Author Archives: FultonHomes

Traditional Style

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If you’re in the process of designing the living area than you might want to consider the traditional living room style. You’ ll find that a traditional living room can serve important basic functions. Yes, it serves a formal seating area where you can entertain guests as well as casual family space.

 

A traditional living room will blend hints of elegance with a style that embraces comfortability. Living room of this style will have an Old World or European feel that features a few antique pieces, simple artwork, and graceful lines.

 

Here are some basics to keep in mind when designing a traditional living room.

 

Color

When creating a traditional style living room many people tend to either be super neutral or too bold in their decoration. However, the key is finding a good balance.  A neutral color is often the dominant hue in this design. You’ll see such neutral colors such as; beige, cream, black and hunter green. Neutral colors should be used on the walls. However, bold colors are also encouraged as accent colors to emphasize areas of interest. If you decide to go neutral with your furnishing pieces such as the sofa and ottoman than you should go bold with your decorative accessories.

 

Details

Details are important in the traditional living room because this style is defined by it. Decorative moldings, arches, and antique finishes are characteristics that contribute to the overall look. Therefore, you’ll want to consider seemingly small things such as; the design of the area rug, the small pillows you’ll use on the couch and even the television stand.

 

Furniture

As you begin to search for furniture be sure to start off with the essentials. Be sure to start off with a coffee table and comfortable couch. Once you have purchased the staple items than you’ll be able to select accent furniture and additional accessories for the living room.

 

Remember, you’ll want your living room area to be highly functional for day to day living as well as comfortable for your family and friends.  When selecting furniture, you should make sure that there are adequate seating options and sufficient storage. Consider furniture pieces that can serve more than one purpose.

 

There are no specific rules that you must follow when creating a traditional style living room. Remember to simply have fun and be creative. 

Treat Yourself

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Would you like a spa like an experience when you set foot in your bathroom? Well, to simulate the feel and look of a spa just think soothing aromas, relaxing candlelight and the comfort of fluffy towels. Now all you have to do is add a few of your own personal touches to create the ultimate experience in your powder room.

 

1.Make Sure Your Sanctuary Is Clutter Free

To create a calming sanctuary your sanctuary should be free of clutter. To get the refined spa look you need to clear away anything from your bathroom countertops that look unattractive. That means your hygienic products should be stashed out of view or you can utilize stylish storage solutions such as linen baskets. Try dressing your countertop space with more sophisticated items such as a clear vase with fresh flowers.

 

2.  Don’t Forget the Candles

You can’t recreate a spa experience without candles.  Turn off or dim your overhead lighting and light a series of candles. Yes, candles create a peaceful ambiance that soothes the soul. Be sure to mix smaller and taller pillar candles. You can even opt for specialty candles that when melted can be massaged onto your skin.

 

3. Splurge On The Necessities

No spa experience is complete without the big, soft fluffy towels that you can literally curl up in and go to sleep. Forego regular bath towels and consider investing in quality oversized Turkish bath sheets. You can organize a couple of these bath sheets on a wooden tray that sits by the side of the bathtub. Purchase a matching tub caddy and fill it with all your bath essentials. You can even turn your bathtub into a whirlpool. Conair Dual Jet Spa Bath sits on the side of the tub and whips the water.

 

4. Surround yourself in softness

When you step out of the bathtub you want to step into softness. Purchase a soft and plush mat and quality slippers you can put your feet into when you get out of the bathtub. Next, wrap yourself in an equally comfortable robe. 

A Beautiful Backyard

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Investing in your outdoor space can become expensive. That is why they say it is an investment. Proper landscape, seating, and lighting can make your backyard an oasis. We want to help you make that oasis with a realistic budget. 

 

1. Brighten the space.

If you plan to entertain outside at night, install some lightning around your backyard. Lighting an outdoor space allows you to get artsy. Hanging a string of Edison-style light bulbs can bring romance and warmth to the outdoors. These lights are known to be energy efficient and have a low brightness, which is perfect for your outdoor oasis.

-You can even place some candles and tiki torches around the yard for extra lighting. Just remember to always make sure your candles and torches are completely out before going back inside. 

