Author Archives: FultonHomes

Tips for Developing a Realistic Cleaning Schedule

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Do the dishes seem to be piling up lately? Or maybe you have neglected dusting the past couple of weeks. While it is essential to keep a clean house, with a hectic schedule, it can be a challenge to clean your entire home adequately. Well, we have got you covered. Below are some helpful tips to ensure that your house gets thoroughly cleaned:

Schedule It

It is just that simple. Perhaps, the most reliable way to ensure that you clean your home is to put it on your calendar and stick to it. Making a home cleaning schedule for your entire house is important because it makes you feel less stressed and more likely to carry out the assignment. Pencil in an area of the home that you plan on attacking during the week. The key to making sure this method is successful is to create a realistic cleaning schedule. So if you know that you have to work an extra shift on Tuesday, it would not be wise to schedule a hefty cleaning project for that night.

Take Inventory

The only way you can create a realistic cleaning schedule is to take inventory of what exactly needs your attention in your home. Do the closets need to be decluttered? Or maybe you need to dust and clear off the bookshelf. Grab a pen and paper, and walk around your home to determine what needs cleaning.

List The Rooms

What rooms require regular cleaning? Areas of the home like the kitchen, bathroom, and your bedroom probably need frequent cleaning when compared to other rooms in the house. These rooms are used more often. Leave the other areas in the house that you do not occupy as frequently such as the guest bedroom or maybe a formal living room off of your cleaning schedule.  You can implement them in seasonally or when you are expecting to have guests.

Trial Run

Take your cleaning schedule for a trial run by trying your best to stick to it for a month straight.  Limit the time you spend cleaning each area so that you do not overwhelm yourself.

For more great tips and tricks, check out our blog hub at Fulton Homes.

 

 

How to “Make” The Perfect Bed

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There is nothing quite like collapsing in your bed at the end of a busy day. But what if we told you that there was a way that you can make your bed even more comfortable? We believe that the perfect bed setup is not far from your reach. With our tips and tricks, you can make your bed feel like you are spending the night at a five-star hotel. Do not believe us? Check out our tips below to get inspired:

First Things First

To begin, you will want to gather all your linens. The quality and style of your bedding are all up to you, but we suggest selecting something of quality that matches your room’s interior while also being comfortable. The higher the thread count, the higher the luxury. If it is within your budget, opt for a thread count of at least 600. Otherwise, your bedding should include:

  • Plastic/Fabric Mattress Cover
  • Fitted Sheet
  • Flat Sheet
  • Pillows and Pillow Covers
  • Comforter

Crisp & Clean 

As much as you may hate ironing, there is nothing better than wrinkle-free, crisp sheets. Ironing large sheets on a standard small ironing board may be difficult; therefore, you should try covering a table and use the surface to iron out your bedding. You will find that you can effortlessly slide into bed with warmed, wrinkle-free sheets.

Smooth Criminal 

Sometimes, the corners of your mattress can cause the mattress pad to bunch up at the center which makes your sleep feel uncomfortable. To prevent this from happening, you can secure the elastic edges with a safety pin or corner fasteners. In doing so, you will guarantee a budge-free sleep.

The Perfect Fit

The fitted should fit tight. Pull it until it is taut and secure it by tucking the edges underneath the mattress. Remember that you never want your fitted sheet to be too tight or too lose. It may take some trial and error before finding the perfect set for your bed.

The Icing on The Cake

After properly making your bed, make sure you add a cozy comforter to spread over the center. The comforter adds an extra layer of comfort. Plus, your comforter is where you can get creative with different designs and styles. Whatever style you choose, be sure to base it off of your room’s design to create a consistent flow.

What is your favorite aspect of your bed? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

Fulton Homes: Built Right

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At Fulton Homes, we understand that purchasing a home is an investment.  With real estate on the rise, now is the time to buy; however, finding the perfect home for you can be a daunting task. At Fulton Homes, we take pride in making quality homes to meet your needs and more. Here are three reasons why we believe you should choose Fulton Homes:

Location, Location, Location
An important factor in any house hunt is the location.  Arizona offers a wide variety of diverse cities, suburbs, and rural areas to meet your needs.  Our Arizona homes are carefully placed in locations that are convenient to freeways, shopping centers, and employment areas. We know the area, and we build the perfect communities.

