Refreshing your Arizona home for the summer can involve bright, airy designs that help counter the heat and bring a fresh, inviting feel. Here are some creative decorating tips from interior designers that you might enjoy:

1. Light and Bright Colors

Paint: Choose light, cool colors like whites, soft blues, and pale greens. These colors reflect light and make spaces feel cooler and larger.

Accessories: Incorporate bright, summery colors through throw pillows, rugs, and other accessories. Think of colors like turquoise, coral, and sunny yellow.

2. Natural Elements

Materials: Use natural materials such as wicker, rattan, and light woods for furniture. These materials have a breezy, relaxed vibe.

Plants: Add indoor plants like succulents, cacti, and air plants. They not only thrive in the desert environment but also bring life and a touch of nature indoors.

3. Sheer Curtains

• Window Treatments: Replace heavy drapes with sheer curtains. They allow natural light to filter through while still providing some privacy and keeping the room feeling light and airy.

4. Cool Fabrics

• Textiles: Swap out heavy fabrics for lightweight options like cotton or linen. Use these materials for bedding, upholstery, and throws to keep things cool and comfortable. Changing out heavy bedding and adding a bright throw pillow can make the entire room feel lighter and brighter!

5. Outdoor-Inspired Decor

• Theme: Incorporate elements that reflect the beauty of the Arizona desert. Think about using desert-inspired artwork, pottery, and textiles with southwestern patterns.
• Outdoor Spaces: Extend your living space outdoors with comfortable seating areas, shaded with pergolas or umbrellas. Use outdoor rugs and cushions to make it feel like an extension of your home.

6. Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces

• Mirrors: Strategically place mirrors to reflect light and make rooms feel larger and brighter.
• Reflective Accents: Use glass or metallic accents to add a touch of sparkle and enhance the sense of space.

7. Minimalism

• Declutter: Embrace a minimalist approach by decluttering spaces. Fewer items on surfaces and walls can make a room feel more open and cooler. This is great to do any time of year!
• Functional Furniture: Choose furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes to maintain a clean and spacious look.

8. Rug Swap

• Rugs: Use lightweight rugs in high-traffic areas to add comfort without trapping heat.

9. Ceiling Fans

• Air Circulation: Install ceiling fans in living spaces and bedrooms to help circulate air and keep the rooms cooler.

10. Aromatherapy

• Scents: Use essential oil diffusers with scents like citrus, eucalyptus, or lavender to create a refreshing and calming atmosphere.

By incorporating these tips, you can create a cool, comfortable, and stylish summer retreat in your Arizona home. Got other tips and hints for fellow Fulton Homes owners? Leave us a comment! Check out our Summertime board on Pinterest for fun summer ideas, recipes, beverages and more!

When designing the perfect living space, it’s all about creating a balance between aesthetics and comfort. In this beautifully decorated model, several key design elements come together to form a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Let’s break down why this room works so well from an interior design standpoint.

Color Palette

The color scheme in this living room is a harmonious blend of neutral and earthy tones. The walls are painted in a warm beige, providing a soothing backdrop that allows the furniture and decor to stand out without overwhelming the space. Accents of deep blue, green, and natural wood tones add depth and interest, creating a balanced and serene environment.

Furniture Arrangement

The furniture is thoughtfully arranged to encourage conversation and relaxation. The seating area, consisting of a sofa and armchairs, is centered around a large TV and entertainment unit. This setup not only makes the television the focal point but also ensures that everyone has a clear view. The use of a plush area rug helps to define the seating area and adds an extra layer of coziness underfoot.

Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right ambiance in any room. Here, a combination of recessed ceiling lights and table lamps provides both general and task lighting. The ceiling fan with a light fixture adds a practical yet stylish touch, ensuring the room stays cool during Arizona’s warm months. The lamps, with their elegant green bases, also serve as decorative pieces that enhance the room’s aesthetic.

Decorative Elements

The decor in this living room is a perfect example of how to use accessories to add personality and warmth to a space. The shelves flanking the TV are adorned with a mix of books, vases, and decorative objects, creating visual interest and a sense of lived-in comfort. The potted plants and floral arrangements bring a touch of nature indoors, adding freshness and vitality to the room.

