Author Archives: FultonHomes

Bedroom Organization

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Your bedroom is an escape from every stressful thing life has to offer. That is why your bedroom should be an organized haven to relieve you from everything. If you are looking for bedroom organization ideas, you came to the right place! We have made a list of five simple ideas you can start using in your bedroom to make it the most efficient, organized room in your home (no joke). If our bedroom is our “escape,” should not we be “escaping” the mess? 

 

Bedroom Organization: 

  1. Get it gone. 

Your bedroom’s main problem is most likely your closet. Take an hour and go through your entire closet. Sort through your clothes and decide if you want to keep, donate or throw away certain clothing items. Once you have finished sorting, organize your clothing appropriately by following idea number 2! 

  1. Groupings.

For a better organization system, you can group your clothing by color or type. Depending on your preference, you may choose to find your clothes by their color or by what they are. A better-organized closet can help assure you put things away properly. 

  1. Down where it is better. 

Is the space underneath your bed being used for anything? If you answered no, why not? Underneath your bed is the perfect place to store your out-of-season clothing! Do not let this space go to waste. Buy some inexpensive flat tubs to store items underneath your bed frame and you will never regret having that extra storage. 

  1. To the window, to the wall. 

Think about all the storage possibilities that are available when you look at your bare walls. Your walls hold so much storage potential! You can incorporate wall hooks, hanging cabinets, and clothing bars on your walls for storing items. The best part is that you can buy stylish versions of these organizational pieces and they can double as wall decor. 

    • Try to find a couple antique door knobs and use them as coat hooks.
    • Add wall shelves to hold your decor and other essential items.
  1. Like in poker, we fold. 

Most homeowners hang their sweaters, but we do not encourage doing this. You should always fold your sweaters. Folding will ensure that they will not get misshaped or snagged from a hanger. Plus, you can store your folded sweaters underneath your bed by using idea number 3! 

 

We hope you enjoyed these five easy ideas for organizing your bedroom.


Bathroom Organization 101

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Are you struggling to find space in your bathroom? Organization can help relieve some of that stress you may be feeling from a clutter-filled bathroom. We want to help you with our simple guide to bathroom organization. 

 

Bathroom Organization 101: 

  1. Take everything out of your drawers. 

For starters, you will want to remove every item from your bathroom drawers. You can place the items on top of your counters because we will get to those last. Sort through all of your bathroom belongings and determine their quality. If you own two of the same and they have been opened, throw out one of the items. You do not need three, half-used hair spray bottles taking up space in your bathroom. After you have cleared out the drawers, it is a good idea to purchase drawer organizers. They will help divide your drawer appropriately and give you a place to keep your toothpaste. 

  1. Do not forget your cabinets. 

You will want to do the same process on your cabinets and if you have space, consider buying an organizer that hangs on the back of your cabinet door. 

  1. Invest in new storage. 

Is the space above your toilet being used? If not, you may want to invest in an over-the-toilet organizer to take advantage of that unused space. If you are looking for more storage, try incorporating an over-the-door organizer in your bathroom closet. 

  1. Clean out your shower supplies.

Showers can be filled with unused, almost empty bottles of soap or shampoo. Clear out your shower to help avoid clutter. You may want to consider installing a liquid dispenser on your shower wall for your soap and shampoo. This will help eliminate the need for bulky bottles that take up space. 

  1. Clear off your counter space. 

Now you can focus on your counter space. Your counters do not need to be completely cleared off for your space to look organized. Sometimes, it is best to leave items that you use every day out on the counter in an organized container like your toothbrush, floss, and q-tips, but that is up to each homeowner’s preferences.

 

We hope that you enjoyed this simple guide and we would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section! 


Unique Garden Looks

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Creating a garden can be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable tasks you do. Everyone has their own idea of what makes theirs perfect but what makes it fun is customizing the space so it brings a smile to your face and gives you a sense of accomplishment. It also needs to have a unique look that lets your personality shine through and adds visual interest to your home’s exterior. Here are a few unique ideas for your garden area.

 

To start, try shaping your garden area in a unique way to catch the eye. Using a shaping tool, carve out areas of grass to create a geometric landscape that immediately lets all who enter know that they are in for a visual treat. Whether the design is soft or shaper looking, it’s all about creating your personal vision. No matter what style you choose, be sure your distinct lines direct the eye towards your garden’s focal point.

 

For entering the garden, try a mosaic walkway with bright colors that complement the garden’s features. Light the way with uniquely shaped solar lights and assorted garden art. Hanging wind chimes, painted rocks and decor influenced by outdoor wildlife (birds, rabbits & squirrels for example) will add whimsy and a natural touch. Plant unique flowers that will survive in your geographical area but are not as commonly seen in your neighborhood.

