Fulton Homes Super Browse Night

Design20Center20074 kitchen 4Would you like a chance to explore kitchen and bath ideas, talk with designers and product-knowledge specialists, and see some of the latest home design options available?

Fulton Homes invites you to join us this Thursday night, March 21st 2013, for Super Browse Night at our design center in Tempe. With 13,000 square feet of kitchen and bath vignettes, a rich variety of product displays, and our team of designers ready to answer your questions, this is an amazing opportunity to see the newest home products in a comfortable and inviting setting.

Desig20Center20071-doors-2-300x199From countertops to carpeting, cabinet doors to front doors, appliances to area rugs, you can browse every kind of home interior option set up in inviting and exciting displays.

Whether you’re considering a new home, purchasing a new home, or just want some good ideas for your current or future home, you’re welcome to join us for this exceptional event. We’ve invited our trade partners to join our designers and sales associates to share their insights into the best ways to make your home as special as you want it to be.

Design 20Center 20015 listellesJoin us Thursday March 21st 2013 from 5-8 p.m. at the Fulton Homes Design Center, 1241 West Warner Road, #106, Tempe, AZ. To find us turn south on Beck between Priest and Hardy. Turn right in the second driveway.

As an extra incentive (Maybe to help get your spouse to join you?) we’re giving away a 40 inch Samsung flat-screen TV to those who attend our event, with no purchase necessary to win. We look forward to seeing you there.

Daring Kitchen Tile Choices

Peninsula 167You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a kitchen backsplash that captures attention. Take a look at this kitchen design from Fulton Home’s Woodside model in the Oasis at Freeman Farms community. One type of tile in two colors combine to create an exciting look that is different with a modern twist.

The granite chosen for this kitchen has a strong pattern with contrasting shades of gold, brown and black. Combine this with an intense tile pattern and the space would feel busy rather than interesting.

Total room design involves making choices that work well together to make a space intriguing. It’s the interaction among the various elements – cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring and lighting – that makes this kitchen stand out.

Peninsula 165Many people like to have a special look behind the range, and this kitchen creates that impact simply by changing the dark and light pattern of the long rectangular tiles. Notice in the photo to the right, the light tiles move down in a stair step design, but move in a back-and-forth direction over the range. This simple change helps create a meaningful difference in the kitchen.

The imagination of this kitchen designer didn’t stop at the backsplash. Take a look at the tile design on the island below. The same tile laid in vertical rows creates a very different look whilestill keeping everything integrated.

Peninsula 159Here’s a great look at this granite countertop. An island is a perfect place to showcase your granite choice, because the large expanse of open stone really displays the grain.

Don’t be afraid to make a daring choice for one or more of your options when designing your new home. And be sure to take advantage of the knowledge of your Fulton Design Center designer when determining which options will combine to help you create a home that demonstrates your taste and style.

A Beautiful Bath is all in the Details

Oasis at Freeman Farms 081Monday’s blog took a look at how finishing touches could dress up a kitchen. The same approach can turn a nice bath into an oasis in the middle of your home. Let’s check out the choices that are showcased in the master bath at the Fulton Homes Whitewater model in the Oasis at Freeman Farms community.

First, a double sink allows space for two to get ready for work in the morning. Many couples value their own sink, and both of these have plenty of counter space and storage.

Separating the two, a lower counter with a drawer provides the perfect place for styling –with a hair dryer and/or make-up. The comfy ottoman adds a splash of class with its simple cylindrical shape and luscious upholstery.

Oasis at Freeman Farms 082Warm tones enrich the look of this bath with gold/brown porcelain tile on the floor, different but still coordinated tile countertops, and inviting wallpaper carrying the gold tones up to the ceiling. Notice the backsplash behind the sinks. The small tiles set the space apart. The large mirror is framed to coordinate with the cabinetry – another option offered through Fulton Homes that creates a more finished look.

Oasis at Freeman Farms 083Oil-rubbed bronze faucets and lighting stay with the warm-toned theme. This finish has become a classic since its introduction and it works beautifully in both modern and more traditional homes. The light fixtures with their bronze bases and amber glass shades echo that warm feeling while their design stands out over the more standard bathroom fixtures.

These details separate this bathroom from a more basic look, and create a space that will serve as a particularly enjoyable spot to get ready in the morning and prepare for bed at night.