Textures and Patterns

The use of different textures and patterns adds depth and dimension to the design. The smooth leather of the armchair, the soft upholstery of the sofa, and the sleek surfaces of the wooden furniture pieces create a rich tapestry of tactile experiences. Subtle patterns on the throw pillows and curtains introduce visual variety without clashing with the overall design scheme.

Window Treatments

The window treatments in this room are both functional and stylish. The white plantation shutters offer privacy and light control, while the dark blue curtains frame the windows beautifully, adding a pop of color and a sense of elegance to the room. The combination of shutters and curtains also allows for flexible light management, making the room adaptable to different times of the day and moods.

This living room by Fulton Homes is a great example of thoughtful, balanced design. By combining a harmonious color palette, well-arranged furniture, effective lighting, and carefully chosen decorative elements, the space achieves a perfect blend of style and comfort. Whether you’re looking to relax with a book, watch a movie, or entertain guests, this room provides an inviting and functional environment that caters to all your needs.

At Fulton Homes, we believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality and a sanctuary where you can unwind and connect with loved ones. Ready for your next home? Find your next home with Fulton Homes!

Transforming your home into a beautifully designed space doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a few clever hacks, you can give your home a luxurious feel that seems like you’ve hired a professional interior designer. Here are some easy and affordable tips to elevate your living space.

1. Clever Paint Choices

One of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to transform any room is with paint. Choose neutral colors for walls to create a clean, timeless look. For a bit of drama, consider painting your ceiling a slightly lighter shade than the walls or add an accent wall in a bold color or with a textured look using wallpapers.

2. Mix High and Low

You don’t need to splurge on every item in your room. Mix higher-end pieces with budget finds. Invest in a couple of key pieces that stand out and are frequently used, like a good sofa or a comfortable bed. Pair these with less expensive decor items from thrift stores or budget-friendly stores.

3. Upgrade Your Lighting

Lighting can dramatically alter the mood of a room. Replace outdated fixtures with chic lamps or modern chandeliers that make a statement. Consider using a variety of light sources, such as floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces, to create a layered lighting effect that adds depth and warmth.

4. Add Molding and Trim

Architectural details like crown molding, baseboards, chair rails, and wainscoting add instant charm and character that suggest bespoke interior design. These can be surprisingly affordable and, with a bit of DIY effort, easy to install.

5. Decorate with Plants

Greenery brings life, color, and a breath of fresh air into any space. Use a variety of plants in different sizes and types to create texture and visual interest. If you’re worried about upkeep, high-quality faux plants can have a similar effect without the maintenance.

6. Play with Textures

Mixing textures can make your space feel rich and layered. Combine a variety of materials through furnishings and accessories like a velvet sofa, a wool rug, silk curtains, or leather chairs. This variety can create a sensory experience that feels curated and luxurious.

7. Focus on Stylish Storage

Reduce clutter with stylish storage solutions. Use ottomans that double as storage, attractive baskets, or vintage trunks. Well-organized spaces naturally feel more elegant and thoughtfully designed.

8. Artistic Touches

Art pieces can be great conversation starters and add a personal touch to your home. You don’t need expensive artwork to make a statement. Look for pieces at local art shows, online marketplaces, or even create your own art. Arrange smaller pieces together in a gallery wall to tell a story.

9. Accessorize Thoughtfully

Less is often more when it comes to accessorizing. Choose a few quality pieces rather than a multitude of smaller items. Think large vases, statement bowls, or a stack of artistic books. These can make your space feel less cluttered and more intentionally designed.

10. Mirror Magic

Mirrors are not only useful for making a space feel larger but can also bounce light around a room, making it feel brighter and more open. An oversized floor mirror or a group of decorative wall mirrors can add a lot of style and dimension to any room.

By implementing these simple hacks, your home can reflect a sophisticated and intentional design without the hefty price tag of a professional interior designer. Get creative and let your personal style shine through your decor choices. Happy decorating!

Welcome back to the second installment of our exploration into 2024’s home decorating trends in Arizona. Building on the concepts we introduced in Part 1, we’ll now look at additional trends that are shaping the way Arizonians style their homes.

