Author Archives: FultonHomes

Pillow Talk: How to Design Your Bed | Part One

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Pillow Types 

The master bedroom is your place of refuge and fortress of relaxation.  Creating this perfect oasis is an art and a science.  What may work for you, may not work for others.  With hundreds of pillows available on the market, having a general understanding of some of the most common types can help you find the best one suited for your space.  From decorative to comfortable, here are our top pillows to consider adding to your home:

Microbeads 

Usually made of tiny plastic particles, microbead pillows are becoming a more common pillow option.  If you are looking for a more supportive alternative,?consider microbead pillows.? ?These pillows are filled with thousands of tiny beads to support your head.? ?With not much give, you will find that they are great for support pillows or wedge pillows to use on your bed. 

Down 

“Light as a feather” comes to mind when thinking of a down pillow.  Down is a type of feathered pillow.? It is the undercoat to the feathery underbellies of birds.? While being incredibly soft, it provides a flexible comfort with its quality fluff.? It is not the most supportive pillow, but this luxurious pillow is unrivaled for soft comfort. 

Memory Foam 

Investing in a memory foam pillow can allow you to have comfort and support.? These pillows will adjust to your body when compressed.? After you get up,?the pillow will return to its natural plump state.? These may not be the softest pillows, but with support and comfort, they are definitely to be recognized as a top choice.

Before you can ultimately decide, you need to consider what you are looking for in a pillow. Do you need more support or comfort?? Once you understand your wants, you can make a more clear decision.

Be sure to check out part two for more insight on pillow choices.

 

Help! My Big, Blank Wall!

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Different elements come into play when designing your home.  You choose a theme or a color palette you would like in a room; then you master the furniture, the décor, and the lighting.  Yet for some reason, your walls still look blank.  The immediate fix is to hang a picture to help close the gap; however, a blank wall can present many more opportunities.  Here are our top four solutions to apply to your big blank wall:

Projector Screen

Before you go a throw a poster up on your wall, consider creating a projector wall.  Paint the size of the screen you want to achieve in bright white.  You can frame it in with wood trim and paint around the perimeter as well.  Either mount a projector or use a projector cart in which you can roll in and out of the room for movie nights.  You can quickly make a blank wall the hottest spot in your home with this trick.

Gallery Wall

If you are still considering putting up a picture, perhaps you should do a gallery wall.  It can be more expressive and allow you to decorate the wall with more pieces of art.  Adding pictures, paintings, and other décor pieces helps to create a fun wall in your atmosphere.

Bookshelf

Add a bookshelf or a display mantle to your wall.  It can dampen sounds from the surrounding rooms, hold décor, and be a beautiful home addition.  A bookshelf can hold much more than just books.  Try adding baskets, picture frames, boxes and more for intriguing decorations.  You can even layer your bookshelf to stop it from feeling one-dimensional.  Try scaling different objects to create variance in the aesthetics.  Even contrasting a complementary décor has a place to shine.

Focal Wall

Lastly, do not stress about the one wall being bare.  Instead, embrace the fact and paint it a different color.  You can make this blank wall a focal wall in your room.  Add a contrasting color, stripes, or texture, shiplap, or brick to create this unique wall and help it stand out amongst the rest.

However you chose to finish this wall, let it be express.  Decide what is best tailored to your own design and needs.  Remember that functionality is key, so if your room lacks something, consider the addition.  For more tricks and tips, subscribe to our email!

 

 

Deck Your Halls

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Stop neglecting your hallways.  Just because they are not “rooms,” does not mean they should not be decorated or expressive.  Your halls are utilized daily and the gateway between rooms. There are so many great ways to spruce up these narrow spaces without being obtrusive.  Check out below and see our top three best hallway hacks to use in your own home:

Art Gallery

Your hallways do not need to be bland.  Be expressive by adding in a gallery wall with various pictures and 3D artwork. With a collection of photos, your hallway can go from mundane to marvelous.  You can even incorporate different size frames and images to add a creative twist.