 

Power Shower Creates Good Mornings

Oasis at Freeman Farms 079With our busy lives, who has time to linger long enough for a bath in the morning? This master bath, part of the Fulton Homes Whitewater model in the Oasis at Freeman Farms community, offers a generous-sized shower option. Here are a few things that make this shower something to be appreciated.

Sheer size: No running an elbow into walls with this shower. With lots of space and dual shower heads, there’s room for two on busy mornings. For those with limited mobility, this shower has plenty of room for a seat, and the handheld shower head makes washing much easier.

Step-up entrance: Rather than dripping water through the bath, this side opening provides the perfect spot to towel off after a shower. Add a couple of bath mats – one just outside the entrance and another at the bottom of the step, and your bathroom floor will stay dry easily.

Light-rich space: The glass-block window just outside the shower combined with the clear glass shower surround provides plenty of natural light to help wake you up in the morning. The feeling is airy rather than over-enclosed.

Shower with style: The tile surround complements the rest of the bathroom. The row of decorative tiles running along the upper third of the shower area adds personality. The oiled bronze shower fixtures and trim on the shower surround connect with the sink faucets and bathroom lighting to create a feeling of indulgence.

How about giving yourself a chance to start your days with a power shower in a bathroom with this level of luxury? It will help you start every morning in a really good mood!

Finishing Touches make Kitchen Special

Oasis at Freeman Farms 072When designing a kitchen, you can easily get caught up in choosing just the right appliances, the perfect cabinets, and knock-out flooring. But don’t ignore the smaller decisions that can bring your kitchen from well-designed to wow! Let’s take a look at just a few of the finishing touches available at the Fulton Homes Design Center that help create a kitchen to turn heads.

Cabinet crown molding: These straightforward Shaker-style cabinets step it up with crown molding at the top. This is dentil crown molding – called that because the row of wood squares below the crown resembles teeth. This type of trim dresses the cabinets up and adds perceived value far beyond the minimal additional cost. Be sure to investigate your trim options when choosing your cabinets.

Pendant lights: These pendants have an industrial-appearing foundation with the look of matte iron, and a sharp squared-off glass shade. Add an amber tone to the glass and you have a stand-out sculptural look to these pendants. Check out the choices for pendants available at the Fulton Design Center and add that sophisticated and functional touch over your kitchen island.

Tile or stone trim: This kitchen’s backsplash is splashier thanks to the row of decorative stone running a few inches below the cabinets. Choosing to install a row of interesting tile or stone within a simpler pattern creates a much more interesting look with a minimal increase in cost. By adding a small line of the same stone as part of the tile surrounding the island, the two areas are tied together and both end up more interesting.

Each of these three choices had a minimal impact on this kitchen’s cost, but the result far exceeds the expense. So take the time to look at the details and create a truly special kitchen!

Fulton Homes Noon Salute

Fulton Homes has partnered with Kool-FM to recognize our country and those who serve it by sponsoring a rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” every day at noon on the radio station. Three local high school bands showcase their performances of the anthem every month.

The school with the best performance of the three for that month receives a donation of $1,000 from Fulton Homes for their music department.

Fulton Homes is pleased to support a sense of patriotism while at the same time providing some additional funds for high school music departments across Metropolitan Phoenix. With the diminishing resources for non-academic areas such as music and art, this donation can provide much needed dollars for updating equipment and purchasing new music.

Desert Vista High School in the Tempe Union High School District was awarded this month’s top honor. For more information on the award and some examples of local high schools performing, check out this link: http://kool.cbslocal.com/fulton-homes-noon-salute/

Fulton Homes is committed to giving back to the community, and this is just one example. To learn more, visit http://www.fultonhomes.com/news/fulton-foundation

Glass Block Allows Light and Privacy

It’s a challenge with a bathroom. You want natural light but without losing the privacy that this room requires.

Here’s a great solution. This bath, from Fulton Homes’ Rancho Mirage model at the Oasis at Freeman Farms community, uses glass block to provide both natural light and privacy in one.

In this location, right above the bathtub, privacy is critical, but standard window coverings could be awkward. With block, you don’t need any additional screening, and the glass itself provides an inviting clean look. Glass block works well in both traditional and modern environments, and gives an inviting backdrop for accessories such as the vase of flowers on the tub surround.

Another smart feature with this bathroom design is the clear shower surround. This allows the natural light, or the bathroom lighting, to shine into the space, providing plenty of comfortable light for showers.

This type of four-piece bathroom design is popular for master bedroom ensuites (or bed and baths combined into one suite) because you have the option of showers for quick mornings and a tub for long soaks in the evening. This helps turn the bathroom into a place to relax and unwind from a long stressful day.