Quality Matters
What really matters in construction is the quality!  Our homes offer high-quality finishes in every aspect.  From our countertops to our floors, we have put together a selection of choices to create your dream home.  Your home should be built to last, and we plan to excel in creating that for you.  We have passed the test of time with our highly respected and well-built communities!  To us, quality matters!

Built Right and Made Easy for You
We believe having your home built should be fun, not an overwhelming process.  We have a design center available in person and on the web for your convenience.  We strive to make your building process is as simple and efficient as possible.   Your time matters and we thrive to make your home design easy.

Consider the many benefits of having your home built by Fulton Homes.  Let us tailor your next home to your needs! Please do not hesitate to call or email us to learn more.  We would love to help you create your dream home.

 

How to Use Tropical Colors in Your Home’s Design

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Summer may feel like a ways away, but before you know it, spring will be making its entrance in March. While we have to wait for winter to end, right now can be a great time to consider redecorating your home in light, airy vacation colors. From bright, sunny yellows, bursts of oranges and lush greens, tropical colors can also be used to warm up your home.

Using tropical hues in your home does not mean that you have to paint your accent walls or other architectural features with vivid colors. Nor do you need to swap out furniture. Instead, when going with a tropical design, less is always more. So what does that mean exactly? Let’s take a look!

Light Fixtures

Swapping out bland or neutral tone lighting fixtures for ones that give a tropical or festive vibe can help add life to your space. Try to find fixtures that feature Carribean hues like orange, coral or canary yellow. You can even get creative and opt for fixtures with organic elements like seashells to truly capture the look. You may be surprised how switching out such a simple decor piece will attract the attention of your visitors.

Accent Pillows and Throws

An easy way you can use tropical colors in your decor is by incorporating pillows and throws that have beachy colors. This is an inexpensive way to make to recreate that lovable vacation-feel in any room.

Beach-Inspired Accessories

If you really want to make a significant impact, you can accessorize different rooms with beach trinkets. Seashells, beads and other island-themed accessories can be used to emphasize the tropical theme; however, you do not want to use a lot of these accessories within one space because it can be overwhelming and distract from other design elements in the room.

Patterns and Textiles

Do not be afraid to use vibrant island colors on your textiles and patterns. You can use tropical colors in your furniture fabrics and even on the floors with an area rug. Be sure to mix and match solids and patterns to create the perfect island look.

What is your favorite part of tropical design? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

Must-Try Wall Decorating Ideas

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Your walls structure the overall design of your rooms.  Investing in wall décor can make a massive impact on your room’s overall aesthetics.  Think about it, your walls are like a blank canvas.  You can use them to express yourself and enhance the design of your room.  Do not leave your walls empty and bland.  Try incorporating these simple tricks to your space to spruce up your walls this year:

Tapestry

Your walls can come to life by adding textured and patterned tapestry.  This textile wall decorative can indeed add substantial warmth to your room. In fact, wall tapestry is excellent for insulating your rooms and comes in a wide selection of colors and patterns.  Hanging tapestry is simple, stylish, and easy. You can incorporate a canopy look or even use rods to change up the style seasonally.

Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words. Photos are great for creating a focal point inside a room.  You can use an image with particular colors that you are trying to highlight within your space.  Consider using a picture that adds to your theme or helps create a statement.  You can even get a large picture for the room or add a bunch of pictures in a gallery wall setting.  The fun, creative ideas are truly endless.  Just be sure to invest in frames that complement your space.  Look for frames that match your woodwork or consider going with neutral frames like black or white.

Shelves

Perhaps, the most functional wall décor you can try to add to your home is shelving.  Shelving is excellent for showcasing décor yet also serves a functional purpose for storage.  Consider floating shelving under your television to store electronics or maybe a bookshelf in your den for reading. These are all great ways to help add to your space, cover a wall, and keep the space functional and beautiful

No matter what route you choose to go, enhancing your walls is the perfect way to spruce up your home’s design.  Just remember to consider your theme and the colors you want to highlight within your space, the rest will follow. Thanks for reading!