Stripes

Painting stripes on the wall can create an optical illusion.  By taking a long hallway and running lines horizontally, you can make the hall appear longer.  You can also go vertically to make the ceiling seem higher.  Plus, stripes can be used to help incorporate color to the corridor.  This timeless hallway remedy is perfect for enhancing your space.

Mirrors

If your hall seems small or tight, trying to add excessive color or decor can just clutter the space more.   Instead, add mirrors to open up the area.  The mirrors can allow light to travel more freely as well as eliminate visual boundaries.  Mirrors can really rejuvenate your corridors. Try adding them throughout or at each end for best results.

Runners

Adding a carpet runner is a great way to add texture to the space.  Texture is great for all areas of the home.  It can give your halls a more three-dimensional feel.  Long hallways can often feel cold and dark without proper lighting or the right flooring.   Investing in a runner is a great way to “cozy up” the area as well as add texture.   With many custom rugs available, you are guaranteed to find the perfect runner for your space.

Spruce up your halls this year by adding color, rugs, decor, mirrors, and more.  How will you enhance your hallways? Let us know your tricks below in the comment section.

How to Select The Right Artwork for Your Home

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When designing a room, the artwork you chose can become a strong focal point and guide the direction of the design.  Selecting artwork can be a bit challenging at first, but in the end, it is rewarding.  First, you need to determine what you are trying to express in the room through your design.  Picking a picture that feels forced or unneeded can hurt the atmosphere more than it can help it.  We put several rooms and suggestions to help guide you on your journey. Let’s take a look!

Master Bedroom

Your master bedroom is your domain to unwind and relax.  Selecting artwork that can tone down the space is a great start.  If possible, consider hanging artwork above the bed or directly across on the opposing wall.  It can create or reinforce the focal point in your room’s design.  If your bedroom has colors you have incorporated into its theme, find a picture that complements the theme and brings it full circle.

Living Room

Living rooms are areas designated more for hosting guests and having family time.  You can add more fun, upbeat artwork in these rooms.  You can apply many different strategies and even consider having a gallery wall.  The art you choose to express in this room can become the talk of the room and encapsulate the theme.  Since we typically spend the most time in our living rooms, it is essential to get it right.  Add life to the room with your artwork and use other pieces to accessorize and add to the décor.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and should never be ignored.  Try adding fun, food, and health provoking artwork.  Set the mood by selecting creative pictures to this space.  If you can find pieces to complement your cabinetry, backsplash, or other accents in the room, even better! Kitchens allow homeowners with the opportunity to add some flair and funk back into their design without seeming misplaced or misguided.

Do not be intimidated by adding art to a room.  It can be a way to guide and finish off a design.  A picture says a thousand words and can quickly create your room’s atmosphere.  Search online and pin ideas you would like to have in your own home.  Finding the perfect picture for your home can be challenging, but the result is fantastic.  For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our email!

How to Deep Clean Your Bedroom

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Deep cleaning any area in your home feels rejuvenating and gives you a great sense of pride in your home. Sometimes we have our weekly cleaning chores but do not have deeper cleaning plans than those. Deep cleaning will take you beyond your regular cleaning chores and help you accomplish more. We put together a basic checklist to follow to help you deep clean your bedroom. You can always do more, but these tips are a great place to start.

Wash Your Sheets and Comforter

A perfect place to start is by stripping the bed. Washing your duvet, comforter, sheets, and pillowcases can take some time, so this is a great place to start with the deep clean. While they wash and dry for the next couple of hours, you will have time to work on deep cleaning your room.

Dusting

Next, dust everything off in your room. Remove decor, television stands, lamps, or anything obtrusive from fully dusting every surface thoroughly. After everything is thoroughly dusting, go back with the appropriate cleaners for each surface areas and clean them. Do not forget to get baseboard, on top of the fan, and window sills. These areas are rarely dusted and can collect a plethora of allergens.

