Author Archives: FultonHomes

Organizing Your Garage

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You may store your cars, boxes, tools, or miscellaneous items in your garage and that is okay. But we want to help you take your unorganized garage and transform it into a fully functional space. Here are six ideas to organize your garage this summer: 

 

  1. MetalChain Organizer: Attach a hook to your garage wall then hang one end of a metal chain on it. Tightly wrap up your garden hose and secure it onto the metal chain. Attach the other side of the metal chain to your hook and voila, no more tangled garden hoses. It is just that easy.
  2. Window Planter Storage: If you find yourself with a lot of little, miscellaneous items, try using a window planter for storage. You can store things like car wash supplies, spray cans, and gardening tools.
  3. Old Lockers Transformed: Lockers are not just meant for books and backpacks, but they are perfect for storing all garage-worthy items. Touch them up with a nice coat of spray paint and they will look brand new. 
  4. Rethink Old Golf Bags: Before you toss out your old golf bag, use it for storing larger items like racks and shovels. You can even utilize the smaller pockets for things like gardening tools and gloves.
  5. Tipped-over Filing Cabinet: Transform your old filing cabinet into a storage bin by turning it over on its side. Have the drawers facing up then remove the physical drawers from the cabinet. You will be left with four open basins to fill with all your garage supplies like racks, shovels, and mops. If you are looking for a more aesthetically appealing organizer, try to spray paint it a fun summer color to bring beauty into your garage.
  6. Mason Jars: Store all your tiny screws and nails in one place with mason jars. You can even purchase them in a variety of sizes for different projects. You will never lose track of your nails again with this quick fix. 

 

We hope you enjoyed these garage organizing tips and tricks. How do you keep your garage organized? We would love to hear from you in the comment section below: 


The Child’s Bedroom

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A child’s bedroom should be a room where imagination, creativity, and fun are all welcomed. Often, we find it hard to balance the idea of “fun” and organization in their rooms. We want to help you maximize the amount of fun they have in their rooms while maintaining an organized system with these four tips. 

 

Organizing a Child’s Bedroom: 

  1. Think Like a Kid. Before you begin the organization and decorating process, you will need to keep in mind that a child’s bedroom differs a lot from an adult’s bedroom. Things that may seem like stylish options can be harmful or hard for kids to use. Try to make the room as child-friendly as possible by rethinking height, safety, and durability. You may have to lower the clothing rods in your closet to an appropriate height for your kiddo and swap out your trendy dresser for an easy-to-open, pinch-free dresser. Also, you will want to consider how long the piece will last in this room based off of its durability. 
  2. Little Hands. Instead of organizing from top to bottom, focus on organizing from bottom to top. Try to place items like toys in spots that are “easy for them to put away but hard for them to get out.” This will help you, the parent, determine when it is and is not playtime. Also, it will help keep them on track while they are getting ready. You should try and place necessary items near the ground to help the kids refrain from standing up on furniture and potentially hurting themselves. Items that are not used very often or are just for you can be placed on high shelves in the closet. 
  3. Belongings. Kids will be kids and sometimes they will forget their favorite backpack at the park or school. Labeling can help assure their items return home safely and distinguish which pair of socks belongs to which sibling. Try tucking labels inside of their each item to help prevent losing them.
  4. Clean-up Routine. A child’s bedroom can turn into a messy nightmare in seconds. Parents can prepare in advance by making cleaning “fun” and setting a schedule. Encourage them to make their bed every morning to their favorite song and put away their clean and dirty clothes for a treat at lunchtime. Rewards are always fun, no matter what age you are. 

 

We hope you enjoyed these four tips for organizing a child’s bedroom. How do you encourage your kid to stay motivated when cleaning? We would love to hear from you in the comment section.

Southwest Salad

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Keeping things fresh when you are cooking is a one way to improve your health and making salads for your lunches and dinners is a great way to work towards this goal. So what do you do when you have those cravings for tacos or a burrito but can’t have it due to dietary restrictions? 

 

Transforming your favorite traditional flavors and dishes into a salad is one way you can have your cake and eat it too. Here we use mainly fresh produce throughout, with a few optional add-ons for those of us who aren’t trying to be as strict as others. The salad dressing is a yogurt based avocado and cilantro masterpiece that compliments this vibrant salad. The next time you feel yourself reaching for those tortilla chips and salsa, reach instead for your cutting board and vegetables and whip up this great alternative.