 

How to Step Your Entertainment Game

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From family dinners to gathering your friends for a Friday game night, do you often find yourself hosting everything at your house? If so, you know that hosting in your home can sometimes be quite stressful. Like most hosts, you take gatherings at your place serious which is why we are going to show you how to create an atmosphere that is always ready for guests:

Entertaining Outdoors

Do you love entertaining outdoors during the summer months? Well, when you bring the party outdoors, you will need to make sure the backyard is equipped with cozy accessories. Be sure to load up your back patio with items that make your guests want to relax, stay a while even. You can add plush pillows on hard chairs and soft throw blankets to keep your guests warm. You can also light candles on the table tops to set the perfect cozy atmosphere as the sun sets.

In The Kitchen

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is where your guests will feel most at home. If you are planning on having a dinner party, avoid making the prep area off limits. Set out the drinks and platters of food inside your kitchen for your guests to freely enter. Allow them to serve themselves appetizers before the meal starts. By doing so, you do not exclude yourself from the party, but you can interact with guests while you make dinner.

The “Good” China

Think about it, when exactly do you pull out the “good stuff?” It does not have to be a holiday or a black tie event for you to pull out your prized dishware. An intimate gathering is a perfect time to serve your guests with your good china. What better way to make your guests feel special, and get to use your dishware?

Overnight Guests

If you plan on having overnight guests, you should create the ultimate cozy sleepover. It can be done by making sure the guest room and bathroom are well stocked with extra towels, sheets, toiletries, and other supplies.  Keeping the guest quarters well stocked with basic essentials will make them feel comfortable during their stay.

Ample Seating

The one thing that can make or break your an event is not having enough seating. While your guests will likely want to mingle with each other, at some point, they will want to take a seat. Make sure you have seating for at least half of the guests that will be attending your home gathering.

What is your favorite way to entertain? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

The Minimalist Challenge

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Does your home life feel a little too cluttered?  Do you struggle with letting go of objects, clothing, and furniture that you do not use?  If so, you may be interested in learning about minimalism. Minimalism is a lifestyle; it does not happen overnight.  You can, however, set small goals to help kickstart your journey.  Becoming a minimalist can have your home feeling cleaner, more spacious, welcoming, and less cluttered.  If you are interested in starting this journey, we put together five places to start with some helpful tricks and tips. Let’s take a look!

The Closet

Our closets can become mayhem of storage and unused clothes.  To begin your journey, separate your clothes into three categories: clothes you frequently wear, clothes that you think you may still want, and clothing you never wear.  The clothing that you think you may want to keep, try putting them in another closet or even donation boxes.  If you do not look to wear it in ninety days, chances are, you will not miss it.  You can donate those clothing items as well.  You can use this trick on shoes as well.  It is a simple trick but an effective way to help slowly clean out your closet.  Try doing this task at least four times a year to reduce unwanted clutter.

The Kitchen and Pantry

The kitchen can quickly become home to expired foods and the notorious “miscellaneous drawer.” Organization is key in the kitchen.  Throw out all of your expired foods, and begin organizing your pantry.  If your home has a “miscellaneous drawer,” try to assign each object a place inside your home. A drawer for everything without a designated spot will not do. Everything in your home needs to have a place in which it belongs. Begin to eliminate household duplicates such as scissors and cooking utensils to clear up more space.

Furniture

Being a minimalist means having a keen eye for functionality. Having a “less is more” mindset when furnishing your home is vital.  Try to use items that serve multiple purposes. Your furniture should serve a purpose, and you want to try to be selective on how much space all your furniture uses.  You do not have to eliminate comfort; however, you should be able to easily justify why every piece of furniture is in a room.

Like we mentioned before, becoming a minimalist is a lifestyle.  It will not just happen overnight, and it will take a cognitive effort daily to improve.

We wish you the best in your minimalist journey! For more great tips and tricks, visit our blog hub.

How to Keep Houseplants Healthy

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While greenery is a great way to spice up your decor, most homeowners shy away from living plants because it can be a challenge to manage them. According to the experts, keeping houseplants happy may not be as difficult as it seems; you just need to be attentive to their basic needs. If you are thinking of purchasing houseplants, here are some great tips for taking care of them.

Know Your Specific Plant 

While all plants need water, sunlight, and food to survive, not all plants are the same. They all require different amounts of these essentials. In fact, some plants thrive more from indirect sunlight whereas other plants need dry soil and a lot of sunlight to stay healthy. Be sure to select a houseplant that can survive and thrive off the amount of sunlight you can provide it.