The Floors

After your dusting has been completed, it is time to clean the floors. For carpet, simply vacuum. For laminate, hardwood, or tile floor, you can start by shop-vacuuming the area. Get into corners thoroughly to make sure you remove all dirt and dust. After the floor has been swept, apply the appropriate floor clean to your floor. Not only will this deep clean your floors, but most cleaners will leave your room smelling fresh as well!

Drawers and Closets

A lot of drawers and closets go unattended for deep cleaning for long periods of time. You should try to create three separate piles or boxes when cleaning. Make a giveaway pile of clothing and items you no longer need in your life. The next pile should be items that do not necessarily belong back in the closet or drawers. Lastly, make the pile of clothing and items returning to the drawers and closet space. This can keep you organized during your cleaning process. Break walk-in closet or dressers into a smaller less overwhelming task.

Organize Everything

Make sure everything you put back has a sense of organization. You do not want to spend a day on a project to have it feeling unfinished when you are done. Take breaks and treat these tasks as a checklist to make it feel less overwhelming. Once you are done you will feel a huge sense of accomplishment in your space.

Four Reasons Why You Should Choose a Round Rug

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Are you shopping for the perfect rug for your living space? If so, you may want to think about opting for a circular rug as opposed to a traditional square rug. When shopping for an area rug, many people tend to overlook round rugs. Furniture typically has sharp right angles and edges which is why most steer towards a classic rectangle shape.

If you are anything like us, you like to be unique and embrace your creative style. These are just two of the many reasons why we love circular rugs. Not convinced yet? Check out our four reasons why you should have a circle rug:

Emphasize a Circular Element 

If you want to highlight a statement piece like a round dining table or elegant chandelier, you can do so with a round area rug. Using a traditional rectangular or circle shaped rug will completely underscore the accessory or furniture piece, but by opting for a round rug, you bring attention to the element and add harmony in the design.

Highlight an Architectural Feature 

Curved architectural features are unique, and you should take any opportunity you can to showcase them. You can embrace such a striking structural feature by pairing it what a beautiful round rug which makes it a more notable feature. Use colors and patterns with your rug choice to make it an echo of the curved structure.  

Layering an Existing Rug 

Tired of looking at the same, boring rug? You can layer your old rug with a round, new rug. It is also an ideal solution if you have been looking for a way to introduce colors or patterns to a neutral room. A round rug is an unexpected accent piece that can make a statement in a space.

Visually Increase The Size of a Room 

Want a small room to feel bigger? Using a round rug in a small room is a trick that designers use to make it appear larger than it actually is. The curve of the rug inspires the eye to move around the arc of the space.  Also, the furniture appears fanned around the room with this featured piece.

What do you think? Do you like the idea of a round rug? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

 

Investments to Help You Relax and Unwind at Home

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Your home is your refuge; your opportunity to get away from the everyday demands of the world. A place where you can have the chance to relax and unwind. However, you find that your relaxation time at home has been cut in half. Luckily, experts believe that designating a room or a certain area to relax and unwind can help you regain your “you” time. To help, we put some of our favorite home relaxation investments you should try adding to your space. Let’s take a look!

Electronics

While electronics like television and computers are great to help you unwind at the end of a long day, they are not necessarily the best forms of relaxations.  Try investing in a massage chair or a hydro bed for your relaxation time.  During your session, eliminate all distractions even your phone and the television.  Designating a time and place to relax is vital to allow yourself to unwind and recover from the busyness of your day.

Aromatherapy

There is also aromatherapy which you can use to help calm your mind.  Scents like lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and peppermint can all help you relax.   Different aromas can be used to stimulate the mind and put it at ease.  If you are new to the concept, you can purchase a diffuser or even receive benefits through burning candles with the previously mentioned scents. Aromatherapy is an easy yet effective way to relieve any stress you encounter throughout the day.