 

2. Get greenery. 

Adding greenery to your home brings life to an outdoor space. Take on a fun project and build a flower bed. You can even plant your own vegetable garden. Pick up some chalkboard signs from your local craft store and make it personalized. 

-If you are not ready to completely redo your landscaping, add some potted plants to your backyard. The potted plants will liven up the area and do not take as much maintain. 

 

3. Stylize with decorations.

Decorating your backyard can be extremely fun. You can decorate with affordable items from your local discount retailer. Incorporate items that you would even find inside your home: candles, pillows, throw blankets, bird cages, flowers, etc. These will be things your guests notice most because you have added your personal touch to the outdoor space. 

 

4. Finish up with furniture. 

Furniture will be the most pricey portion of outdoor spaces. Investing in good furniture can be highly beneficial in the future. Rather than choosing inexpensive future now, take the time to save for quality furniture. 

 

Creating your outdoor oasis with a low-budget is possible! It takes time to make it just right, but you are embarking on a creative journey. Let your thoughts become reality. In your backyard anything is possible. 


Homeowner’s Toolbox

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Whether you are a new homeowner or have lived in your home for several years, having the right tools at a moment’s notice is essential to happy, efficient living. Let us add to your tool box and discuss the importance of owning each tool. 

 

Your tool box needs: 

  1. Hammer. Experts encourage homeowners to purchase two types of hammers. One hammer should be “heavyweight” and one should be “lightweight.” The weight of your hammer depends on the project. For instance, when you are using smaller nails, you should use the lightweight hammer.
  2. Tape Measure. There will always be a need for a tape measure if you want the job done right. We suggest that you buy a tape measure that locks and retracts back to its original position. These tape measures help with the ease of doing a project. 
  3. Pliers. One of the most helpful tools for homeowners is a nice pair of pliers. When buying your pliers, look at the various kinds of pliers available. We recommend buying several pliers that will each serve different purposes. 
  4. Screwdriver. One project may need a certain screwdriver head (Phillips) whereas another project may need a different head (Cross). Screwdrivers take on various forms so be sure to buy one driver with a variety of “interchangeable heads.” 
  5. Nails, screws, bolts, nuts, etc. If you are building something from scratch or using a prepackaged design, be sure to have the proper tools. We encourage you to buy extra nails and screws because you never know when you may need some extra. 
  6. Wrench. A wrench will be a helpful tool to have for different projects. Home improvement stores sell an array of different sizes, but you could just buy yourself an adjustable wrench. 
  7. Drill. Drills help with extensive projects that would require a heavy amount of manual labor with just your screwdriver. Skip the extra work and invest in a quality drill. You will also need a variety of drill bits for your projects. 

 

Having your essential tools will be helpful for any home improvement project and now, your tool box has never looked so good! Are they certain tools you cannot live without? What are they? We encourage you to leave your comments below. 


A Healthy Home

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A healthy lifestyle begins with your home life. You can workout and eat well, but it is important to take a good look at your home and how it can affect your health. Poor conditions in your home lead to illness, allergies and other various health issues. Homeowners should investigate their air quality and cleanliness to determine a home’s health. If you want to dig deeper, here are some tips for having a healthy home: 

 

  1. Stay Organized. For homeowners to live a healthy life, they need to focus on staying organized. Organize your medications, tools, bath products, etc. It is best to get rid of all chemicals but if you cannot fully commit yet, it is totally fine!! Make sure all toxic products are put away and out of reach of children and pets. Also, try to label EVERYTHING to avoid confusion. 
  2. Avoid Unwanted Moisture. Too much water can cause mold, mildew, bacteria, and even bugs. To avoid these harmful pathogens, install moisture barriers around your home. Choose a barrier that is appropriate for your area’s weather and your house type. 
  3. Include Proper Ventilation. It is important to investigate your home’s air quality. Have you noticed that the air seems stuffy? Is there is moisture condensation on cold surfaces? Are you noticing the growth of mold or mildew? If so, it is essential to take your home’s ventilation into consideration: 
    • Use exhaust fans in the bathroom, kitchen and other moist areas of your home
    • Open your windows to get fresh air in your home. 
  1. Keep It Clean. Avoid transferring germs by keeping a clean, dirt-free home. Make sure to clean out your heating and cooling ducts to reduce the spread of dust and dirt throughout your home. 
  2. Remove Pests. Pests are known to carry several harmful diseases; it is best to get rid of pests as soon as possible. Try using nontoxic exterminators before you resort to toxic exterminators. This will help to avoid putting the harmful toxins in your home. 
  3. Go for All-Natural Cleaners. It is always more healthy for you and your family to use nontoxic cleaning products. With a variety of different solutions available, homeowners can quickly put together homemade cleaners. If you are buying your products, look for all-natural cleaners. 
  4. Schedule an Inspection. You will want to know if your home is in good condition by scheduling an inspection every two-three years. They can check your foundation, siding, roof, etc. 

