Author Archives: FultonHomes

Scents That Make Sense

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You put time into how your home looks, how it feels, and the energy the atmosphere portrays, but how much time do you invest in making your home smell beautiful.  The fragrance of a home can be one of the quickest influences on changing how an environment is portrayed.  If you have animals, you may need to be overly cognitive of scents in your home that you may have grown accustomed to smelling.  We put together some tricks and tips on how to eliminate odor, some great smelling remedies, and natural methods to bring indoors.

N’odors (No Odors)

If your home has a bad scent, it can really hurt your overall atmosphere.  You can either mask a smell or try to eliminate it.  Try to locate the odors throughout your home.  Are they coming from your carpet, maybe the trash, or even your furniture?  You will want to tarnish the source, eliminate the smell, and prevent the return of unwanted odors.

  • If you have pet-damaged carpet, you will need to replace it to remove the smell.  If it soaked through to the subfloor, try putting baking soda down before installing a pad.  
  • If your trash is smelling bad but continues to smell after you take it out, you will need to deep clean the inside of your trash receptacle.  Take it outside or in the tub and wash it out.   Wipe down the inside with a disinfectant wipe and vinegar.  Make sure you dry it properly to prevent mold.  At the bottom of your receptacle, put some banking soda to absorb odors and place in a new trash bag.  
  • Furniture can be as simple as washing your sheets, but some furniture can trap bad odors.  You can try cutting an apple and sitting it face down on the odor to absorb it.  Also, baking soda can be applied and left overnight and vacuumed off in the morning.  Abolishing the odor at its source is key to making your home smell better.  Consider investing in an air purifier.  Air purifiers also can help clean out the old scent and leave your home with a fresher air aroma.

Scents You Need

Now, that the bad odors are gone, its time to create the scent you want in your home.  Candles are a great solution to apply to your space to have a great smelling area.  You can also get fragrance or sprays to put them in areas where you do not want to light candles.  This can keep the room feeling fresh throughout the night or while you are away.  Another great natural remedy is adding flowers, put eucalyptus leaves a vase or burn scented oils.  Adding the scents to your home will make it warmer and more inviting to your guest.

Make sure you eliminate bad smells before trying to create new ones.  Seasonal scents are great ways to keep festive but no matter what you do make sure it is not too overwhelming.  Fragrances in your home should tease a pleasantly scented atmosphere.  For more great tips and tricks, visit us at https://proudtobuild.com. 

Landscaping in Arizona

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Arizona has beautiful, colored scenery, unique plant life, and dazzling landscaping.  Yet, many homeowners get intimidated by customizing their landscape and adding plants because so many plants cannot survive in the desert heat; however, there are so many kinds of native, beautiful plants that can withstand these harsh climates and can have your landscape looking like a desert land dream oasis.  Consider these three principles in customizing your landscape into the curb appeal you desire: 

  • Irrigation System

You will need to make sure you have the proper irrigation system for your landscape.   Making sure that the drainage is adequate for your landscape is key to plant life. Ordinary landscapes can consist of gravel, concrete, rocks, or even some turf or grass.  Keep in mind that most of the native plants do not need to be watered as much but should have proper drainage, irrigation, and landscape care.

  • Pool or Firepit 

Add some personalization and class to your backyard by adding a fire pit or even a pool.  Add to your patio and make it a welcoming hangout for guest and family. You can customize your backyard into a focal feature for entertainment with some minor tweaks of seating and lighting.  A well-lit patio will keep the entertainment outside even after dusk, where you can enjoy your firepit.  A pool is another great addition to help compensate for Arizona’s intense heat.

  • Plants

Your curb appeal starts with your landscape.  There are many desert plants that you should consider including in your landscape to personalize it and make it feel stunning.   Cacti and shrubbery can be used as the foundation of your landscape, but beautiful palm trees, lemon trees, and orange trees can help add height and color to your yard.  Different flowers can also add to the value of your home and can be added around your property.  

Your landscape is your first way to express yourself and your style.  Adding the perfect balance of trees, shrubberies, gravel, and cacti can make your curb appeal spectacular.  Make sure to keep up and maintain your landscape, so it does not get out of control.  Your curb appeal is just as important to your home and expressing yourself as the inside; therefore, you do not want to neglect it. 