The décor uses brown and gold tones on the wallpaper, accessories and towels. This design choice helps to warm up the space. If you prefer a cooler look, consider doing this bath in blue and white. The glass block will combine with those colors to create a seaside feeling.

As you plan your bathrooms, consider including glass block to solve the light/privacy challenge, and to dress up the room with this interesting design element.

Dual Levels Adds Charm to Patio

Once upon a time, many years ago, when people built a home they would have a rectangular slab on concrete poured outside their back door to serve as a patio.

Sometimes the homeowners would ask for a larger slab, or put a cover or awning over it. They might buy a redwood picnic table for eating outside, and maybe even a charcoal grill.

Well, that was yesterday, and today people have a different perspective on their outdoor space. It is often seen as an extension of the home and used for entertaining and family events. Even something as simple as having morning coffee and reading the paper outside warrants additional attention.

Fulton Homes offers options that create the outdoor space you want for your home. Take a look at this model-home yard from the Oasis at Freeman Farms community. Several design choices make this arrangement particularly appealing. Let’s look at a couple of them.

Varying levels: The second level adds the sense that there are several rooms to this yard. The upper level could hold a conversation area or just a comfy lawn chair and a table for afternoon reading. This option adds interest without a lot of additional expense.

Different surface textures: Using pavers makes the space feel finished and special. By separating some paver areas with gravel, including a grassy section, and creating a place for plants along the block wall, the yard has a planned, interesting presence.

Additional yard elements: The brick column, stone bowl with plants, and the low wall bring the outdoor space together even before furniture is added. Design elements such as these turn a standard yard into something different. Think about what you would like to do to add personality to your yard.

Two plus One Equals Flexibility

Many people these days appreciate the luxury of a three-car garage. This two + one design at the Fulton Homes Oasis at Freeman Farms community provides extra flexibility. Here are just a few of the possibilities of this choice.

Bonus room option: The one-car garage space can be converted to a bonus room. This could be used as a home office, home gym, playroom or even a man cave. Whatever you could use an extra room for – you’re ready. It can be changed and re-planned many times to fit you and your family’s changing needs. Consider adding some generic built-ins along one wall for extra storage.

Teenager car location: Are you concerned about your child’s aim when he or she comes into the garage? Does that auto of doubtful antecedents leak oil? Are you finding that garage clutter seems to multiply around your child’s vehicle? Well, give them their own garage and then you can just shut the door and pretend it doesn’t exist!

Garage-type storage space: Would you like your garage to look as beautiful and controlled as the ones in our models? How about using that extra one-car garage for bikes, sports equipment or other garage-related items? You could also look at it as a one-car main –floor attic and use it to store suitcases, holiday decorations and out-of-season clothes.

Your own private garage: Find that no matter what you do the double garage moves out of control? Between the kids and your spouse, a garage can become a large room-sized catch-all for various odds and ends. If you’re fighting a losing battle at home, claim the one-car garage for yourself. As you silently pull into your clean and inviting garage space, you can simply put that “other” garage out of your mind.

Whatever you choose to do with these spaces, enjoy the fun of making them yours when you live in this smart Fulton Home.

Tile Wainscoting Creates Charming Guest Bath

Guest bathrooms are often the throw-away rooms in a home. Smaller and more utilitarian, many people see this space as a place to save money. But because of its small size, a half-bath invites a few more luxurious choices. The additional cost is minimized by the limited square footage.

Take a look at this half-bath in the La Quinta model of Fulton Homes’ Oasis at Freeman Farms community. The flooring runs from the living space, connecting the bath with the rest of the home. But the color and finish choices make this space unique.

Smaller rooms can be compared to jewel boxes, because luxurious touches create an inviting and refreshing feeling. Choosing Kohler’s “Memoir” pedestal sink with matching toilet makes good use of the small space while adding an old-fashioned element to the style. The wainscoting is also an old-fashioned touch, but by using modified subway tile instead of wood it provides a nod to the bathroom function while adding a bit of a modern mood.

The space is beautifully finished with sophisticated green and gold wallpaper that integrates wainscoting and walls into a style-unified whole. The addition of one of Fulton’s framed bathroom mirrors and complementary accessories and art, and the final result is an interesting and appealing moment of style in your home.

Your guest bath sets a tone and sends a message to visitors about your design standards and aesthetic. Take the time and a little of your budget and make it something special rather than a throw-away space.