 

Ingredients:

1 bag of spinach

1-2 cups cherry tomatoes

1 red onion

1 red bell pepper

1 orange bell pepper

2 avocados

1 bunch fresh cilantro

1/4 cup of greek yogurt

1 clove of garlic

Lime juice

Shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese

Tortilla strips

Salt

 

  1. Wash all of your produce thoroughly. You will want to have a large bowl to throw everything into as you go.
  2. Begin prepping by removing the spinach stems and adding as much as you prefer. 
  3. Slice the red onions to your desired preference, personally, we think they work well diced or in long strips.
  4. Do the same with the bell peppers and toss all in your salad bowl.
  5. Remove the stems from the cilantro and dice up as much as you’d like to add to the salad. Try not to overdo it so that the cilantro doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
  6. Slice open the avocado and cut into chunks and add to salad. Save half of an avocado for the dressing.
  7. In a food processor combined the half of an avocado, yogurt, 1/2 cup of water, 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems, garlic, a pinch of salt, and lime juice. Pulse until ingredients are properly blended and the consistency is smooth.
  8. Toss the salad with the dressing and to with desired amounts of cheese and tortilla strips. 

 

This is just one translation of a favorite dish turned into a delicious salad. Use your imagination when creating other salads and think about what ingredients you can put together to recreate a healthier version of your favorite recipes!

Inexpensive Ways to Dress Up Your Landscape

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As homeowners, it’s essential for your outdoor space to look just as good as the interior. So if you’ve been investing some work into your garden we know that know landscape is complete without accessories. After you’ve watered the flowers, treated the soil and repainted the fence it’s time to add the finishing touches.

 

Your garden may be beautiful and full of life. It’s clear that it needs something else. From outdoor furniture to water fixtures there are numerous trendy accessories you can use to add some style to your landscape.

 

Landscape Lighting

Perhaps one of the best ways you can create a stunning landscape is to implement a lighting scheme. You can strategically string Christmas lights or you can invest in more inventive lighting solutions. When shopping for landscape lighting you’ll have to first determine what type of illumination you are seeking. Do you desire soft, romantic lighting or do you need lighting for security reasons?

 

Garden Border

No garden is complete without a well-designed border to protect your hard work. Yes, by installing a simple border you can instantly add appeal to the area. A well-crafted garden border with a nice design will attract the eye.

 

Planters

Elegant planters are a must-have accessory for your garden. They will add some life to your dull garden.  Be sure to choose planters that complement both the overall design of your home.  The great thing about planters is that you don’t have to just place them in your garden. You can set them up around the pool, by the windows and along the fence.  You can even plant more exotic foliage in your planters so that when they grow out it creates a unique look in your landscape.

 

Ornaments

Ornaments, sculptures and other types of accents are a form of garden art that adds interest all year round to the landscape. Whether you’re interested in using faeries, gnomes or animal ornaments, do so sparingly.  Overdecorating with ornaments will make your landscape look cluttered and tacky. Therefore, select a few quality pieces to adorn your landscape with. 

Keys to Creating the Perfect Accent Wall

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You’ve been scouring Pinterest searching for ways you can elevate the decor in your room. If you’re set on adding some drama to a space in your home than you may want to consider creating an accent wall. Accent walls immediately capture the eye which is why they are often the primary or secondary focal point of a room. 

 

From paint colors to materials and surface finishes there are unlimited options available when creating an accent wall. Here are some tips to guide you through the process.

 

Go Bold or Go Home

Perhaps the easiest way to begin designing your accent wall is to paint it a different color from what you’ve already used in the space. Since you want this wall to stand out you should use bold colors that you normally wouldn’t use because it would overwhelm the space. You’ll also want to make sure the color that you select complements the other colors used in the room. Remember, dark colors can suck up the natural light in a room.   Whether you opt for a bright or deep color make sure it’s a hue that you love.

 

Try fabric or vintage wallpaper with a bold pattern to create a unique look.

 

Ceramic tile is another material you can use for an accent a wall that will be both unique and eye-catching.

 

The Ceiling

Have you ever thought about extending the accent wall to the ceiling?  A stylish trend in the industry is to add a pop of color to the ceiling. Make the ceiling your accent wall by using vivid colors that will draw attention upwards. Use a neutral color crown molding to separate the wall color from the ceiling.

 

Accessories

Don’t forget to accessorize your accent wall.  Family photographs, mirrors or a mini bookshelf are just a few ways you can add some pizzazz to your accent wall. On the other hand, too many accessories will make the wall look cluttered.

 

Creating a Home Office

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Home offices are essential for busy homeowners looking for organization. But sometimes, your house does not have an extra room for you to make into an office. If you do not necessarily have space to place your home office, we have the solution for you. We have five tips for homeowners to make an office in any room of their house. 

 

Tips for Creating a Home Office: 

  1. Designated Area & Furnishings. 

There is nothing more frustrating than not having a specific area to do your office work. That is why it is essential to designate a specific area of your home. Whether it is in the corner of your guest bedroom or the nook of your kitchen, you should decide on an area to get your office work done. Make sure to put a desk in that area and refer to it as the office desk. 