Colors

All colors can psychologically influence the mind.   Using cool tones like blue or violet can help make your environment feel more tranquil and relaxing.   Try to use these cool tones in areas of your home you want to make more relaxing. You can apply them as an accent color to not make the colors feel overwhelming in your space, or you can go bold and color the entire room with them. The options are endless, and you can help curate your design based off of your preferences.

Fire & Water

Both fire and water are powerful elements that can be very influential to an atmosphere.  While a wildfire can be very destructive, a fireplace or fire pit can be quite therapeutic.  You can also see the same with water.  Simply taking a bath or listening to the sound of running water can ease the mind and spirit.  Even investing in a Jacuzzi is a phenomenal relaxation tool.  These elements can be significant features to incorporate in during your relaxation time.

Designating a small segment of your day to relax and unwind is very beneficial.  As little as ten to twenty minute of unwind time or time just to meditate can significantly improve your well-being.  Try creating a time or a spot in your own home to relax, and you can use whatever method suits you best.

Thanks for reading!

 

The Ultimate Pitch List

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Are you getting frustrated with your home being messy? You know that you need to clean it out, but do not know what exactly to pitch. Do not worry anymore, because we have created the ultimate pitch list for your house!

Old Beauty Products

Makeup has an expiration date and tends to expire rather quickly. Expired makeup and beauty products can be harmful to the health of your skin. Here is what to do:

  • Pitch and replace any mascara that you have had longer than three months.
  • Pitch and replace foundation and concealer a year from the purchase date.
  • Pitch and replace your lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes two years after the purchase date.

Spices

We use spices for their flavor and aroma, but some of your spices may have begun getting dull. Here is what to do:

  • Go through your spices and sniff the older ones. If you notice that they do not hold a scent anymore, pitch them.
  • Also, throw away any spices that you notice do not have flavor while you are cooking.

Junk Mail

Mail can begin to pile up quickly. We tend to receive unnecessary mail and magazines that never get sorted. Here is what to do:

  • Sort through all of your current and past mail. Make piles to distinguish which mail you need to keep and which mail you need to pitch.

Linens

Over the years, homeowners begin to obtain more and more linens. You do not need to keep all the linens you have ever owned. Here is what to do:

  • Go through your linen closet and only keep two per bed. By doing this, you will always be using one set of linens, and you will always have one clean set.

Old Toys

Toy bins can become overfull with unused toys. Cleaning your family’s toy bin can make your current situation less hectic, and new purchases feel less unnecessary. Here is what to do:

  • Sort through your family’s toy bin and find all the toys that you do not need.
  • Toys that are overused, dull, and outgrown can be pitched or given away.
  • Do not keep toys that have broken parts, because they may be hazardous.

The Fridge

Clear off the inside and outside of your refrigerator. Here is what to do:

  • Notes, photos, mail, and reminders pile up on the outside of our refrigerator and most times, we do not even read what is there.
  • Clear off everything from your refrigerator and buy a mini chalkboard for family reminders. If you compile all the messages onto the chalkboard, it will leave room for your fridge to do what it does best.
  • Also, pitch any old and expired food from your fridge.

This list is a simple start to cleaning out your home. Notice we said: start. The journey to getting your home the way you want it begins here. Stay tuned for more information on how to clean out your house. Thanks for reading!

Super Bowl Sunday Party Dip Ideas

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You have invited all your friends and bought decorations for the house, but there is still one thing you are struggling with–what food are you going to serve? The food for the evening can be one of the most time-consuming tasks of throwing a party. We want to help you not spend as much time in the kitchen during this party. Our solution is for you to serve dips. Dips can be served with a variety of food options and can be quite filling. Switch up your party’s food routine and choose to serve a varied selection of dips.

French Onion Dip

This dip is a classic, to say the least. French onion dip has earned a place in many hearts from its bold and flavor-filled taste. This dip can be paired with toasted cheesy bread or crackers.