How to Bring Your Walls to Life

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Wall décor can make a big difference to the overall aesthetic of your space. Every designer knows how valuable wall décor is to complete a room. Not only can wall décor give you the opportunity to express yourself but it also enhances the design of your space. From shelves to pictures, here are six wall decors you need to consider adding to your space to balance out those bare walls:
 
1. Pictures.
Pictures are usually the first wall décor piece considered. Photos can be anything from a poster, canvas, or framed artwork. Framed art can express highly desirable character and add balance to your room by merely matching the frame with other woodwork and accents pieces found within the room. Get a big picture to make a statement or stack multiple smaller pictures to add charisma to the room. Be creative, images can be stack vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or even sporadically. Two long pictures can be placed in a room next to each other to amplify the height value of a room. Likewise, a long horizontal painting will visually add to the length of the room. You can even frame wallpaper to put a splash of color into the room without wallpapering every wall.
 
2. Shelves
Perhaps, the most functional wall décor to contemplate installing is shelving. Add floating shelves to store books and showcase houseplants. Do not be timid to stagger sizes of shelves on a wall. Corbel shelf can be a great solution to hold candles or other display pieces. You can even install wall-to-wall shelving to serve as a headboard with functional storage or underneath a television to amplify your entertainment system’s appearance. Consider standalone shelving to be placed against the wall to add balance and symmetry.
 
3. Tapestry
Wall tapestry is another sophisticated option to add an elegant look to your walls. Textile art is a great way to decorate your walls while adding warmth to the atmosphere of the room. Hanging tapestry can be done in a variety of ways other than just hung flat against the wall. You can hang tapestry around curve walls which is an excellent option for rounded rooms where pictures cannot hang. Try hanging the textile art pieces to create a canopy look above a bed or couch or even using a rod. With so many designs and styles to choose, wall tapestry is perfect for giving a room your personal touch.
 
4. Wall Art
Contemporary, rustic, abstract, you name it; there are thousands of different varieties of wall arts to incorporate into your place. Adding sculptures to your walls will give that desirable three-dimensional flare your home needs. Copper coverings, brass panels, abstract murals, even mosaic backsplashes are great to turn a boring wall into a grand marvel. Try putting decorative keyholders with chalkboards, taxidermy mountings, and clocks in rooms to add to your room’s theme and ambiance. Incorporating wall art that best expresses you and the room’s theme will revolutionize your dramatically.
 
5. Mirrors
Mirrors are imperative to consider because they can transform a visually confined space into a much larger spectacle. Large mirrors are perfect for big walls, especially in areas where you may want to see yourself before exiting the room: bathrooms, entryways, foyers. Smaller mirrors can be framed or bought in sets to add above couches or as a backsplash behind a dining room table. Mirrors will also help spread light throughout a dark room and help boost the energy.
 
6. Lighting
Correspondingly, a great way to amplify your room’s appearance is installing more lighting. Light rails hung on walls will not only add to the energy in the room but can also be used to spotlight focal points in your space. Hang rail lights above a picture or a couch to create a livelier environment. Wall lights can come in a large variety of shapes on styles. Adding Edison bulbs to an antique copper sconce can give a room a rustic look whereas, contemporary wall lights can be fun to arrange throughout your room giving a more modern edge. Finding the perfect light will rejuvenate a lifeless room into a lively sanctuary. Contemplate, whether you want dimmable lights as well. Dimming lights are great additions that can change the ambiance with ease.
 
With so many options to contemplate, you can understand why interior designers see so much value in wall décor. It can recreate the environment with lightings or add value to the atmosphere with pictures. Having a better idea of these options to consider will aid you in your quest for creating your perfect home.

Tips for Adding Vibrancy to a Kid’s Bedroom

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When designing a kid’s room, you may be tempted to drench the walls in a bold and vibrant hue to give the room some personality. After all, a kid’s room is supposed to be fun and energetic. But before you begin adding color here and there, experts say you can still create a vibrant look while keeping the walls as a neutral-based color. Here’s how:
 
Determine Your Accent Color.
Accent colors are one of the many ways you can add a sense of playfulness to your child’s room. When picking out accent colors to implement in the design scheme, you can use your kid’s favorite color as inspiration. Here are a few ways you can add bold and vibrant colors without changing the wall colors:
 
  • Removable Wallpaper.
Stick and peel wallpaper is available in a variety of colors, textures, and designs. It is even manufactured in designs such as camouflage, animal prints and other types of patterns that help dress up a wall. Removable wallpaper effortlessly adds a fun nature to the room, but it also looks mature enough to stay on the walls as your child gets older. 
 
  • Furniture and Accessories.
Make a big statement with the furnishing and accessories that you pick out for your child’s room. For instance, a floral bed set or a bright red headboard will add a lot of style to the room. You can even use colorful picture frames on the walls for extra style. Try doing some creative like painting the dresser their favorite color or let the child put their own personal touch on it by putting their handprint on it. Bold colored accessories will stand out against the neutral-toned walls.
 