Trend 5: Bold Geometric Patterns

• Description: Bold geometric patterns are making a big comeback, inspired by both modern and traditional Southwestern designs.
• Application Tips: Use these patterns in throw pillows, area rugs, or wall art. They can add a pop of visual interest to any room without overwhelming the space.

Trend 6: Biophilic Design

• Description: Biophilic design, which aims to connect inhabitants more closely with nature, is particularly fitting for the Arizona landscape.
• Application Tips: Incorporate living plants, natural light, and elements like water features or stone accents to bring the outdoors inside. This trend not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes wellbeing.

Trend 7: Smart Home Technology

• Description: In 2024, smart home technology is not just about convenience; it’s about integrating technology seamlessly into the home’s design.
• Application Tips: Use smart lighting to create different moods, install smart thermostats for energy efficiency, and consider smart window treatments to manage the intense Arizona sun.

Trend 8: Artisanal and Handmade Elements

• Description: There’s a growing appreciation for artisanal and handmade pieces, reflecting a desire for unique, story-filled items in our homes.
• Application Tips: Seek out local artisans for custom furniture or decor. Handcrafted pottery, textiles, and artwork can add a personal touch that mass-produced items simply can’t match.

These trends highlight a move towards more personalized, environmentally conscious, and technologically integrated homes in Arizona. By embracing these ideas, you can create a living space that is not only stylish and contemporary but also deeply connected to the unique environment and culture of Arizona. Remember, the key to successful home decoration is balancing trendiness with your personal style and practicality. Enjoy the journey of transforming your home into a space that truly reflects who you are.

Welcome to the first part of our two-part blog series, where we dive into the most exciting home decorating trends of 2024, tailored for the unique beauty and challenges of Arizona living. In this series, we’ll explore how the vibrant landscapes and cultural richness of Arizona influence contemporary home design, offering practical yet stylish ideas to transform your space.

Trend 1: Earthy Color Palettes

• Description: 2024 sees a shift towards earthy, soothing color palettes in Arizona homes. Inspired by the desert landscape, colors like terracotta, sandy beige, and muted greens are making a significant impact. These colors not only reflect the natural surroundings but also create a calming, serene environment.
• Application Tips: Incorporate these colors through wall paints, textiles, and decorative accents. Combine different shades and textures to add depth and interest.

Trend 2: Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces

• Description: With Arizona’s sunny climate, the blending of indoor and outdoor living spaces is more popular than ever. The trend focuses on creating seamless transitions between the interior and exterior of your home.
• Application Tips: Use large, glass sliding doors to connect the spaces. Outdoor furniture that matches the interior decor can also help unify the spaces. Consider installing outdoor kitchens and comfortable seating areas for year-round enjoyment.

Trend 3: Sustainable and Local Materials

• Description: Sustainability is a key trend in 2024. Arizona homeowners are increasingly seeking locally sourced, eco-friendly materials.
• Application Tips: Use reclaimed wood for furniture and décor, and choose locally-made ceramics and textiles. Supporting local artisans not only reduces carbon footprint but also adds a unique, regional touch to your home.

Trend 4: Textural Contrast

• Description: The interplay of different textures is becoming a hallmark of Arizona home décor. This trend is about mixing materials like smooth ceramics, rough stone, and soft fabrics.
• Application Tips: Combine a leather sofa with soft throw pillows, or place a sleek metal lamp on a rough-hewn wood table. These contrasts create a dynamic and inviting space.

These trends offer a starting point for transforming your Arizona home into a stylish oasis that respects and reflects the natural beauty and culture of the region. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll delve into more exciting trends and tips for 2024.

You’ve visited a model home and were instantly captivated by the upscale allure, harmonious design, and the comfortable yet modern vibe. Whether you own a Fulton home or are simply looking for that high-end designer touch, the secrets to achieving that model home look are closer than you think. Here are the first of several steps to help you transform your living space into something out of a design magazine.

1. Start with a Clean Slate:

Before you even think about décor, declutter your space. Model homes are captivating because of their simplicity. By keeping only the essentials and your most cherished items, you’ll free up space for your new design ideas.