Pizza Dip

There is nothing more traditional than a good, old fashion pizza dip. Party-goers will love this flavorful dip, and you can pair it with bread slices or pita bread.

Queso Dip

Can you say YUM? If you are a cheese fan, you will be running to this dip time and time again to delight in its creamy deliciousness. Traditionally, tortilla chips pair well with this dip but try adding some soft pretzel bits around the dish.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This has become a recent trend at many house parties, and we completely understand why. It has a creamy base with a pleasant, spicy kick to it. This tasty dip pairs well with bread, crackers, tortilla chips, celery, etc.

Guacamole

Nos Gusta!! Include this dip for your party-goers to indulge in its creamy goodness. It pairs well with lime-flavored tortilla chips!

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Let us pretend this one is as healthy as it sounds. This creamy dip will indulge your taste buds and leave guests chatting. Pair this dip with toasted bread or tortilla chips.

Hummus

This dip adds a variety to your selection because it is perfect for your vegetarian and vegan friends. We also want to make sure that there is an option available to everyone and having a hummus dip will definitely help to assure you. Buy an original flavor hummus and separate it into different bowls. In each bowl, add a different topping to add variety and flavor. You can create flavors like a roasted red pepper or garlic-herb hummus. Pair this dip with pita and a selection of raw vegetables (celery, carrots, broccoli, etc.).

Is there a dip you love to make for parties? Share your favorite dip with us in the comment section.

Strange Hacks that Actually Work

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Are you looking for natural ways to solve your common household problems? Well, look no further. With just a dryer sheet and tablespoon of baking soda, you can make these problems disappear.

Dryer Sheets:

1. Dried Paint on Brush:

We all have a tough time removing dried-on paint from our brushes, but you do not need to worry anymore with this easy hack! All you need to do is place a dryer sheet at the bottom of bucket and fill the bucket with warm water. Place your paint brushes inside of the bucket and let them sit for about thirty minutes. After thirty minutes, they will be completely clean!

2. Fingerprints on Stainless Steel:

Sometimes it is frustrating to own stainless steel appliances because fingerprints love them as much as we do. You do not need to worry about finding ways to clear off fingerprints anymore because all you need is a dryer sheet. That is right, simply wipe a dryer sheet across your appliance, and the prints will be removed.

3. Pet Hair:

Owning pets is amazing, but you do not necessarily want to display their hair on you everywhere you go. The solution: run a dryer sheet over your clothing and car seats to remove pet hair. Bonus: it will leave you smelling amazing.

4. Stinky Shoes:

Get rid of smelly odors in your shoes by placing a dryer sheet in your shoes while you are at away from home.

5. Dusty Decorations:

If you do not have a duster, that is no problem because dryer sheets once again save the day. Run your dryer sheets over all your decorations for a quick, easy clean.

Baking Soda:

1. Smelly Areas:

If you love to cook, you understand that sometimes certain foods make your hands smell. To remove that icky scent, create a paste of baking soda and warm water. Rub your hands together for about one minute and you will notice a difference. Afterwards, make sure to wash your hands off with warm soap and water.

2. Meat Tenderizer:

If you are looking to tenderize your meat naturally, cover it in baking soda by patting it into the product. Put it in your refrigerator to set for about four hours then rinse off the baking soda before you begin cooking.

3. Cleaner Produce:

We do not want dirt and pesticides on our produce; therefore, baking soda is a simple solution. Take one tablespoon of baking soda and mix it together with a cup of warm water. With a bristle, dip into your paste and begin gently scrubbing away any residue left on the produce. Make sure to rinse away all baking soda with water before you begin cooking.

4. Gross Sponges:

Instead of purchasing new sponges, get rid of stains and odors by placing your sponges in your sink basin with 1/2 cup of baking soda and two quarts of warm water. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.

We hope you enjoyed these strange hacks that actually work. Do you have any tips for other readers? We would love to hear from you below in the comment section.