  • Wall Decals.
Create a custom design on the wall with wall stickers or decals that can be easily removed. Wall decals can feature your kid’s favorite cartoon character, shapes, or confetti-inspired designs are also trendy. You can let your child decorate the walls as they desire with the wall stickers and you will not have to worry about fixing it later since they remove easily. 
 
  • Accent Rug.
Add a hint of color with an accent area rug. Whether it is pink or a bold pattern, an accent rug can add some vibrancy and texture to the room while pulling together the whole design scheme. 
 
For more expert design tips, be sure to check back weekly. Thanks for reading! 

A Garage Makeover

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If you have a garage, you probably just use it for parking your car; however, there is so much more potential for your garage than viewing it as just “a space.” Consider your garage as part of your home, if you are okay with parking outside or have extra space in your garage, here are some awesome garage improvement ideas!
 
  • Storage Shed
Usually, the secondary use for a garage is storage. Do not just make it a cluttered mess though. Building shelves is a great way to maximize your space and optimize your organization. Hang bikes from the ceiling with hooks, and put sporting equipment in bins and baskets. Try to separate items, perhaps splitting up the outdoor garden and lawn care equipment from fun outdoor activity storage.
 
  • Workshop
Build your garage into your workshop. Have a workbench and a place for your toolbox. You can even use a pegboard to hang your tools as well and even create it into a shadow board, so you know when something is missing. Tailor your workshop to the work that you will be doing in there. If you enjoy carpentry, add room for your saws and install an easy-to-clean sawdust floor. Whereas, if you plan on working on your car in there, you may want flooring that is slip resistant or can easily remove oil.
  • Mancave
Make your garage your getaway retreat from home. Install whatever you desire in your new mancave! Put seating and your favorite form of entertainment. Whether you put a billiards table, television, video games, or bar, make sure your entertainment can handle the room temperature. If you live in an area with extreme heat conditions, you may need to invest in insulation and a temperature control unit.
  • Home Gym
Put some rubber floor down or keep it concrete. Your garage will make the perfect spot for your home gym. Not only will this save you on dragging heavy gym equipment into your home, but your garage can handle the weight. Put a folding squat rack on the wall to tuck away when not in use. There is so much new weight equipment being design today for your garage space in mind. You can even some mirrors up and a treadmill and be ready to go. Design your gym to tailor your training style.
 
As you can see, there are many more uses for a garage than just parking your car inside of it. Try creating a space that will accommodate to your desires. You can do your whole garage or split it in half. Be creative when designing your garage and remember it is part of your home, so use it!

Simple Ideas for Decorating

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Have you ever entered a room and been instantly drawn to its decor? There is just something about that space, and you cannot quite put your finger on it. How does one master the art of decorating? Is it a trait you are born with having? While these questions may be going through your mind, we are here to assure you that you can master the art of decorating with our eight simple ideas. Then you too can have the space that everyone is desiring. Let’s take a look!  

Simple Ideas for Decorating:

1. Your Reflection. 

Mirrors are a designer’s best friend. They reflect natural light to create a more open, brighter space. Plus, you can incorporate some stylish mirrors to feature a beautiful twist on the classic look. 

2. Always Accessorize. 

Another easy way to add style to your space is through accessories. Chic clocks, modern art, and rustic lights are examples of accessories that can add personality and style. 

3. Go Green.

Greenery can add life and beauty to your room without taking away from the other decor. You can even incorporate plants in different ways. From hanging plants to windowsill succulents, you can create a homey feel with added greenery. 

4. Au Naturale. 

If you are lucky enough to have it, natural light can be a considerable asset inside of your space. Not only does natural light brighten up the space, but it can help make your room feel more open and big. And in turn, a more open space feels more inviting for guests. Just be sure to use the proper type of curtains to ensure you are letting in light. For example, sheer curtains can be stylish and functional for allowing natural light to flow throughout the space. 

5. Splash of Color. 

While neutrals are soothing and a traditional choice, there is something special about a splash of color inside of a room. With a tasteful addition, you can add personality and style to your space just by incorporating some color. From a bold bedspread to an electrifying sitting chair, the options for adding color are endless. Just be sure to limit yourself. You want to be sure that the room is not overwhelmed by the amount of color. 

6. Be Bold. 

Decorating is your chance to be unique. Be bold and different with your design and let your creativity go wild. You can even gain inspiration from others through online boards, magazines, and television shows. 

7. Texturized. 

Texture can help add dimension to your space. You can incorporate visually stimulating pieces that have a soft or unique texture. For example, blankets, pillows, and rugs can be used for style, but they can also be used to add texture and detail. 