 

Showcase flowers and herbs in a unique way through spilled pots and hanging baskets. Use brightly painted wooden stakes to mark cooking herbs for easy gathering. Break up all the leafy areas with a rock-filled spot equipped with comfortable outdoor seating and a calming water feature-be it a small waterfall or fountain.  Having a place to sit and enjoy your garden is very important, so go with seating that will make you want to linger and take in the sights. For a little extra fun, add a fairy door and tiny home exterior to a nearby tree to create a little fantasy area that children will love. Consider a uniquely shaped birdfeeder as well so you can let nature come to you while you enjoy your outdoor getaway.

 

Start brainstorming today. This is your vision, so there’s no wrong way to do it! Let your idea of an outdoor escape become reality. 

Back to School Tips for Parents

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With going back to school just right around the corner, parents and children are often nervous and excited at the same time! We have a few tips that will help whether starting school for the first time, starting a new school, going from elementary to middle school, or getting back into the routine.

* Tour the School – Many schools will have an open house before school starts, make sure you attend. If your child has attended the school before, it is important they are aware of where their classroom and restrooms are located. You can help your child find their desk, cubby or locker, and explore the cafeteria and playground. Also, if they ride the bus make sure they know the procedure for loading and unloading.

* Meet the Teacher – You may already know who their teacher is, or your child may have a brand-new teacher. It is very important you take time out of your schedule and meet your child’s teacher. Learn the teacher’s expectations and what is their instruction style. Also, don’t hesitate to share your expectations with the teacher. By meeting the teacher early, you are creating an open line of communication. Knowing the teacher early on will calm the fears of everyone!

* School Supplies – Make sure you get a copy of your child’s supply list. This is the perfect opportunity to take a special shopping trip with your child. Take advantage of tax-free weekends, back to school supply drives and sales. Splurge on that special book bag, trapper keeper or pen/pencil set and make back to school fun!  Being prepared for the first day of school is critical to creating a positive learning experience for your child.

* Daily Routine – Everyone knows that switching from summer to a school schedule is challenging foreveryone. If you start a couple of weeks before school starts, you can avoid first-day melt downs. Start with going to bed earlier, wake them up earlier and go through their morning routine. Take the time to drive the route to school or the bus stop. Children work best if they have a structured routine, and by starting their routine before school starts will eliminate first-day chaos!

How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Choosing Paint Color

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Has the time come and you’re ready to paint the interior of your home? If so, we would like to share some tips to avoid common mistakes when choosing paint colors. These helpful tips will eliminate any questions, doubt or concerns for tackling this project!

  1. Do Not Pick Your Color First – Determine what you are keeping in the room. Organize existing colors in the room starting with the flooring, furniture, window coverings, art work, and area rugs.  Don’t forget how much natural light comes into the room. Consider how all these various colors play off each other and choose your color to support these various items.  Choose your main wall color from an accent throw pillow, area rug or window coverings. If you pick your color first, you will limit your choices for items that match.
  2. Not Considering the Entire Home – Think about walking from room to room and understanding that this flow is considered your transitioning through the home. You want the entire home to blend aesthetically from room to room. You would not paint the kitchen red and the family room a neon green.
  3. Do Not Pick a Color Too Saturated or Bright –  If you love red, don’t paint the entire room red because it will over power the room. Choose an accent piece like a lamp with a red base or red accent pillows to introduce the color into the room. Wall colors with a lighter more muted color like a gray work much better for the wall color. The last thing you want is for the paint colors to fight and clash with the other colors in the room.
  4. Don’t Overlook Your Emotional Goals – If your favorite color is yellow, don’t paint your bedroom a bright yellow. Your bedroom should be a peaceful and relaxing retreat. When you enter the room, the visual goal is to decompress and relax preparing you for a restful night’s sleep. Choosing a bright saturated color will have the opposite effect. Think of using a muted green, blue, lavender or gray paint colors.

We love to hear from you, so please share the outcome of this current project!

Cleaning the Refrigerator

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Refrigerators can become smelly and dirty rather fast. Your liquids can spill and create a sticky mess in your recently cleaned refrigerator. The next thing you know, your fridge needs fully clean again. The task of cleaning a refrigerator seems daunting and we want to avoid it all cost. Well, there is no need to drag your feet any longer with these simple cleaning tips. 

 

Tips for cleaning your fridge: 

 

  • Make a DIY Refrigerator Cleaner: 

Step One. To avoid the use of chemicals, you can to create your own homemade cleaner. Combine one cup of white vinegar with two cups of hot water into a glass spray bottle. Then add a couple of drops of the orange or lemon essential oils to your mixture.

Step Two. Take your homemade cleaner and spray it throughout your refrigerator. Let the mixture sit in your fridge for a couple of minutes.

