Consider Granite

3 cm chiseled countertopAlmost every new homeowner wants granite countertops in the kitchen. Recognizing that, Fulton Homes made granite kitchen counters standard in all of its kitchens.

Granite is an incredibly durable choice. The stone has the second highest hardness rating after diamonds, and it lasts a lifetime.

Fulton Homes Design Online provides an interesting introduction to granite. You may want to start by learning more about granite through the product tours: one provides insight on maintenance and the other gives general disclosure information. One good thing to know is that the newest granite sealers are almost maintenance-free.

Granite comes in about 100 different colors, and shopping your choices is an amazing experience. Remember, your decision doesn’t stop with the slab selection. Take a look at one of the more exotic choices of edge detail in the above photo– a chiseled edge. This option really shows off the stone. Take the time to investigate your edging choices.

granite bathroom upgradeUpgrade to granite for a luxurious look in the master bath. This photo shows the impact of adding granite – supporting the spa feel of the space with a splash of warm brown and gold. Want to enjoy a bath that feels decadent and inviting? How about this one?

Sorting, folding, cleaning and drying the family’s clothes require some serious time in the laundry room. How about granite countertops to spoil yourself a little?

As a natural stone, no two pieces of granite are alike. The individual markings and even variances in the stone itself add to the charm of each piece. Your counters have a unique personality. When you review your countertop options throughout your home – start with granite.

Fulton Homes Design Online – Tile Flooring

Ceramic Tile in Design Center- Rachel's KitchenWhere would you like tile in your home? Most people would choose it for bathrooms, many for kitchens, and some people want it throughout much of their living space.

Tile is extremely low-maintenance and lasts for the life of your home – two good reasons to choose it. The exciting thing about tile comes from the incredible variety of looks, sizes and shapes available.

Take a look at the tile above – Interceramic Royal Windsor 10 inch by 20 inch brick pattern staggered. You can take an in-person look at this tile at the Fulton Homes Design Center. But you might want to start your search earlier with Fulton Homes Design Online.

In addition to ceramic, porcelain tile is available for your Fulton Home. Porcelain is harder than ceramic, and more complex to install. Many people are drawn to its stone-like appearance.

Ceramic Tile in Design Center - Bobby's KitchenYour tile flooring can also change dramatically with your choice of installation options. For example, the flooring to the right is set at the diagonal. This can make a room feel larger, and draw people through an open-concept space. Talk with your designer to learn more about installation choices.

Finally, don’t ignore the variety of grout choices. A neutral, light or dark grout can dramatically change the look of your floor. While you’re at it, be sure to have your grout sealed. Grout is the only part of a tile floor vulnerable to staining. Sealing your grout eliminates this situation.

Take the time to consider tile. In the right place with the right selection, it provides flooring to suit your taste and your maintenance goals, and it’s a dramatic option in your home.

Fulton Homes Design Online – Lighting Up Your Life

LED Under Cabinet 5 Light PkgAre you drawn to traditional lights with softly-curved glass shades like the ones in the photo? Maybe you want pendant lights over your island, and in oil-rubbed bronze. But wait, this light fixture was just made for the pool table you’re planning for the family room!

This room shows a generous amount of lighting, which is particularly appreciated in the kitchen. Notice the can lights in the ceiling, set to shine light against your cabinet doors, making them sparkle, as well as providing general task lighting for snooping in the fridge for a snack or checking your oven to see if a casserole is finished.

For closer work this kitchen features the Maxim LED CounterMax with five LED lights set under the counter. With its sleek profile and direct pre-wiring, the LED fixtures emit a crisp white light which illuminates without shadows. Long-lasting LED bulbs keep cabinets cool and safe and the bulb life is rated at 50,000 hours. LED lighting is also the most energy efficient choice.

contour lighting collection by MaximWhat about the rest of the house? Light fixtures throughout will stay consistent in design because Fulton provides a full package of lights in your selected style. Would you prefer a contemporary look? How about this piece from the Contour Collection by Maxim on the left?

larissa inverted pendantOr you might like this Larissa Inverted three-light Pendant by Kichler shown on the right.