8. Clear out Chaos. 

The best way to make your design plans go the furthest is to clear out any clutter. Make sure countertops are clear off non-decorative pieces and try to keep your space clean and clutter-free.  

We hope you enjoyed these tips! Be sure to check back weekly for more. 

Tips for Cleaning & Organizing Your Garage

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A garage is a great, functional space that can serve many purposes. It is a place to keep your car, store outdoor gear and unused furniture, and keep an extra refrigerator or freezer. Keeping a garage clean is challenging yet vital. Things can get messy quick, and if a lot of stuff is stored there or it is used as a workshop, it can be a bit challenging to keep it clean and organized. To help, we provided a few tips for keeping your garage clean and organized. Let’s take a look. 
 
The first step in cleaning a garage is emptying it of basically everything. Once it is clear, you can begin the task of cleaning. As you clear out the garage, it is also an opportunity to start the organization process. You can stack the items according to what you want to store together once the garage is clean.
 
After the garage is cleared, it is time to start cleaning. It is wise to start from the top and to work your way down. Spiders and creepy crawly bugs are known to live in garages, and the ceiling corners are a favorite spot for spiders and their cobwebs that come along with them. Many people use a broom to reach those high corners, and clear them of cobwebs and any other unwanted thing that has found a home in that space. You can also brush light fixtures and check the garage door hardware for build-up or mechanical defects. 
 
After you have done a thorough cleaning and checked the ceiling and items that are high, it is time to pay attention to the walls. You can use a large sponge to wash the walls and windows. The next area of focus would be the floors. With a good mop and warm, soapy water, you can mop the garage floor. There will probably be some hard to remove stains, and a wire brush can sometimes work for scrubbing stains. If not, there is always the option of buying a commercial oil stain remover.
 
The final step is organizing the garage. Some favorite items used for storage in a garage are mounted ceiling hooks, wall shelves, and stacking containers. An effective way to organize is to group items by how frequently they are used. Three categories you might consider are long-term storage items, seasonal items, and items that are regularly used throughout the year. Once you have categorized your items, you can store the long-term storage items at the back of the storage space, and seasonal or often used items towards the front of the storage space making them easily accessible.
 
It is incredible how much difference a clean and well-organized garage makes. These are just a few ideas to help with the process. 
 
Are you an organizing expert? We would love for you to share your advice and expertise with other readers in the comment section. Thanks for reading! 

10 Packing & Moving Tips

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Congratulations on your brand new Fulton Home! This is an exciting moment. Owning a new home rewards homeowners with exciting change and unique opportunities for design. But for some, moving can seem like an overwhelming project. To help comfort you on moving day, we want to share our top ten packing and moving tips so you can have ease of mind. Let’s take a look! 

10 Packing and Moving Tips: 

1. Get The Packing Supplies + Moving Accommodations. 

Before you begin packing, you want to prepare for the move by gathering all of your supplies and finishing your moving accommodations. Accommodations can include a moving day schedule, the truck rental, moving route, etc. Once you have everything organized, you can begin packing. 

2. Load The Moving Truck in Order. 

If you decide to rent a moving truck and load it yourself, you will want to follow a distinct order when loading the truck. All heavy items will go in first. You want your boxes to cap off at around 50 pounds (any bigger may cause tearing in the box or an issue with lifting). After your truck is almost full, you want to load your essential items in last. These items can include cell phone chargers, toothbrushes, etc. 

3. Add a Protective Barrier. 

Sometimes, you can use the budget-friendly alternative of bubblewrap by utilizing extra socks, pillowcases, and linens to fill out the box. These items will help to add a protective layer without costing an extra dime! 

4. Write an Inventory List. 

You may find it valuable to write an inventory list before you move. The list will say what each box contains inside of it.

5. Leave Dressers as Is. 

Instead of purchasing extra boxes and taking up room in the moving truck, you will want to leave your contents inside of your dressers and tape up the outside of it. This allows you to unpack easier once you get to your new place. 

6. Have Important Documents on Hand. 

There is no better person to trust than yourself with essential records and documents. Do not rely on movers or family members to hold onto your important papers. Take them with you in your hands during the move to ensure their safety. 

7. Buy Heavy-Duty Trash Bags.

The last thing you want on moving day is a torn or ripped trash bag. Be sure to invest in heavy-duty bags for moving day to ensure everything gets there safely. 

8. Organize Items by Room. 

Your boxes should be organized by room. This will help make unpacking more manageable and ensure that everything is kept in place. 

