Author Archives: FultonHomes

A Quick Look at Interior Design

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Whether you have your mind set on redecorating a room or revamping your entire house knowing the basics of interior design is essential. Did you know that the basics of interior design is centered around the following elements:

 

Texture – the feel of an object

Color – sets the mood and creates the illusion

Form – the shape of objects

Mass – the bulk of furniture pieces

Line – symmetry or direction of objects

 

Here are some basic interior decorating tips.

 

Try arranging in odd numbers.

Arranging furniture and accessories in odd numbered groups can create a look that’s aesthetically appealing. However, this does not mean symmetry should be thrown out the window. When arranging furniture and accessories in odd groups consider what objects go together to create a cohesive look.

 

Select classic furniture pieces.

You’ll never go wrong when you purchase, furnishing that is classic. Yes, classic furniture is timeless and never goes out of style. When you’re ready to change your look, switch out the accessories.

 

Choosing colors to set the mood

As previously mentioned, color is what creates the illusion. It also sets the desired mood or tone for the entire space. The psychological effects of color are numerous making this an important step. In interior design, color can be used in paint for the walls as well as accessories.

 

Mix up lighting sources.

The lighting scheme is crucial to setting the ambience of s room. You can use natural lighting during the daytime to open a space. At night, you can dim the lights and make use of accent lamps.

 

Yes, when developing a interior design scheme for your home the sky’s the limit. Incorporating the basics of decorating will ensure that everything is correctly arranged.

 

 

Your Junk Drawer

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We all have one. That drawer that serves no purpose holds an infinite amount of random items, and always has things added to it but never taken away. You guessed it, it is a junk drawer. Junk drawers tend to get on everyone’s nerves because they house an array of miscellaneous items and no one enjoys looking through them. Organizing your junk drawer does not sound like a walk on the beach, but the after the effort, it will be well worth the frustration. The key to organizing your junk drawer is that you cannot place random items into a different drawer afterward. Let us set a rule for ourselves: we are going to organize your junk drawer and another drawer will not show up in its place. 

 

Let us get started:

 

  • Take it all out. Yup, you heard it correctly. We are starting from scratch here. Place all of the drawer’s items on your counter. 
  • Sort out your items. Now that all the items are on the counter, we are going to sort through them. We will create certain piles: trash, give away, relocate or stay. You need to decide how you want to repurpose this drawer. Determine what you want to be stored in this drawer. Just one classification for this drawer, we are getting strict with ourselves. After you decided on the contents of your drawer, you can move the piles as needed. Throw the trash away, place the giveaway in a box for charity, relocate the random miscellaneous items and keep what you think belongs in this new drawer.
  • Buy a drawer organizer. Depending on what contents you will place in this drawer, an organizer can be life-changing. You can place your smaller items in tiny containers throughout the drawer. Recycle your old jar lids and use them as a container for paper clips, push pins, rubber bands, etc. 
  • Be strict with keeping it organized. Keep this drawer constantly organized, because as soon as one random item is thrown in another will suddenly appear. Inform the other people in your household of the new drawer’s purpose. 

 

Junk drawers happen, we totally get it. Another one may appear over time and in that case, pull out this blog and restart the organizational process. 


Your Junk Drawer

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We all have one. That drawer that serves no purpose holds an infinite amount of random items, and always has things added to it but never taken away. You guessed it, it is a junk drawer. Junk drawers tend to get on everyone’s nerves because they house an array of miscellaneous items and no one enjoys looking through them. Organizing your junk drawer does not sound like a walk on the beach, but the after the effort, it will be well worth the frustration. The key to organizing your junk drawer is that you cannot place random items into a different drawer afterward. Let us set a rule for ourselves: we are going to organize your junk drawer and another drawer will not show up in its place. 

 

Let us get started:

 

  • Take it all out. Yup, you heard it correctly. We are starting from scratch here. Place all of the drawer’s items on your counter. 
  • Sort out your items. Now that all the items are on the counter, we are going to sort through them. We will create certain piles: trash, give away, relocate or stay. You need to decide how you want to repurpose this drawer. Determine what you want to be stored in this drawer. Just one classification for this drawer, we are getting strict with ourselves. After you decided on the contents of your drawer, you can move the piles as needed. Throw the trash away, place the giveaway in a box for charity, relocate the random miscellaneous items and keep what you think belongs in this new drawer.
  • Buy a drawer organizer. Depending on what contents you will place in this drawer, an organizer can be life-changing. You can place your smaller items in tiny containers throughout the drawer. Recycle your old jar lids and use them as a container for paper clips, push pins, rubber bands, etc. 
  • Be strict with keeping it organized. Keep this drawer constantly organized, because as soon as one random item is thrown in another will suddenly appear. Inform the other people in your household of the new drawer’s purpose. 