 

We hope you and your family continue to live a happy, healthy life and that this list was helpful to you. What are some ways you keep your home healthy? We would love to hear in the comment section below. 


Energy Star Partner of the Year!

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We are excited to announce that we were recently awarded the Energy Star Partner of the Year award!  

It is a great honor for us to receive this title, and also a great honor to receive a commendation from our Congressman Tom O’Halleran.  Thank you for the encouragement, Congressman!

Houseplants for a Busy Life

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Depending on the hustle and bustle involved in your schedule, it may be difficult for you to invest in high-maintenance plants. Would not it be great if our plants could just water themselves so we would not feel as guilty when we forget about them? Good news, there are certain plants that do not demand as much time and care. 

 

Houseplants for a Busy Life: 

Cactus & Succulents. These plants are extremely popular with busy homeowners because they look nice, but do not require a lot of maintenance. 

How to care for them:

If your cacti/succulent is in “the growing period,” they should be watered at least once a week. When you water them, make sure the soil is pretty soaked and excess water should run through the draining holes. Their “resting period” tends to begin when the weather gets colder and the days become shorter. You will want to water the plants less during this time and let the soil become dry between waterings. There will be exceptions to this rule if your cacti grow in the winter-time. To be absolutely certain, consult with your local nursery upon purchasing. 

Aloe Vera Plant. Your first thought is probably that Aloe Vera helps cuts and burns, but this plant can also add an aesthetic beauty to your household. 

How to care for them:

The rule of thumb for this plant is that it needs to be watered when the soil dries. It is important to notice when the soil is drying because late reactions can cause shriveling or wilting of the plant. Soil tends to dry completely within two-three weeks.

Snake Plant/Sansevieria. This thick plant takes on a cool, wavy texture that will add interest to a room. 

How to care for them:

These plants tend to prefer to be drier in the winter months. Experts say to water these plants about every two-three weeks. 

Dwarf Umbrella Tree. This plant will be a classic addition to any room by adding a touch of greenery and delicacy. Also, these plants have the added benefit of being an air filter. 

How to care for them:

These plants can be watered a couple times a month and are perfect for your home office. 

‘Campfire’ Crassula. This plant immediately demands attention with its dramatic colors and beauty. 

How to care for them:

This plant can be watered weekly, but if it is experiencing extremely hot temperatures consider watering it more frequently. 

 

Plants truly are the perfect decorative pieces for our homes. They bring a colorful allure to any space and ultimately make a home more inviting. Consider investing in one of these various plants that do not make you sacrifice valuable time. 


A Home Office

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If you have ever worked from home, you understand the importance of having a home office. It is a place that you can do your work as well as organize any of your household paperwork. Home offices have become a lasting trend over the past decade and can help the organization of your home. If your home allows the space, we recommend creating yourself a home office. They do not need to be an entire room. You can place your office in a corner of any room. Make sure the room contributes to a helpful work environment. Placing the office in your baby’s bedroom corner may not be the best idea, but have it in a corner of a quiet, clean space. 

 

Since home offices have become popular, there is a lot of advice about what to include in your office. Home offices will ideally need some sort of a table and chair. The rest of the furniture and decorations can be personal preference. Items include pens/pencils, notebook, stapler, tape, envelopes, paper, sticky notes, white-out, paperclips, calculator, calendar, computer, etc.