Step Three. Using a damp wash cloth, wipe down the inside of your refrigerator. The solution you made should help pick up any stuck food or leftover residue. 

  • Eliminate all odors.It is not very fun to think that our food makes the fridge smell bad, but it does and we have to deal with it. 

Step One. To eliminate the overall smell in your refrigerator, place a small bowl of coffee grinds in the back of your fridge. You should notice a difference within 48 hours.

Step Two. To eliminate smells in your vegetable drawer, crumple a brown paper bag into a ball and place it in the drawer. In two days, you can remove the bag and you should notice that smells are gone.

  • Make the temperature right. Try to keep your refrigerator at 37 degrees. 
  • Do not forget to clean under the fridge. Think about all the dust and dirt that remains trapped under your refrigerator. It is essential to remember to clean underneath your fridge.
  • Remove fingerprints. If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, you understand how often fingers leave their mark on your fridge. 

Step One. In a small bowl, mix together mild dish soap and warm water. 

Step Two. Dip a wash cloth into the bowl and gently rub out all greasy fingerprints. 

Step Three. Take a different wash cloth and dip it into warm water. Use this cloth to rinse off the soapy water you just put on and begin to wipe it off from the fridge. 

Step Four. Dry off the refrigerator with a paper towel to avoid streaking. 

Step Five. You can take some baby oil on a clean wash cloth and polish the refrigerator after it has been cleaned. 

Note: Move in the direction of the grain when you are cleaning off the fridge. 

 

We hope you enjoyed these tips and that they help you the next time you need to clean your refrigerator!

 

How to Care for your Heating and Cooling System

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What keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer? You guessed it, your heating and cooling system. We want to help inform our customers on how to care for their heating and cooling system. These seven quick tips can help save energy and money to the consumer. 

 

How to care for your heating & cooling system: 

  1. Filters. Changing your filters can help reduce the energy used by your heating and cooling system. The more clogged that your air filter gets; the harder it has to work. Also, it can damage the system by causing premature wear and tear. You should change your disposable filters regularly (approximately once a month).
  2. Compressors. Your compressor is located outside because it trades hot air for cold air. In order for it to work properly, your compressor needs to be free of surroundings. You should check your compressor around fall and spring time to see if anything has begun to obstruct it. Take away any leaves, debris or tress that may be in the way of the compressor. 
  3. Air Filtration Systems. Newer homes tend to have air filtration systems and other households use portable air-filter systems. We encourage you to check how to change your air-filter systems because pollen and debris can be caught up in your filter.
  4. Service Calls. Experts advise homeowners to call for maintenance before the first cold or hot night. Do not wait until the last minute. 
  5. Thermostats. Try to keep the heat down during bedtime and when you are not home. You can turn up the thermostat during the morning and dinner hours. If you keep your thermostat on a steady routine, it can help lower costs and save energy. 
  6. Reduce Heat Costs. Use curtains and blinds to help conserve home’s heat. Blackout curtains are amazing for reducing heat loss in homes. 

 

It is extremely important that homeowners probably maintain their heating and cooling system to reduce costs and energy. The U.S. Energy Information Administration states that 41% of a home’s energy is space heating and 6% air conditioning. That means that 47% of a household’s energy use is from our heating and cooling system; therefore, it is critical that homeowners reduce energy used by this system.


Hosting Overnight Visitors Without a Guest Room

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When space is limited and guests need overnight accommodations, it’s easy to get a little stressed out. With some creativity and thoughtfulness, you’ll be able to open up your home to them with confidence. Use some of these tips to make the available space you have into a makeshift guest room.

 

First and foremost, make sure that any room you choose is clean. The room may not be spacious, but the fact that it is clean will be appreciated. No matter what you do to make the space accommodating if the area isn’t tidy, your guests will be sure to notice. Next, try to create more surface area for your visitors to work with. If there are miscellaneous items sitting on the floor that you were going to “get to later”, now is the time to clear them away. Any small furniture that can temporarily be moved to another area is also a good way to free up some space as well.  This will give guests room to place their overnight bags and essentials.

 

When it comes to having a place to sleep, there are a couple of options. You may already own a futon that is currently doubling as a couch in the room. If so, great! If not, you might want to invest in a quality air mattress—preferably one that is about two feet from the ground with a non-slip surface so sheets will not slip all over the place while your guests are using it. Make sure to check the label for a mention of easy inflation and deflation so you don’t have to spend too much time on setup and cleanup. Make sure the bedding you use has been cleaned and be sure to provide extra pillows and blankets to accommodate your guest’s sleeping preferences.  Do not use couch pillows, as they can be uncomfortable to sleep on. If you do not have a spare set, it is highly recommended that you invest in them. Your visitors will thank you. 