  1. Functionally Placed Electronics. 

Printers, computers, and home phones can become a bulky nightmare if they are not properly placed in your home office. Try to organize the desk so that it will be easy to use at a moment’s notice. If the office is not functional, you will find yourself frustrated and use it less and less. 


  1. Organized Cords and Cables. 

Cords and cables can be an eyesore in any home office. Try to tuck cords away and tie them up with twist-ties. Make sure to roll the cords properly because you do not want to damage the cord itself. If you are unsure how to roll them, watch some videos online to see the correct way of storing cords and cables. 


  1. Filing System. 

Bills and important paperwork should be your first priority in your home office. To avoid losing them, create an efficient filing system for you to sort through weekly. 


  1. Define the Zones. 

If you and your entire family are using the office, make the office zones to clear to everyone. Make sure they understand where everything goes and what does what.

Make Your Own Window Treatments

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Who does not love a great “do it yourself” project? If you love making your own personalized items, we have the perfect DIY project for you! Imagine unique, custom curtains that you made all by yourself. We have three curtains & tie-back ideas that you can make from items found around your home. Let us get started! 

 

Warning: This project can be extremely addicting! 

 

DIY Window Curtains: 

Curtain No. 1: Stenciled Curtains. 

You will absolutely love the way that these curtains turn out for you. All you need to transform your currently boring curtains is cloth paint, a stencil, and a paint sponge. 

Curtain No. 2: Painted Window Curtains. 

Embody your “middle school art class” self and consider painting unique curtains for your home. You can do lines, shapes or go full out with a complex design. Painted curtains are perfect for a child’s bedroom and/or playroom. These curtains can represent the playfulness found in a child’s room. 

Curtain No. 3: Bed Sheet Curtains. 

You may have extra bed sheets in your home that serve no purpose. Take your old bedding and repurpose them into curtains! Make sure to iron the sheets before you hang them, but with some simple cutting and sewing skills, you can have some inexpensive stylish curtains.

 

Creative Curtain Tie-Backs:

Idea No. 1: Vintage Door Knobs. 

Vintage stores are filled with classic, timeless door knobs that would be perfect for holding back your custom curtains. Before you pitch any old door knobs in your home, consider if you can use them to tie back your custom curtains.

Idea No. 2: Stylish Metallic Chain. 

Nothing says bold like a gold chain tying back your curtains. This trendy look is perfect for rooms that want to incorporate style and function.

Idea No. 3: A Teacup. 

Wait before you laugh at us for this one. If you take out the bottom of the teacup, the body of the tea cup can be run through the curtains in order to hold them back. Try using a vintage tea cups to achieve a classic look. 

 

We hope you enjoyed these DIY Window Treatment ideas and we would love to hear from you. If you have any tips or tricks of your own, please share them with us and the other readers in the comment section below:

Garden Herbs

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Summer is in full force which means cookouts, barbecues, and picnics! All of these activities can be improved with herbs right from your home garden. Do you not have herbs in your home garden? No worries, we have the perfect list of herbs for you to plant: 

 

The Six Must-Have Garden Herbs: 

  1. Basil. One of the most popular herbs that homeowners grow is basil. It is rich in nutrients and full of bold flavors. Basil is one of the most versatile herbs because it can be used fresh or dried! The meal possibilities are endless with basil from homemade pesto to basil tea! 

Pro-tip: While you are growing basil in your garden, pull out any flower stalks that begin to grow. By doing so, you will have the best-tasting basil. 

Meal Idea: There is nothing like a homemade margarita pizza with fresh basil. You and your loved ones will delight in the pizza’s simple yet bold taste. 

  1. Chives. Not only is this herb delicious, but it discourages mosquitoes and other unwanted insects from entering your garden bed. Chives are light yet tasty. Chefs compare their delicious taste to onions. 

Pro-tip: When preparing to take your chives to the kitchen, try to keep 1/2 inch of the chive’s stub in your garden to help keep it growing properly. 

Meal Idea: Want an easy dish to bring to your next party? Try making homemade sour cream and chive dip.

  1. Cilantro. You will get two opinions on cilantro: I love it or I hate it. People usually have very strong feelings about cilantro. If you are a cilantro lover, you must add this unique herb to your home garden. Plus, cilantro has several health benefits from aiding in digestion to reducing inflammation. 

Pro-tip: Throw out any dried, brown leaves from your cilantro plant to stimulate a healthy growth.

Meal Idea: Guacamole can be savory with a dash of cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper and diced tomatoes. The cilantro helps bring all these flavors together into an enticing Mexican dish. 

  1. Mint. Not only will its smell delight your senses, but mint’s versatility makes it the perfect herb. You can add mint into your favorite drink or even a sandwich. Mint can be delicious in a variety of different dishes, just try it out. 