 

Keeping your office organized will contribute to its effectiveness. You are likely to avoid using your messy office if it is not organized. Since offices can become a mess quickly, set rules for yourself:

 

    • Try to never leave anything out on the desk.
    • Keep any electric cords tucked away and out of sight. 
    • Install shelving or a bookcase to give your books a home. 
    • Have somewhere to put your pens and pencils (Jars, containers, canisters, etc). 
    • File paperwork instead of leaving it out. Offices are great for filing/sorting through your mail. 

 

Once you have decided to create an office space for yourself, do not hold back. Make sure to include all the items you will need to have it run efficiently. The last step is to decorate. Decorating should come last because you need to be sure you have room for all the essential items. After you put the finishing touches on your office, you will feel brand new! Congrats, you now have a designated area to do all your work.

Affordable Party Ideas

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You have a love for hosting parties, but do not want to spend an entire paycheck on throwing your event. We have all been there! Why do parties have to cost so much money? The answer, they don’t! Here are some tips for a low-budget party with high-budget results: 


Do not be afraid of the 99 cent or dollar stores. 

The name scares people away sometimes, but dollar stores can be filled with great finds. The things you need to pick anyways are available at an affordable price. 

    • Get a pack of black napkins from the store. Black napkins are simple yet stylish. You do not necessarily need fancy napkins for it to be a tasteful party. Think about it, they are going to be thrown away anyways. 

 

Decorate with items from around your house. 

Most people buy matching decorations from the store, but you can use common household items to decorate for the party. 

    • Grab your holiday lights and use them around the house to brighten the space. 
    • Light some candles to make the area warm and cozy. 

 

Consider serving only appetizers.

Finger food is a great food option for a social gathering. People can snack on their appetizers while they get to know each other. This is a less formal option, but it makes the party-goers more comfortable. 

    • Keep in mind: Appetizers have less meal preparation involved and they are usually less expensive. 
    • If you want to try something new: utilize those cookbooks you have stored away. There may be something in them that you have forgotten about or never had a chance to try. 

 

Make it a “Bring Your Own Beverage” event.  

Friends are usually more than willing to bring their own drinks because it guarantees that the party will have something they like. 

 

Music can set the party’s tone. 

Decorations set a theme, but music can definitely help set the tone. If you want your party to be more formal, music is your chance to set the mood without breaking the bank.

    • Use your personal music library or music streaming service. There is no need to go out and purchase all new music. Look through what you have and try to create a playlist for the event. 

 

Enjoy and have fun at your next party!

Patio Redirect!

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It’s that time of year when the need to clear your porch off and get it ready for the summer gatherings you have planned. After the winter and spring months your patio may be a mess though, and it is hard to know where to begin when planning on redesigning and sprucing up your outdoor space. A few quick and easy ideas may be of some help to you as you prepare your outside area of entertaining and enjoying warm, comfortable nights.

 

One of the most important aspects of your outdoor space will be lighting. Of course, barbecues begin when the sun is still up, but they are sure to stretch into the dusk and evening hours as your guests and family relax and enjoy each other’s’ company. Stringing lights to provide your outdoor space with adequate lighting is a must. Don’t rely on your backyard floodlights either, this lighting will be too harsh for entertaining. The soft glow of strung up lights or patio lanterns is sure to set the mood.

 

The next most important aspect of your patio is going to be making sure that you have a sitting area for your guests and your family. The amount of seating will depend largely on the size of your space so consider what you have to work with and plan accordingly. Don’t forget to be sure and provide some type of table that the seating is congregated around so that guests have a place to set their food and drinks as well. You could even double the table as storage and get a table that’s top is removable and allows for storage within it.

 

Finally, no patio area would be complete without planters to set the mood outside. Get creative and come up with ways to make decorative planters. If you already have a bunch of pots ready to go, purchase some paint in some fun colors and paint the planters yourself. Or you could come up with something a bit different and repurpose an old battered antique such as an tire you might have laying around, or and old wooden basket.

 

Once your patio is clean and decorated enjoy having your friends and family over on warm summer nights outside. With the right seating, lighting, and decoration your space will feel relaxed and ready to go.