  

Once the sleeping area has been set up, add things to the space that would make it look and feel similar to staying in a guest bedroom. If this space lacks proper lighting, move a small side table and lamp from somewhere else in your home and temporarily place it bedside. Guests will appreciate somewhere to put their glasses, phone, and book where they can reach it. 

 

Finally, be sure to have spare toiletries available in case anything may have been forgotten.  Place a small basket in the guest bathroom with shampoo, soap, toothpaste and a spare toothbrush. Make sure towels are clean and readily available. A spare hair dryer is also appreciated.

 

Not having a spare bedroom doesn’t mean that you can’t make your overnight guests experience an enjoyable one. Use these tips the next time you need to accommodate friends and family for an extended stay. Your hospitality won’t go unnoticed.

Declutter Your Home

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Many people participate in fall cleaning, just as they do with spring cleaning.  If you do as well, or if you would like advice on a quick deep clean of your home, keep reading! It is a big undertaking, but it always leaves you feeling refreshed. This is a time for you to get your home back to the way it should look. 

1. Clean out your kitchen. 

Let us be honest, our kitchen can get unorganized very easily. Cabinets can fill up with expired food and dishes seem to always be misplaced. Your kitchen is a great place to start when you begin to declutter your life. We always put off deep cleaning the kitchen because it can be a giant task. Here is how you can clean out your kitchen:

  • Throw out any empty bottles and expired food. It feels great seeing all the new space open up in your fridge and cabinets.
  • Reorganize the dishes in your cabinets. Check for any broken dishes and throw them away. Look to see if things are not in their designated spots and move them. 
  • Keep counter space only for items you will use daily. Also, consider the items you never use: think if you really need them or if they will be better suited in the giveaway box. 
  • Time to literally deep clean your kitchen. It will feel amazing to have a refreshingly clean kitchen. You can tackle the scum in your oven, countertops, stove, you name it. 

2. Go through your closet. 

Closets are easy to avoid cleaning out because they are hidden from our guests. We get dressed in the morning and start to throw clothes in different spots or maybe you are someone who just uses that extra closet as storage for who-knows-what. What you need to do:

  • Take EVERYTHING out of your closet. We are going to start with a completely blank slate.
  • Separate everything into different piles: shoes, shirts, pants, etc. Make sure you have a pile to give away. We are sure that you will find some things that you do not wear or did not know you owned. 
  • Look at the quality of the item, if it is worn or torn, throw it out. 
  • Lastly, you can put everything you decided to keep back into the closet. You should have far fewer items than what you started with. 

 

You will feel extremely refreshed after “the declutter” and possibly tired, make sure to treat yourself! Decluttering your home will ultimately declutter your life because an organized home is an organized life. Things may get messy again, but that is when you pull this article out and start all over.

 

How to Choose the Right Color LED Bulb for the Home

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As your incandescent bulbs burn out, it’s a good time to consider switching to LED bulbs. You have always counted on incandescent bulbs to provide a warm yellowish hue for the home. LED bulbs come in a wide range of colors, last for years and are cooler to operate. We have put together a few tips to help you determine how to choose the right color LED bulb and more.

  • LED bulbs can display a wide color range from red to purple, whites and yellows. For the home, generally, we are still looking for the warm yellow that incandescent bulbs produce.     
  • The most popular colors for LED bulbs are “warm” white or “soft white and “bright” white.   
  • “Warm” white and “soft” white produce a yellow hue like incandescent bulbs.  “Bright” white bulbs produce a white blue light like daylight and retail store lighting.
  • Light color or color temperature is measured in kelvins. The lower the number, the warmer more yellow the light. Typical incandescent bulbs are between 2,700K and3,500K. To ensure you are purchasing a warm yellow bulb look for this range when shopping for LED bulbs.
  • LED bulbs are more expensive than the old incandescent bulbs, but are cheaper to operate. LED bulbs will pay off in the long run, they produce less heat, last much longer and can be operated by smart phone technology. As more competition is entering the market, we are already seeing the price of LED bulbs falling and becoming competitive in the market place. Be aware that unless you are replacing many incandescent bulbs in your house, you will not see significant savings in your power bill.              
  • Please note that due to their circuitry, LED bulbs are not always compatible with traditional dimming switches. You may need to replace with a LED compatible dimmer switch, or pay slightly more for a compatible LED bulb. If you experience a LED bulb humming, buzzing, or flickering you need to replace with a compatible dimmer or replace with a compatible bulb.
  • Not all light fixtures or lamps can be used with LED bulbs. If your LED bulb last less than a year, it is probably due to an old fixture or lamp.

As always, we love to hear from you. Please let us know your thoughts and ideas per this helpful topic!