Fun fact: Mint has beneficial properties that can be used to help to relieve headaches or sinus infections and can help with digestion. 

Meal Idea: In a water bottle, place a couple pieces of mint with sliced strawberries. The flavors will help you drink more water and aid your digestion. 

  1. Parsley. The herb that takes away bad breath and tastes delicious. You will notice that parsley has a more bitter taste than the other herbs, but it works well in all types of dishes. 

Meal Idea: How delectable does grilled steak with parsley sound? The next time you prepare a meal on the grill, try adding some parsley as a delicious garnish. 

  1. Rosemary. You will love this herb because of its versatility and bold flavors. Rosemary can be paired with meat, vegetables, nuts or bread. 

Meal Idea: Add rosemary sprigs to some olive oil and voila, you have a mouth-watering dipping sauce for your bread. 

 

Having an herb garden makes cooking all the better. You will love the fresh flavors and spice your herbs can add to a meal. 


Five Ways to Make Your Living Room Cozy

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Whether you’re working with a small or large layout it’s important for your living room to be a comfortable space. After all, the living room area serves many different functions. It’s where you entertain your guests, spend time with the family and watch all your favorite flicks.

Here are some tips to turn any sized living room and style into a cozy space. 

  1. Trade your bland coffee tables for stuffed oversized ottomans. Yes, plush ottomans will instantly add a sense of comfort to your living room. In addition, ottomans can serve multiple functions. An ottoman can serve as a coffee table, you can store extra items inside them and let’s not forget they are great for resting your feet on.
  2. If you’re working with a large space, then consider filling in your space with a large sectional. Sectionals are super inviting and it creates a sense of warmth. The best part of having a sectional sofa is that you’ll have sufficient seating options which will allow the family and your guests to sit comfortably.
  3. Lighting is often overlooked when designing a room to be comfortable. Lighting drastically affects the mood of the room. A living room that is dark and doesn’t use sufficient lighting can feel depressing. Therefore, be sure to leave your drapes open so that natural lighting can flow in the room. If necessary, consider increasing the wattage of light bulbs or adding in extra light fixtures.
  4. Don’t forget the throw blankets. Who doesn’t like to curl up in a plush blanket during movie night? Throw blankets don’t have to be tacky. To stylishly pull off this look use a blanket that is rich in color and texture. A throw blanket will make your living room feel more comfortable while also adding a bit of style to the area.
  5. Throwing a soft area rug in the mix is another great way to add some comfort to the living room.  An area rug will add some warmth to your contemporary tile or wood floors.

 

Kids Bathroom Decoration Tips

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If you have children, then you’re an expert at getting them to do things by turning them into a fun activity. Sometimes even that doesn’t work, but you’ve got to keep trying, right? For instance, their nighttime wash up routine can feel like it takes forever and quickly become draining when you’ve had a long day of running errands, working or being their all-day entertainment. Decorating their bathroom in a fun, easily accessible way to excite them and give them a chance to learn to take care of themselves.

 

Know that however you decorate this room, messes are going to happen. Children are in a constant state of learning and self-control isn’t necessarily their strong suit. Water will be splashed onto the floor, toothpaste will drip onto the counter and wayward toys will make their way into the sink and bathtub while you aren’t looking. Starting this process with a flexible attitude will prevent unnecessary stress and frustration, so think like they would when you are envisioning the space.

 

For the bathtub area, choose a fun, playful shower curtain and non-slip shower floor mat. Add suction cup containers to the shower walls to store water toys to play with as well as their body wash essentials. Loofahs wash cloths with fun animal shapes add a little flair. Don’t forget the bubble bath solution! Be sure to have an absorbent bathroom rug right outside the tub to catch those playful splashes and add a stool or cushion nearby to kneel or sit on so you can relax while they play. Have their favorite towel ready on a rack mounted shorter on the wall for easy access.

 

Make room for a hamper you can keep in the bathroom so the children learn to help you out with the laundry instead of throwing clothes on the floor. The sink area should have only the essentials as other items can be distracting and lead to delays. That figurine or picture frame on the counter will end up as a toy in no time! Extra items like these should be put on shelves that cannot be easily reached by little hands. Pictures can be installed on the wall. Add a carpet to this area as well in a fun color. If children are still unable to reach the sink area, add a sturdy stool and sink extender attachment so they can reach the water. Make hand towels available on your counter so kids do not have to reach too far for the wall mount and possibly slip from their stool.

 

Finally, if you need to give them a little incentive, create a wall chart that you can install low on the wall and check off each bedtime routine item so they can have a sense of accomplishment and learn to stick to a routine. If they do it well after so many times, you can give them a reward for being a “big kid”. 

 

Talk with your kids about what they want to see in their bathroom design and have a fun family trip to the store to make their vision come to life!