2. Consistency is Key:

Pick a color palette and stick with it throughout your home. This doesn’t mean every room should be the same color, but rather there should be a harmonious flow from one room to another. Soft neutrals mixed with occasional bold colors work wonders.

3. Texturize and Layer:

Model homes often feel luxurious because of the depth created by different textures and layers. Incorporate various fabrics like velvets, silks, and cotton. Add textured rugs, throw pillows, and blankets to give a room depth.

4. Lighting Matters:

The right lighting can transform a room. Ensure you have a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Update old fixtures to modern ones. Consider investing in dimmer switches or smart lights to alter the mood with ease.

5. Artfully Arranged Bookshelves:

Don’t cram every book and knick-knack you own onto your shelves. Instead, organize books by size or color, use stylish bookends, and intersperse with attractive décor pieces or plants for a more aesthetic look.

6. Opt for Large Scale Art:

One statement piece often has a more significant impact than several smaller ones. A large painting or print can instantly elevate the room and serve as a focal point.

A model home look isn’t about spending a fortune but making intentional choices about your décor and how you arrange your space. In our next part, we’ll delve deeper into more specific touches you can add to enhance every corner of your home.

Decorating a room with neutral-colored walls offers a lot of flexibility because neutral tones can act as a perfect backdrop for many different styles, color palettes, and décor pieces. Here are some tips to help you decorate your neutral space:

1. Incorporate Textures and Patterns: Use a variety of textures to add interest to the room and prevent it from feeling flat. This could include items like a knitted throw, a velvet couch, or a shag rug. Additionally, patterns can bring depth and complexity to a neutral space. Consider patterned pillows, an intricate rug, or a statement piece of wall art.
2. Use Pops of Color: Although your walls may be neutral, that doesn’t mean the rest of your decor has to be. You can add bright, bold colors to create contrast and focal points in the room. This could be in the form of colorful throw pillows, vibrant artwork, or brightly colored furniture.
3. Mix and Match Shades of Neutral: Just because it’s neutral doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Try mixing different shades of neutral colors, like cream, beige, and brown, to create a layered, sophisticated look.
4. Invest in Statement Furniture: Since your walls are neutral, you can afford to go bold with your furniture. Consider pieces with unique shapes, textures, or even colors.
5. Add Plants: Greenery can provide a lively contrast to the neutral colors and adds an element of freshness to the room.
6. Play with Lighting: Warm or cool lighting can dramatically change the appearance of a neutral color, bringing out different undertones. Layer your lighting with a mix of overhead, task, and ambient light sources to create an inviting space.
7. Incorporate Metal Accents: Gold, silver, brass, or even black metal can add a modern touch to a neutral color scheme. You can incorporate metal accents in picture frames, lamp bases, furniture legs, or accessories.
8. Use Mirrors and Glass: Reflective surfaces can break up the neutrality and add a sense of depth and light to the room.
9. Layer Rugs: Rugs not only add texture and pattern to a room, they also offer an easy way to incorporate additional neutral or colored elements into the space. Layering rugs is a popular interior design trend and can make a room feel more inviting and complex.
10. Add Personal Touches: Last but not least, make the space your own. Add family photos, artwork, travel souvenirs, or any other items that have personal meaning to you. These items can add life and personality to a room with neutral-colored walls.

Remember, decorating should reflect your personal style, so feel free to use these tips as starting points and adapt them to suit your own taste.

A living room is one of the most important spaces in your home, as it is often where you spend the most time relaxing, entertaining guests, or simply hanging out with family. A well-designed living room can also make a big difference in how you feel about your home overall. If you’re looking for some tips on how to design or update your living room, here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Consider the layout: The layout of your living room can have a big impact on how functional and comfortable it feels. Before you start decorating, think about how you want to use the space and arrange your furniture accordingly. You may want to create separate zones for different activities, such as watching TV, reading, or playing games.
2. Choose a focal point: A focal point is a design element that draws the eye and anchors the room. In a living room, this might be a fireplace, a large window, or a piece of artwork. Once you’ve identified your focal point, arrange your furniture around it to create a cohesive look.
3. Play with color: Color is a powerful tool in interior design, and the colors you choose for your living room can have a big impact on its overall feel. Consider the mood you want to create and choose colors that support that goal. You might also want to consider adding pops of color through accessories like pillows, rugs, or artwork.
4. Mix textures: Texture is another important element in interior design, and mixing different textures can add depth and interest to your living room. Consider incorporating elements like plush rugs, woven baskets, and upholstery to create a cozy and inviting space.
5. Don’t forget lighting: Lighting is key in creating a comfortable and functional living room. Make sure you have a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create the right mood and functionality for different activities.
6. Add personal touches: Finally, don’t forget to add personal touches that reflect your personality and style. This might include family photos, artwork, or decorative objects that have sentimental value. These touches can help make your living room feel like a truly personal and inviting space.

