniture that looks great in the store only to discover that it is flimsy and built poorly. To avoid wasting your hard earned money, check out these tips for spotting poorly constructed wood furniture:

Is It Made from Solid Wood?

When shopping for wood furniture, you will want to check to see if it was constructed from solid wood. Solid wood is also referred to as hardwood or softwood. Generally, furnishings made from this type of wood material are constructed from single board pieces that are glued together since trees are not as naturally wide. Be sure to ask the associate if the entire piece is formed from solid wood or just specific parts of it. Common hardwoods you will find in stores is oak, walnut, cherry, and ash.

Is Plywood Furniture Worth the Investment?

Plywood is considered engineered hardwood that is formed with thin layers of solid wood on top of each other. A layer of stained and wood finish is applied in the final stage; this is also known as a veneer. What makes plywood an attractive option is that it can hold up in all kinds of climate. Also, it will cost you a fraction of a genuine solid wood piece. So, what are some of the drawbacks of investing in plywood furniture? The quality of plywood depends on the quality of the veneer used. A poor quality veneer often reveals a low-quality wood beneath the finish. Once it becomes damaged, the repair process can be complicated since the wood species, and the veneer is of different materials.

What is MDF?

Furniture labeled MDF, or Medium Density Fiberboard is derived from a combination of wood waste products and resin. MDF furnishing can be finished with a real wood layer or a non-wood laminate. MDF furniture is less expensive than plywood and solid wood pieces. Although it is budget-friendly, and it can be easily damaged and repairing it is very difficult.

When shopping for wood furniture, do your research. Take a close look at all of the products and compare their characteristics. Sometimes the quality of a piece will drive up the cost, but buying furniture is an investment.

Tips for Decorating a Teen’s Bedroom

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Do you remember your childhood bedroom? Perhaps the design scheme consisted of pop star posters taped all over the walls and lots of funky colors. No matter how crazy your room looked, the best part about it was that it was your sanctuary. No doubt, as a parent, you want your teen to have that same feeling. How can you create a bedroom that your child will love? Well, no need to wonder because we have you covered with the following tips and tricks:

Select a Color Scheme

Of course, the first step in designing any space is deciding what color scheme you want. For personalization, use your teen’s favorite color. For instance, if red is their favorite color, be sure to use this hue in your design. You can also use a neutral color with bold palettes to help balance out the design.

Pick Furniture

No room is complete without the proper furnishing; however, the most important piece of furniture in your teen’s room is nothing other than their bed. You can add some interest in the room by selecting a lovely headboard and well-designed bedding. Be sure to incorporate other furniture in the room, such as a desk and chair so that they can have a place to complete their homework. Avoid crowding out the room with lots of furniture because as we all know, teenagers do not need any additional help creating clutter.

Accessories

Accessories or little things to complement the room is crucial for creating a room that your teen will love. Selecting the appropriate accessories will depend on your child’s personal likes. For example, if your teenage daughter is an ‘upcoming beauty guru,” you may want to incorporate an oversized mirror with lighting around it. Beanbag seats and Christmas tree lights are also some trendy accents you can use to add spice to a teen’s bedroom.

Lighting

Many people tend to overlook lighting, but this aspect is essential to the entire design of the room. In addition to overhead lighting, you may want to include task lighting in your teen’s room so that they can perhaps browse a magazine or read a book at bedtime.

Self-Expression

Self-expression is everything to teenagers; therefore, you will want to allow them to express their own unique interests and desire through their room’s design. Let their creativity go wild and help them to gather their ideas into a gorgeous concept.

For more expert tips and tricks, be sure to visit our blog hub at Fulton Homes. Thanks for reading!

Picking the Perfect Headboard

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A headboard can say a lot about a bedroom. It will make a bold statement and becomes the focal point of most bedrooms. Different styles of headboards can turn your boring, mundane bedroom into a tranquil oasis. But if you do not know where to begin, it can be a challenging process to decide. If you need guidance on how to select the perfect headboard for your space, be sure to keep on reading!

Floor to Ceiling

Try a floor to ceiling headboard as a luxurious addition to your room. This do-it-yourself hack can help exaggerate the height of your wall while adding a stylish decor to your room. Decorative wallpaper or painted-on stencils can also help complete this desirable look.

Tufted Fabric

Tufted fabric is an elegant look that adds class to your bedroom. You will want to pick a material that expresses you and incorporates style within the space. Nothing ties together a sophisticated room quite like a tufted headboard. You may have seen this style incorporated in hotels or spas. This is a great way to enrich your space and add flair to your room.

Bamboo Forest

If you are looking for a more natural appeal, bamboo is the way to go. Adding natural colors and hues can have your room feeling organic and energetic. Try incorporating woods, corks, and plants to your bedroom to transform a dull room and bring nature back indoors.

Smart Style Storage

Make your headboard out of functional storage compartments and shelves to free up space in your room and help hide clutter. This clever hack would not take up any floor space and can also be used to display vases, art, and plants.

Books

Are you looking for a creative way to use your unused, already read books? You can utilize your favorite reads by incorporating them into your bedroom design. This unique take on headboards can help add a creative twist to your space and let your dreams flow.

Window

Sometimes your room is not set up to have a headboard, but you can use a window. Do not shy away from the idea. Use curtains and shelving to complement your window and make it the focal point of the room. Embrace the window and use the view to make your headboard a living glass wall!

Headboards can complete your bedroom design. You can use your headboard for style or functionality. Let it express your needs and add your personal flair to the room.