 

Junk drawers happen, we totally get it. Another one may appear over time and in that case, pull out this blog and restart the organizational process. 


Special Guest Bathroom Design

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guest-bath-vanity-webThe guest bathroom generally gets the least amount of attention in a home. It’s the smallest room in your house, and your focus when you’re planning your new home is on your kitchen first, and then on your master bathroom and other areas where your family will be spending a lot of time. It makes sense to place the guest bath at the end of your list of priorities.

But if you think about it, chances are almost every visitor to your home will see your guest bathroom at some point. So it has a direct affect on how they view your home. And this is actually the most cost-effective room to create design drama, because the space is so small. A minimum investment can provide the maximum design impact. Let’s take a look at some of the guest bathroom designs in recent Fulton Home models to get some ideas of approaches you might want to take to give your guest bath some extra style.

First Impressions:basha-legacy-powder-room-3-web

Think about what your guest bathroom will look like from the hallway. Even if your visitors don’t actually use the bathroom, they will probably walk past and glance in. That first impression will have an effect on the entire hallway.

In this photo to the right, the eye is automatically drawn to the copper artwork on the far wall. Other features such as the tile and the mini-chandelier come into focus later. Altogether this is a luxurious and well-integrated guest bathroom.

This first bathroom involves a serious investment in options to create a feeling of luxury. This was appropriate as it was part of the Legacy series of homes, which was a luxury line. But you don’t need to invest as much in options as was spent in this model to create drama.

view-from-hall-web

Take a look at the guest bathroom to the left. The vanity is nice-looking but fairly straightforward with a sink embedded in the countertop. The tub and surround are a solid surface which is less expensive than tile. But the tile chosen for the flooring and the coordinated tile inset added to the solid surface in the tub surround makes this bathroom pop.

In this case creativity and thoughtful style take the place of expensive options to make this bathroom stand out. Add an interesting coordinating shower curtain and some towels to emphasize the contrast and you have a guest bathroom that shows your personality without a big investment.

Lighting:basha-legacy-powder-room-2

Because of its small size, smaller light fixtures can have a big punch in a guest bathroom. And if you want to take a chance with a different look, a guest bath is a great space for experimenting. The simple wall sconce on the right adds a touch of charm in a guest bathroom. After all, this is not a space where you need bright lights, and a gentle glow is flattering when people look in the mirror.

guest-bath4-web

 

 

The photo on the left shows another fun way to use lighting in a guest bathroom. By adding a light under the vanity, the room doesn’t have a blinding glare when a guest hits the switch, and the look is unusual and interesting. In this case the sink is also translucent – notice the photo at the top of this blog – so the light also makes the sink glow. This choice gives you the opportunity to add some drama to your guest bathroom while not taking up any additional space.

Tile Trim:basha-legacy-powder-room-1

Whether you choose a simple row of tile to outline your vanity or expand your tile choices to cover an entire wall, tile has a special place in many bathrooms. In the photo to the right you can get a closer look at the Legacy bathroom we visited above. In this case a full wall of tile is complemented with a rich row of glass tile trimmed with a darker border just above the vanity, serving as a backsplash. It provides the feeling of wainscoting and pulls every element in this room together. The border also adds some welcome contrast.vanity-cropped-web

You don’t need to use this much tile to have a design impact in a guest bathroom. Take a look at the vanity on the left. The countertop uses a simple tile pattern to create a charming rustic feel. Then a six-inch backsplash of narrow rectangular tile picks up the tones of the vanity’s wood finish to create an integrated design element that makes this guest bath memorable. The oil-rubbed bronze hardware with its rustic flavor makes so much sense with this look.

Finishing Touches:bath-2-web

Don’t stop with the design elements. Once you move in, take the time to find the right art and accessories to complete the look in your guest bathroom. In the photo above, the design of the bathroom is enhanced by the choice of shower curtain, towels, art and accessories.

Notice that although the design itself is neutral, it left the homeowner open to introduce color into the room. By bringing in orange-red and the grey-blue, the neutral elements actually connect with the color palette. While you don’t need to be afraid to pull color into your design choices, if you would rather keep your permanent options neutral, think about what colors you will want to bring in with more temporary elements later. You may want to bring some of those colors with you to your design appointment.

Above all with a guest bathroom, have fun! It’s the smallest room in your home so it’s OK to take a few chances. And those extras aren’t going to break the bank with the minimum square footage involved. So as you wander through the Fulton Design Center, if you spot a special sink, faucet, tile design or light fixture you can’t resist, why not consider the guest bath for its home?