Craving a full size dramatic chandelier? Take a look at this choice, also part of the Larissa Collection. This fixture is ideal to take advantage of a vaulted ceiling over a dramatic entrance or in a formal dining space.larissa lighting package

Let’s move back to the kitchen for a minute. Would you like some pendant lights over your island? They are getting more and more popular. Take a look at the choices below. On the left, you have the mini-pendant that goes with the Larissa Collection we saw above. The one on the right is a contemporary choice, the Elk Lighting Vesta Pendant in Tobacco. It comes in red, blue and white also.

elk lighting vista pendant in tobaccolarissa collection mini pendantThese photos show just a few of the choices available. Maybe it’s time to visit Fulton Homes Design Online to start narrowing down your choices – not an easy feat. But remember, your Fulton Design Center Designer is ready to help you make the right decisions for your home.

 

 

A Bathroom Designed with You in Mind

glass block showerDo you want a master bath that makes you feel spoiled, with a style that speaks of old-world charm? Maybe you prefer a simple functional space with just a few special touches.

Whatever look you want, take a peek at what Fulton Homes Design Online can show you. From various bathroom layouts, such as the one above that includes a low-threshold walk in shower, to your choice of cabinetry, flooring, countertops, sinks, faucets and finishes, you’ll find everything you need to make your bath work for you.

brushed nickelIn addition to the chrome finish that everyone is familiar with, Fulton also offers brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze. Both provide a matte finish that helps your bathroom feel unique. Brushed nickel is ideal for contemporary spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze works well in more traditional designs. Lighting and mirror frames can be selected to complement your faucet oil rubbed bronzefinish choice.

Fulton even offers a variety of water-conserving toilets suitable for your bathroom’s style. Be sure to consider options such as the elongated bowl and the ADA luxury height specially designed for ease of use for anyone who has difficulties transitioning from standing to sitting. And you may want to consider the off-white “biscuit” color finish to maintain a softer look and fit well with warm tones such as the oil-rubbed bronze option.

vanity valetWe talked about the Vanity Valet when it was introduced, but it’s worth mentioning again. It allows you to use the wasted vanity space in front of the sink to house beauty tools such as hair dryers and curling irons, keeping everything tidy and off your counter.

Bathrooms need to function well to meet the needs of you and your family. And if you can also make those spaces personally inviting and designed to follow your taste and style, that’s a bonus you can enjoy every day you live in your new Fulton Home.

 

Fulton Homes Design Online – Carpeting

cable carpetingIt’s hard to know where to start when it comes to flooring – there are so many wonderful choices. Today we’ll take a look at carpeting.

Fulton Homes offers  carpet that varies widely in texture as well as color. Some are particularly workable in high-traffic areas, while others have a softer plusher feel which makes them ideal for creating warmth in spaces such as bedrooms.

The carpeting above is in the cable category. Constructed of a thicker yarn that is typically longer than most carpet fibers, this is extremely comfortable and inviting for bare feet or floor-sitters, however it may crush in higher traffic areas. This makes it perfect for a bedroom. Select a thicker carpet pad, and your flooring will feel absolutely cushiony.

frieze carpetingFulton Homes offers classic Frieze and Saxony, as well as Cut & Loop and Looped or Berber options. Frieze carpeting like the sample on the right is a cut pile with a very tight twist level which makes it work well in high traffic areas. Differing pile heights add a stylish appearance and vary the look.

looped or berberThe selection to the left is a looped pile, often called Berber. A long-lasting choice due to its uncut loops of carpet yarn, it has an unusual design look. Berber handles family rooms and other high use areas very well. Take a look at the selection of tweed-like fleck options and the varying loop levels.

To select the right carpeting for you, start with the Fulton Homes Online Design Center, but be sure to get an in-person feel for your choices and talk with your Fulton Homes Design Center designer about your lifestyle and requirements to ensure that you select the right carpeting for you and your family.

Fulton Homes Design Online – Window Coverings

standard blinds - valance not includedNo need to cover bare windows with sheets when you move into your new Fulton Home. Standard options include Mariak 2″ Faux Wood Blinds in Pearl White installed in all windows except small accent windows, secondary bathtub windows, and arch window tops. For sliding glass doors, Fulton Homes offers 3-1/4″ Textured Vinyl Vertical Blinds.