Prevent Pests 

When you notice that pests have infiltrated your plants, it is important to take care of the problem immediately, or it can potentially spread to other plants. The key to preventing pest problems is to take steps to stop them from entering your home in the first place. Before buying plants, check them for insects and even diseases. Every time you water your plants you should check them for insects, and take a look at their general health.

Consistent Flow of Water 

Providing a consistent flow of water is necessary for the survival of your houseplants. What many people do not know is that periods of drought and flood will put stress on the roots of the plant. A lot of plants need their roots to be consistently moist. On the other hand, there are some plants whose roots prefer to be dried out a bit between watering cycles. Read up on the new plants that you bring into your home so you can formulate an appropriate watering schedule.  

Keep Them Clean 

It is also essential to keep your plants clean. Grime and dirt do not just look bad on plants, but it can harm the health of your plants. Dust will eventually clog the pores of a plant making it difficult for the plant to breathe. You can use insecticidal soap to keep the leaves clean.  

Which houseplant is your favorite? We would love to hear in the comment section.

Open Organization Ideas for Your Bedroom

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Since your bedroom is generally the last place you would expect to have visitors, it is often the area in your home that is most neglected.  That being said, the bedroom plays a vital role in your life; it is where you both start and end your day. To help provide you with a stress-free place to rest your head at the end of a long, we have four useful organization tips that we want to share with you. Let’s take a look!

Storage Solutions

Storage is perhaps the most significant issue when organizing a room. If you are tired of looking at your clothes all over the place,  it is time to explore some creative storage options. You can create more space on your bedroom floor by purchasing storage bins that roll right underneath your bed. You can even rotate your seasonal and bulkier items between your closet and these storage bins. Be sure to label the outside of each container so that you know what inside of the bin. Our favorite part of this storage option is that it is discreet.

Purchase a Shoe Rack 

Are your shoes taking up valuable space in your closet? Experts suggest purchasing a shoe rack instead of a hook-hanging shoe bag which takes up much-needed space in the closet. A shoe rack can be installed right beneath your hanging clothes. It makes them easily accessible and keeps them out the way. The best thing about a tiered shoe rack is that it allows you to see what you have and pick out the shoes quickly.

Make Your Bed Every Day

Organizing does not just involve neatly stowing things away but it also consists of positioning things for their next use. You position your bed for everyday use when you make it in the morning before you leave out. We believe that a well-made bed makes the room convey a sense of order.  

Shelving Units and Hooks 

Create a well-polished look by installing a couple of shelves to hold your book collection and magazines. The wall shelves and hooks can provide you with ample wall storage while leaving valuable floor space still accessible.

How do you stay organized? We would love to hear your feedback below in the comment section.

What Should I Hang Above My Sofa?

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Have you still not figured out what to hang in that empty space above your sofa? Well, it is time to stop deliberating because filling this space with something chic can transform the entire look of your living room. You can use this space to create a focal point in the room’s design. Plus, there are several ways you can accent your couch by spicing up the blank slate above it, and we have a few ideas for you:

1. Use Personal Artwork

Do not be afraid to showcase your skills. You can fill this space with your own artwork, or perhaps, you have a little artist in the making? You can let the kids get creative on a large canvas and use a floating frame to give it a finished look. Using personal artwork is a great way to add personality to your home.

2. Basket Collection

Are you looking for a unique way to use the space above your couch? Consider displaying a collection of baskets by hanging them on the wall over the sofa. To pull this look off, stick with one basket color scheme and use a variety of sizes.  You can use clear thread to make a hanging look.

3. Large Canvas

Oversized artwork can really make a space look chic, especially when it depicts a unique or bold image; however, oversized artwork can be expensive, so it is time to exercise those creative options. You can try taking a curtain with an intricate design and stretching it over a large, blank canvas to simulate the look of something professional.

4. Wall Tapestry

You can use large, expansive textiles to dress up the area behind the sofa. Wall tapestry adds a flair of elegance that is hard to achieve with anything else.  Do not be afraid to select textiles with a bold pattern and a lustrous texture. You can suspend a wall tapestry using a rod with interesting hardware.

5. Family Photos

Of course, pictures of the family is a great way to make use of the empty space. Let us take a different spin on the concept. Instead of traditional photos, you can have a silhouette painted of each member of the family and hang it above the sofa. This creates a classy look that is as unique as it is stylish. 

For more great tips and tricks, visit us at Fulton Homes.