 

Happy Pet Household

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Pets become a part of the family. They provide love, laughs, and happiness to their owners. It is easy to see all the great things your pet brings to the family, but realistically they can be a lot of work. Whether you have a puppy or a full-grown dog, learning how to live with an animal sometimes becomes a series of trial and error. We have provided some tips for providing a happy pet household:

 

Make it washable. Animals have accidents, it may not be often but they do. From your bedding to rugs make sure it is washable (or easily treatable). Puppies especially do not give us a warning when they have to go the bathroom. Be prepared for any accidents with proper cleaning supplies and washable items. Take some time to think about your major household items and how you would treat them. If it can be ruined easily, try to keep it out your pet’s view.

 

Shedding. Unless you have a hypoallergenic pet, there will probably be a lot of shedding. 

Tips: 

  • Invest in a quality vacuum. Realistically you should vacuum every day, it is good for removing the pet hair and the lifespan of your carpet. Pet hair can be a source of dirt and odor, it is imperative to regularly clean and vacuum your home. 
  • Incorporate your pet’s fur color throughout the house. By using the same color as your pet’s hair, it will distract from all of the hair they leave behind. This may sound crazy but look at your pet as your design inspiration. 
  • Give your pet a bath frequently. Do not give them so many baths that it dries out their skin, but bathe them about once a month. 
  • Trimming their nails will help reduce any scratch marks that they may leave behind. This can be a scary responsibility because some pets have dark nails and you cannot see their blood vessel. If you are nervous about cutting their nails, talk to your vet about the actions you should take. It is always better to be safe than sorry in these circumstances. 

 

Provide them with space. If you have room, provide your pet will a space to call their own. You can convert a cabinet into a cat’s room or a window bench into a dog’s haven. There are endless ideas available online. 

 

Keep it natural. Your pet and family’s health is important. Keeping most of your household items natural will ensure safety. Store hazardous products out of reach from children and pets. 

 

Our pets want the best for us so would not we want the same for them? These tips will help keep your pets happy and healthy. Always remember to consult a veterinarian with any questions or concerns. 


Bringing Autumn Home

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48429825 - autumn decoration accessories stored in a wooden compartment.

It’s challenging facing Autumn in Arizona if you’re originally from another part of the country. For many of us who originated in states with four seasons, this time of year always promised chillier weather, crisp evenings and the start of fall leaves turning.

But if you’re new to Arizona and used to digging out your sweaters and crockpots to make chili and your mom’s chicken soup, it may seem strange to face the fact that here in the middle of September we’re all still wearing shorts every day. But for those of us who have been here a while, we have developed some habits to make it feel at least a little bit like fall. Here are a few suggestions:

Showcase fall colors: Use table runners, placemats, or add some pillows and throws on your sofa to pull some of the colors of autumn into your home. Yes, you’ll still see bright greens outside, but you can add gold, rust and brown to your interiors.

Bring your autumn accessories out: Pick up a few small pumpkins, gourds, pine cones or whatever takes your fancy. If you want you can even go to a hobby shop for some branches with silk autumn leaves. Then have at it on coffee and side tables. Make your home look like you’ve been wandering outside and brought some gleanings in from the woods.

Fix some cocoa: OK, it may still be too warm for that chili recipe, but a mug of hot cocoa with a few marshmallows might be a nice preview of the treats you’ll enjoy in the cooler days to come. After all, our evenings really are starting to cool down. And eventually we will get to see some leaves turn and drop… in December!

Throw a Mind-Blowing Boy’s Birthday Party

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photo-12

It’s pretty easy to put together a party for toddlers. Get some cake and ice cream, play a few games and have them run around the yard. Then have the parents come and get them while their sugar high is still going strong enough that they haven’t all crashed into each other yet and turned into a soggy mess of birthday goo.

But as children get older, particularly boys, it gets harder to keep them entertained. Taking them to a water-park or movie can get expensive, plus it’s easy to lose control if you have too many boys along. Here are a few ideas for a fun party that’s also easy on your budget.

Take a hike: Plan to explore one of the many safe hiking options available near Phoenix. Choose one with limited height exposure or distance. Plan a picnic lunch. If you’re in a National Park you may be able to take advantage of a park program with a ranger to explain some of the wildlife or other insights of interest to the age group. If it’s not snake or scorpion season, a night hike followed by ghost stories around a campfire might be a fun variation.

Have a Lego party: Create a series of Lego contests using Legos you provide. Include Lego giveaways as prizes. This only works if you son and his friends are Lego fans.