Window covering options include a rich selection of blinds from Hunter Douglas, one of the most respected window covering companies, as well as faux and real wood shutters such as the ones shown below.

faux wood shutters

 

You can browse Fulton Homes Design Online to check out your choices, and in the meantime, let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing selections.

Silhouette with EasyRise

 

In our light-filled part of the country, consider the Hunter Douglas Silhouette® blinds. The light-dimming Bon Soir soft fabric floats between sheer facings. When lowered, they block up to 99% of the harmful UV rays. You control how much light comes into your home by adjusting the blinds for the amount of sheer fabric while still maintaining privacy. These come with EasyRise™, with a continuous cord loop and clutch assembly to easily raise and lower shades.

Provenance woven wood shadesHere’s a nice textural choice, the Provenance™ Woven Wood shades. These combine fine wood, bark, natural bamboo and grasses to give your home a natural look with elegance. The continuous cord loop included with these shades makes raising and lowering shades effortless. Heavy duty cording is used for safety and durability.

Whether you’re drawn to shutters, blinds or shades, Fulton Homes offers you an enjoyable variety of window treatments for your home. You might want to spend some time reviewing your choices at Fulton Homes Online Design.

Transforming your Garage

5214697_SDoes your garage look something like this? A recent U.S. poll showed that less than 60 percent of respondents use their garage to park their car.

If you tend to use your garage as the largest walk-in-closet in your home, the Fulton Homes garage options can change all that.

Let’s take a look at some of the choices available to you.

garage floor coatingGarage Floor Coating: This epoxy painted flooring keeps your garage floor looking fresh, and its durability can withstand years of parking your car on it. The easy-clean surface turns your garage into a functional and attractive space. Please note, however, that the motorcycle does not come with…

Rubbermaid Garage Storage: Professional organizers say one key to making a space attractive and organized is to keep everything off the floor. Rubbermaid’s flexible unique FastTrack® rail-mounted system does that, and can be customized using modular storage units to meet the needs of your household

tip-get-it-off-the-floor-largeRubbermaid Garage Cabinets: If you dream of having a workshop in your garage, or even some enclosed storage, take a look at the Garage Cabinet options that Fulton Homes offers. From a single cabinet to a wall full, Fulton Homes and Rubbermaid can meet your needs.

For more insights into how to make your garage more than a hiding place for clutter, visit the Fulton Homes Online Design Center. Who knows; you could end up proud enough to leave thegarage door open for the neighbors to see!

Some Fulton Homes Design Online Kitchen Options

timberlake bobbys kitchenWhat do you want in your kitchen? It’s an amazing experience to select just the right cabinets, appliances and countertops to make up the perfect kitchen for you.

You can start making choices in these areas with the Fulton Homes Design Online program, and it’s worthwhile to take the time to investigate the rich selection of special features you can add to make your kitchen work particularly well for you. Here are a few options you may not have considered.

77ef275d-fa35-4b83-9da1-e6712804c55dA warming drawer: Do you have trouble getting everything ready at the same time, or do you find yourself rushing through the cooking in the kitchen when you have guests and would rather spend time with them?

A warming drawer can help you coordinate your food by keeping it ready at just the right temperature until you’re ready to serve it. From a roast that needs to rest before you cut into it to keeping stacks of pancakes warm and ready to serve for a full family weekend breakfast, a warming drawer is a wonderful addition to your kitchen toolset. Check for warming drawers under appliances.

1336598b-3d87-44f7-9689-4fd16992f608Dark Kitchen Outlet Trim: This electrical option allows you to select dark outlet and switch plates to coordinate with any dark tile or other wall coverings.

f2c7fb11-b4ec-4ceb-a976-61af9152ef47The SinkTop Switch: This provides a convenient alternative to the standard garbage disposal switch. It is air- activated and easily mounts to the sink or countertop. It is perfect for island installations. You can choose from four different finishes – Chrome, Satin Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze or Matte Black – depending upon what works best for your kitchen.

There are so many more choices to explore for your kitchen. Take a peek at the Fulton Homes Online Design options to create the kitchen that will work perfectly for you.