9. Ask for Help.

Moving can be overwhelming and stressful. There is nothing wrong with asking for a little help from family and friends. Promise them something like a pizza dinner if they help you with the move. The odds are that they will pitch in and be willing to help! 

10. Keep Tools Nearby. 

Lastly, you are going to have to reassemble furniture once you get to the new place. Be sure to keep your toolbox nearby and ready for use by keeping it with you during moving day. 

For more advice and expert tips, be sure to check out our other blog posts at https://proudtobuild.com. 

How to Style a Coffee Table

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The coffee table just may be the most neglected piece of furniture in the living room. It is much more than just a place to set the remote and magazines. In fact, all the swoon-worthy living rooms that you see in home decor magazines and on social media have one thing in common, a chic coffee table. That is right, with the right accessories, you can make your living room coffee table become the focal point of the room. Let’s see how!
 
How to Style a Coffee Table: 
  • Make a Statement. 
It is always great to have a coffee table that makes a statement all on its own. From intricately shaped legs to bold hues with patterns, there are so many different coffee tables on the market. If you want to add some interest to your living room, choose a table that helps to make a statement and add to the overall design. 
 
  • Chic Basket.
Baskets and coffee tables mesh together well. Not only are baskets super functional because they help collect your tabletop items and create a sense of organization, but you can use them to create chic vignettes. Start off, by picking out an eye-catching basket, organize a few objects within the catch-all, and top things off by adding a scented candle and small vase with flowers.
 
  • Style with Books.
Believe it or not, books are more than just a reading material. Did you know that they are interior designers’ go-to accessory? Books, specifically, can add dimensions to the coffee table’s flat surface. Whether it is just one book or a stack of them, they add style to the tabletop, especially when you incorporate in a few accessories like tray or basket. For an easy and clean look, stack books within the same color scheme. You can also go bold and mix together books with different palettes or patterns.
 
  • Accent with A Game. 
One unique way to dress up your coffee table is to accent it with a game board like a collector’s chess set, oversized dominoes, or tic tac toe set.
 
  • The Space Underneath.
Do not forget about the space underneath your coffee table. You can stylishly stash throw pillows or accent it with chic stools.
 
There are numerous ways you can dress up your coffee table. Get creative and make the design special to you. 

Everything You Need in Your Guest Room

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While most hotels have mastered the art of creating the perfect hosting retreat, have you ever stayed at a hotel which did not accommodate your needs? There are a couple of amenities that are essential in order to keep you comfortable during your stay. Guestrooms are like hotel rooms, and they can be designed like them. Here is everything you need to consider when creating your guest room.
 
Everything You Need in Your Guest Room:
  • Bed
Hotels invest in your comfort and it is important to do the same for your guests. Comfy throw blankets and pillows are necessary for creating a dream escape. We do not recommend adding blankets that you never use in your guest bedroom because how someone sleeps will be key to how they see their entire stay. Make sure you keep your guest sheets clean and provide extra pillows and blankets when needed. Everyone has different comfort zones with temperature; therefore, providing extra blankets is never a bad idea.
  • Nightstands and a Place for Clothes
You are going to want to have nightstands on either side of the bed, if possible. Nightstands are perfect for your guest to set their cell phones and other belongings on before bed. Also, having an empty dresser or closet can be important. Depending on how long your guest is staying; they are going to want to unpack their clothes. Be sure to provide hangers and a place to hang their jackets or purses when they enter the room. 
  • Outlets and Electronics
Consider where all outlets are located prior to setting up the room. Try to allow lamps to sit on the nightstands so that your company can read at night. You also need to make outlets easily accessible to plug in cell phone chargers and other electronics that your guest may have. A clock is a must for your guestroom. You may want to get an alarm clock for guest to be able to set for their convenience. 
  • Tissues and Wastebin
Tissues should be easy to find and access in your guestroom. You will want to make sure you keep them stocked before your guest arrives. Also, have an easy to find wastebin in the room so your guest can throw away their tissues or any other waste they may have.
 
  • Toiletries and Towels
Depending on your home’s layout, you may have a bathroom for them to use. Once they arrive, show them where they can find the bathroom. Also, you may want to provide fresh towels and all needed toiletries. Make sure you have toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, and soap for your guest. You should also provide a face towel and even a blow dryer if possible. Lastly, we recommend having a full-size mirror in your guest room for them to check themselves before they leave. 
 
Creating your guest room can be a fun task. Keep in mind everything you use daily and how your guest room accommodates for this. Provide clean sheets, towels, and empty waste bins before your guest arrives. Providing a comfortable stay for your friends and family is a key element to hosting and will keep your guest happy.