Create an all-night movie marathon: Choose a great series that they will all like like Star Wars or X-Men. Pick up a variety of popcorn and movie snacks. Plan on pizza at about 11 p.m. and sleeping bags out at midnight. Chances are they won’t make it all the way through but that’s OK. It’s the possibility and the permission that makes it exciting.

For some other great ideas and venues for birthday parties around Phoenix, Raising Arizona’s Kids has a list of opportunities. We’d love to hear about your ideas.

Santa Fe Community is Opening this Weekend!

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Opening just this weekend, September 24-25, 2016, the Santa Fe series of homes may be just right for you and your family! They have floorplans which range from 2937 to over 4700 square feet with standard front-loaded garages. These large traditional homes host a variety of room options to suit many different lifestyles.

Located at our Cooley Station location, the homes will be close to shopping, dining and entertainment. And they are all Fulton Homes, the builder of choice. The three fully-decorated models that will be available for you to tour this weekend are Champion, Dividend and Challenger. Some of the features of the homes are listed below:

  • Home sizes range from 2936 to over 4700 square feet.
  • All floorplans are situated on traditional single-family lots.
  • Homes include paver driveways and traditional front-loaded garages.
  • Up to 7 bedrooms and 6 baths are available.
  • Fulton Homes exclusive Fulton Features program gives you great standard features, including granite countertops, 36″ maple cabinets, faux wood blinds, ceiling fans and much more – at no additional cost!
  • Fiber-connected ultra high speed Internet is available for all Seaboard at Cooley Station homes.
  • 100% HOA maintained front yards helps owners enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle.

The neighborhood features are extensive, and include: a large community pool, basketball courts, tot-lot, pickleball courts, and parks with ramadas, barbecues and other great community amenities. There is also an extensive network of walking trails and tree-lined streets.

Santa Fe is only a five-mile drive from the fabulous San Tan Mall, an outdoor mall that features Dillards, Macy’s, and many other top retail stores, as well as plenty of dining and a huge Harkins Theater complex. It’s a mile away from the ASU Polytechnic campus and minutes from the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

Does Santa Fe sound like the neighborhood for you? Find out by visiting our models. You can start by learning more about our community and seeing all the floor plans at our website: http://www.fultonhomes.com/our-communities/cooley-station/santa-fe. We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Fun of the Fulton Design Center

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fulton-design-centerWhen you’re choosing your home builder, the model homes are only a starting point. It’s important to see what a builder provides to allow you to make your home your own. A rich selection of options makes the difference between a stock home and a home that feels fully customized. With the Fulton Design Center, you have 13,000 square feet of choices.

Take the time to review the kitchen vignettes. They give you a wide selection of styles and moods, providing a good conceptual overview of what different kitchens will look like when finished. Not sure what you want in a bathroom? Just wander through the bath section to get ideas.

The most recently updated area is the smart home section, where you can learn about the latest in security systems, whole-house sound and home theater choices. The Fulton Design Center is regularly updated so you have a chance to see and select the latest in home options.

A range of kitchen appliances are on display, giving you the opportunity to explore which type of refrigerator or oven you would prefer. Be sure to check out the awesome Bertolini Gas ranges – they quickly become the focal point in any chef’s kitchen!

We all dream of creating the perfect home. Thanks to the Fulton Design Center, that dream can really happen. Visit during one of the browse nights and see for yourself. The Design Center is open the first and third Thursdays of every month from 5 to 8 p.m.

First Impressions

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design center 8It’s easy to get so focused on what’s inside your new Fulton Home that you forget what people see first – your front door. That’s what makes your home’s first impression. Fortunately, you have so much to choose from when it comes to a front door with Fulton Homes.

When you visit the Fulton Design Center, don’t forget to stop by the front door display. No matter what style you prefer, you will find the right door for you. Start with the door itself. Take the look and style of your home into consideration. If you have chosen a traditional exterior, a contemporary door such as the one to the left in the photo above won’t be a fit. On the other hand the romance of the door to the right with its hobnail finish might be just the right choice.

Once you know the door you want, take the time to choose the hardware that will work for you. As you can see from the two doors shown above, selecting the right combination of hardware and door makes a perfect final product.

Your front door also sends a message about your taste and style even before anyone walks into your home for the first time. It’s exciting to invite family and friends to see your  new home, and part of the fun starts before the front door opens, when they walk up and see your first selection – and the statement it makes about you and your home.

The two doors shown above are just a small sample of your choices. Please come take your time checking out all of your options for creating just the right first impression with your new Fulton Home.