 

Exploring Fulton Homes Design Online

Envision_HomeThere are so many wonderful choices to make when you’re planning your new Fulton home. And there are many ways to approach learning about and determining which options suit you. The models are a great place to start. Take the time to visit a number of models to see various choices in person. Don’t hesitate to take notes on your favorites.

Of course, the Fulton Homes Design Center is set up to help you review and make your selections. In addition to your personal design appointment time, weekly browse nights give you the opportunity to take a look at all of the choices available for you.

Fulton Home’s Design Online lets you review options and make some preliminary decisions using your computer. It’s easy to log on to your own personal design planning space. Start by reviewing the design library which provides blogs that give advice on making decisions, and be sure to take the time to review the included features. You may be surprised at how much is included with your home purchase.

Then move on to the Wishlist. This covers every category of home option, from structural and electrical decisions to design elements such as flooring, cabinets and countertops. Create your Wishlist and you will have a head start when you visit the Fulton Homes Design Center.

Browsing this “virtual” design center online is a fun and intriguing part of planning your new Fulton home. We look forward to helping you make your Fulton home as special as you are.

The Awesome Hom100

Last month we wrote about some Fulton Homeowners we’re particularly proud to know. Tony Hom, who is facing the challenges of ALS, and his good friend Trevor Davenport, who volunteered to run for 24 hours or 100 miles to raise money to help fight this disease. We, at Fulton Homes decided to help sponsor the run because we’re proud to support these two amazing men. Trevor’s course circled the Fulton Freeman Farms community and Trevor ran from 9 a.m. on May 25th until 9 a.m. on the 26th.

Let’s learn about the results by drawing on Trevor’s own words and photos below. For his complete description, check out his blog here.

“The Hom100 Race Report

Hom1009 am to noon: …multiple neighbors, friends and family gathered in front of the Hom house right about 9 am and just like that…we were off.
… I sped off leaving most of the pedestrians (and Tony) behind.… My biggest concern was just staying hydrated and keeping the mood light and fun. (distance: @20 miles)

Hom100.1Noon to 6 pm: …the heat was taking its toll. A strange thing started to happen around 2 p.m. though…more people started showing up! Better yet, people I didn’t even know!

…It seemed like someone new was joining us each lap to show their support for the event and Tony. It certainly made the hottest hours of the day fly by. (distance: @44 miles)

6 pm to midnight: Several of the guys who ran in the morning actually came back for more miles…awesome!

Hom100.2

Thanks to the Grady family (Sarah, Greg and Reagan), we had a good hour or so filled with country, blue-grass, Zumba and other assorted Barbie songs that kept us going for at least a couple laps…well, we did our best to outrun it anyway.(distance: @64 miles)

Midnight to 6 am: Night miles are the hardest. The miles go slowly and time physically slows down (well, it feels that way anyway!). Again, thank goodness for some real troopers who decided that running with me was a better idea than sleeping.

Hom100.36 am to finish: I had made my peace with simply running the 24 hours and being satisfied with whatever the mileage turned out to be. I knew it would be 90-something miles…surely a great effort by most standards right?

As we came around on that ‘last lap,’ my wife asked what my total mileage was.

“94,” I said.

“What!? You can’t be done,” she replied. “It’s the Hom 100!”

“I’m done” I told her.

But like a small flicker of flame that grows when you fan it, everyone else rallied behind her idea. Clearly, they had not read the fine print on the website!

As we started the “official” last loop, my wife stopped and gave me a kiss. She pulled her sunglasses down, exposing the tears welling up in her eyes.

“Do it for Tony,” was all she said.

Instantly, nothing else mattered…

Hom100.4The final 100 yards was full of clapping, pictures and congratulations from friends, family and neighbors. I savored the thrill of completing 100.1 miles just long enough to see Tony in his wheelchair, grinning from ear to ear. I walked over and gave that dude a hug.

He is the man, not me.

Now, I’m not going to lie – aside from Tony, the only other thing going through my mind was sitting down and putting my feet in a big bucket of ice. As you can see, I did enjoy that a little bit 🙂

…special thanks to Fulton Homes and Cadence Running Company for all their support and generosity.”

God willing, we’ll do it again next year.  Thank you, Trevor and Tony for allowing us to be a part of such an amazing event!  You two are truly special and an inspiration to everyone!

For the complete blog and link to more photos, click here.