Home Staging | Tips for Taking Care of the Inside

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Home staging is an incredibly useful tactic that interior designers use all of the time. Whether they are staging a model home, a newly remodeled home or helping sellers set up their home for the marketplace, staging your house can add value and increase appeal. For tips and tricks on staging your home, be sure to keep on reading!

Eliminate Clutter

You know those bins or boxes of packed items sitting in your living space; the ones that have to go but you have not had a chance to address. Before you begin designing your home, you want to start with a clean slate. That means any unwanted clothing taking up space in the closet, old furniture, and equipment that you no longer use. It is crucial to create a moveable environment for guests to be able to navigate the house without bumping into everything. Make sure you do not skip out on cleaning out the pantry, closet spaces, and the basement. Though often unseen, these areas can lead to hidden clutter.

Reorganize the Furniture

IIf upgrading to more stylish pieces is not in the budget, opt for organizing your existing furniture so that it complements the space. The right arrangement can make a room appear bigger. Play around with your furniture until you find the right angles. You may be surprised by what a new furniture layout can do for your room’s appearance.

Lighting

There is nothing that can make a home look super polished than a well-thought lighting scheme. Play up the natural lighting in a space by using sheer curtains or light drapes that allow the sun to stream into the room. Implement trendy lighting fixtures to brighten up corners and add extra light wherever you see fit.

Area of Interest

Whether it is the kitchen, living room, or the hallway, find an area in the home where you can create a focal point or an area of interest. A focal point will immediately grab the attention of guests. Plus, creating a focal point does not have to be expensive. A beautiful piece of artwork or using a patterned border around the walls can make a huge difference.

Thorough Cleaning

Before you invite guests, you should conduct a thorough cleaning of the interior. Polish the floors, organize the garage and basement and clean all of your surfaces. The purpose of home staging is to make your home look like a model home, something that is right from a home decor magazine.

Looking for more tips and tricks? Be sure to check out our blog hub here.

Southwestern Exterior Styling

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Traveling throughout the United States, many homes are influenced by diverse cultures and environments which are incorporated into their styling. If you have ever traveled to the southwest, you probably noticed a very distinct change in the housing styles. This Southwestern home styling is very common in New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California. While not every home follows this styling, it has many advantages that help combat the American desert heat. This beautiful look is easy to capture with incorporating just a few simple elements:

Stucco

Where side vinyl and stone may be common practice elsewhere in the United States, stucco rules king in the southwest. Stucco is a plastering material used on the outside of homes. It is applied wet and dries into a decorative, durable coating. This exterior insulator can withstand extreme heats and does not crack. The look is considered southwestern and adds an artsy appeal to the home. Stucco can reduce noises from outside and has an extremely long lifespan.

Landscaping

When you visit the southwest, the first thing you will notice is the dramatic landscape and environmental changes. Instead of flourishing, green lawns, pride is found in the true rich nature of the desert. Incorporating rocks, stones, cacti, and desert shrubbery is a must. Southwestern homes also facilitate elements of dry creek rock beds, pergolas, and stucco privacy walls. While grass is considered a luxurious lawn amenity, you will see the pride in the brilliance of pebbled and clay landscaping. Concrete driveways and pools are also common in this Southwestern look.

Clay Roof Tiles

Traditionally, this Spanish and Mediterranean design was functional; it is also very beautiful. Soon it became more common in Southwestern homes. Clay roof tiles are renowned for their longevity and resistance to rot. They handle very well against extreme weathers, such as heat, monsoons, and frost. Requiring little maintenance makes this roofing system ideal for Southwestern homes.

Southwestern Style homes are very beautiful and cultural inspired. This style flourishes with aesthetic appeal and overall beauty. Enjoy the lifestyle these homes have to offer with their unique styling.

Arizona Summer Heat Warning

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Arizona has many of the sunniest cities in the United States. Yuma, Phoenix, Tucson, even Flagstaff all rank in the sunniest places to live. While blue skies and sunshine may sound like paradise, the heat can be extremely dangerous during the summer months. When in the Valley, temperatures can reach around 100-110 degrees or hotter during June, July, and August. Some locals may scoff at these numbers and act like they are no concern; however, this serious of heat should not be taken lightly. To help our community stay safe, we created this helpful guide for surviving the summer heat:

Hydrate

Dehydration can lead to a severe health risk. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the whole day. Early symptoms can consist of merely being thirsty, dizzy, nauseated, muscle cramps, or a headache. While it is easy to ignore, the desert heat can be relentless. There is no magic number to say how much water you will need. Continue to drink water throughout your day. Also, pay attention to lethargic behaviors, rapid pulse, or panting in animals. This heat can take a toll on not only you but your pets as well.

Sunblock

While we are not directly on the equator, the UV and sun exposure are very harsh. Find a sunblock with an SPF or Sun Protection Factor of at least 15. Each skin type is different, and SPF 30 is the most common. Find which sunblock or sunscreen works best for you and your skin. Just remember that sunblock will not last all day so you will want to reapply sunscreen if you go swimming or after the recommended time.

Stay Inside

Unless the day demands outdoor activities, stay inside. This is the perfect opportunity to appreciate your beautiful home. Enjoy your pristine air conditioning and beautiful indoor oasis. Find indoor summer activities for you and the family until the sun goes down when it is okay to hang out outdoors.

The summer heat can get brutal but do not let that deter you from enjoying Arizona. There is still much to do during the summer. If you do plan on going out or hiking, be smart! Make sure you have enough water for you and your pets as well! For more insight on Fulton Homes and the wonders of Arizona, make sure to subscribe.