With these tips in mind, you can create a living room that is both stylish and functional, and that reflects your personal style and taste.

There is nothing quite like having the opportunity to escape everyday life and getting lost in a foreign place. If you have ever fallen in love with a destination, you know that a vacation’s end is often met with melancholy. So how can you bring a piece of heaven back to your home so that you always remember that special destination? 

Most travelers look to souvenirs to serve as a reminder. Often, when cheesy souvenirs are implemented in a home’s decor, which can tend to look tacky. How can you best embrace your love for travel in your home’s design scheme without overpowering the design? The key to implementing travel into your interior design without disastrous results is moderation. To help you master incorporating travel in your design, we created two simple tips. Let’s take a look! 

Using Souvenirs in Decor

When traveling, try skipping the cheesy souvenir shops that only stock tacky knick-knacks. Instead, you will want to select pieces that will fit in with your home’s decor. It can be a hand-painted bowl that you can sit on your kitchen countertops or a handsewn quilt that you can throw over the couch.

When using souvenirs from foreign places in your home’s decor, you want to do so moderately. Be sure to do so with sophistication and sparingly. That means if you went to a beach destination you should avoid decking the walls in seashells or accessorizing your tabletops with bowls of shells. Instead, display seashells like artwork. Select one unique piece and display it in a way that it stands out on its own.

Simple pieces such as a scented oil from the area or pottery plates that you bought to eat dinner on every night can serve as a reminder of your travels. 

Avoid Theme Decorating

As much as you may love Hawaiian colors, instead of painting the walls those bold colors and using Hawaiian inspired fabrics throughout the house, you can incorporate elements of the theme subtly. You can feature a large painting of your beloved destination. 

Your mementos from your travel should not completely alter the decor of your home. Instead, it should be individual pieces that add to it and causes you to relive that feeling of being on vacation.

When designing a space, it is essential to consider the mood you want the room to portray. You can make a room feel more inviting by adding seating, carpet, and even certain sounds or smells. You can, likewise, make a room feel more relaxing by incorporating different design elements as well. However, nothing quite sets the mood of a room, quite like the colors we choose. 

Color Psychology 

All colors have individual psychologies attached to them. If you were to see pink in a baby’s room versus blue, it might insinuate something different. Likewise, the colors we choose in our homes can help depict certain images. Do you want a room to feel creative or sophisticated? Are you looking to make a statement or keep your space feeling neutral? These are all questions you should ask yourself before choosing a color. 

Warm Tones 

Warm tones can make a room feel more inviting. You may want to incorporate these in a room where you plan on inviting guests or hosting company. Warm tones include colors like red, orange, and yellow. These colors can all work together to help create your inviting space. 

Using a neutral tone that complements these tones is also ideal. While beige and tan are neutral tones, they can enhance the power of many warm tone colors. Likewise, grey is a subtle, neutral color, yet may be best used with complementing cool tone colors. 

Using Colors to Set the Mood 

A general color scheme is divided up into the 60:30:10 rule. These are the ratios in which you choose your colors. You can give one color 60% dominance over the room while the other two colors are given 30% and 10%, respectively.  Typically, you would give 60% to a neutral color; however, this is not written in stone. Creating a mood board prior to your design can allow you to envision a finished product of your design and give you more design freedom.

Remember, while colors are influential in your décor, and lighting will also amplify this effect. Be sure to add adequate lighting to help enhance any color scheme you choose. If you’re looking for ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest for inspiration!