Category Archives: Design Inspiration

Deck Your Halls

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Stop neglecting your hallways.  Just because they are not “rooms,” does not mean they should not be decorated or expressive.  Your halls are utilized daily and the gateway between rooms. There are so many great ways to spruce up these narrow spaces without being obtrusive.  Check out below and see our top three best hallway hacks to use in your own home:

Art Gallery

Your hallways do not need to be bland.  Be expressive by adding in a gallery wall with various pictures and 3D artwork. With a collection of photos, your hallway can go from mundane to marvelous.  You can even incorporate different size frames and images to add a creative twist.

Stripes

Painting stripes on the wall can create an optical illusion.  By taking a long hallway and running lines horizontally, you can make the hall appear longer.  You can also go vertically to make the ceiling seem higher.  Plus, stripes can be used to help incorporate color to the corridor.  This timeless hallway remedy is perfect for enhancing your space.

Mirrors

If your hall seems small or tight, trying to add excessive color or decor can just clutter the space more.   Instead, add mirrors to open up the area.  The mirrors can allow light to travel more freely as well as eliminate visual boundaries.  Mirrors can really rejuvenate your corridors. Try adding them throughout or at each end for best results.

Runners

Adding a carpet runner is a great way to add texture to the space.  Texture is great for all areas of the home.  It can give your halls a more three-dimensional feel.  Long hallways can often feel cold and dark without proper lighting or the right flooring.   Investing in a runner is a great way to “cozy up” the area as well as add texture.   With many custom rugs available, you are guaranteed to find the perfect runner for your space.

Spruce up your halls this year by adding color, rugs, decor, mirrors, and more.  How will you enhance your hallways? Let us know your tricks below in the comment section.

How to Select The Right Artwork for Your Home

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When designing a room, the artwork you chose can become a strong focal point and guide the direction of the design.  Selecting artwork can be a bit challenging at first, but in the end, it is rewarding.  First, you need to determine what you are trying to express in the room through your design.  Picking a picture that feels forced or unneeded can hurt the atmosphere more than it can help it.  We put several rooms and suggestions to help guide you on your journey. Let’s take a look!

Master Bedroom

Your master bedroom is your domain to unwind and relax.  Selecting artwork that can tone down the space is a great start.  If possible, consider hanging artwork above the bed or directly across on the opposing wall.  It can create or reinforce the focal point in your room’s design.  If your bedroom has colors you have incorporated into its theme, find a picture that complements the theme and brings it full circle.

Living Room

Living rooms are areas designated more for hosting guests and having family time.  You can add more fun, upbeat artwork in these rooms.  You can apply many different strategies and even consider having a gallery wall.  The art you choose to express in this room can become the talk of the room and encapsulate the theme.  Since we typically spend the most time in our living rooms, it is essential to get it right.  Add life to the room with your artwork and use other pieces to accessorize and add to the décor.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and should never be ignored.  Try adding fun, food, and health provoking artwork.  Set the mood by selecting creative pictures to this space.  If you can find pieces to complement your cabinetry, backsplash, or other accents in the room, even better! Kitchens allow homeowners with the opportunity to add some flair and funk back into their design without seeming misplaced or misguided.

Do not be intimidated by adding art to a room.  It can be a way to guide and finish off a design.  A picture says a thousand words and can quickly create your room’s atmosphere.  Search online and pin ideas you would like to have in your own home.  Finding the perfect picture for your home can be challenging, but the result is fantastic.  For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our email!

Four Reasons Why You Should Choose a Round Rug

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Are you shopping for the perfect rug for your living space? If so, you may want to think about opting for a circular rug as opposed to a traditional square rug. When shopping for an area rug, many people tend to overlook round rugs. Furniture typically has sharp right angles and edges which is why most steer towards a classic rectangle shape.

If you are anything like us, you like to be unique and embrace your creative style. These are just two of the many reasons why we love circular rugs. Not convinced yet? Check out our four reasons why you should have a circle rug:

Emphasize a Circular Element 

If you want to highlight a statement piece like a round dining table or elegant chandelier, you can do so with a round area rug. Using a traditional rectangular or circle shaped rug will completely underscore the accessory or furniture piece, but by opting for a round rug, you bring attention to the element and add harmony in the design.

Highlight an Architectural Feature 

Curved architectural features are unique, and you should take any opportunity you can to showcase them. You can embrace such a striking structural feature by pairing it what a beautiful round rug which makes it a more notable feature. Use colors and patterns with your rug choice to make it an echo of the curved structure.  

Layering an Existing Rug 

Tired of looking at the same, boring rug? You can layer your old rug with a round, new rug. It is also an ideal solution if you have been looking for a way to introduce colors or patterns to a neutral room. A round rug is an unexpected accent piece that can make a statement in a space.

Visually Increase The Size of a Room 

Want a small room to feel bigger? Using a round rug in a small room is a trick that designers use to make it appear larger than it actually is. The curve of the rug inspires the eye to move around the arc of the space.  Also, the furniture appears fanned around the room with this featured piece.

What do you think? Do you like the idea of a round rug? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

 

How to Use Tropical Colors in Your Home’s Design

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Summer may feel like a ways away, but before you know it, spring will be making its entrance in March. While we have to wait for winter to end, right now can be a great time to consider redecorating your home in light, airy vacation colors. From bright, sunny yellows, bursts of oranges and lush greens, tropical colors can also be used to warm up your home.

Using tropical hues in your home does not mean that you have to paint your accent walls or other architectural features with vivid colors. Nor do you need to swap out furniture. Instead, when going with a tropical design, less is always more. So what does that mean exactly? Let’s take a look!

Light Fixtures

Swapping out bland or neutral tone lighting fixtures for ones that give a tropical or festive vibe can help add life to your space. Try to find fixtures that feature Carribean hues like orange, coral or canary yellow. You can even get creative and opt for fixtures with organic elements like seashells to truly capture the look. You may be surprised how switching out such a simple decor piece will attract the attention of your visitors.

Accent Pillows and Throws

An easy way you can use tropical colors in your decor is by incorporating pillows and throws that have beachy colors. This is an inexpensive way to make to recreate that lovable vacation-feel in any room.

Beach-Inspired Accessories

If you really want to make a significant impact, you can accessorize different rooms with beach trinkets. Seashells, beads and other island-themed accessories can be used to emphasize the tropical theme; however, you do not want to use a lot of these accessories within one space because it can be overwhelming and distract from other design elements in the room.

Patterns and Textiles

Do not be afraid to use vibrant island colors on your textiles and patterns. You can use tropical colors in your furniture fabrics and even on the floors with an area rug. Be sure to mix and match solids and patterns to create the perfect island look.

What is your favorite part of tropical design? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

Must-Try Wall Decorating Ideas

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Your walls structure the overall design of your rooms.  Investing in wall décor can make a massive impact on your room’s overall aesthetics.  Think about it, your walls are like a blank canvas.  You can use them to express yourself and enhance the design of your room.  Do not leave your walls empty and bland.  Try incorporating these simple tricks to your space to spruce up your walls this year:

Tapestry

Your walls can come to life by adding textured and patterned tapestry.  This textile wall decorative can indeed add substantial warmth to your room. In fact, wall tapestry is excellent for insulating your rooms and comes in a wide selection of colors and patterns.  Hanging tapestry is simple, stylish, and easy. You can incorporate a canopy look or even use rods to change up the style seasonally.

Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words. Photos are great for creating a focal point inside a room.  You can use an image with particular colors that you are trying to highlight within your space.  Consider using a picture that adds to your theme or helps create a statement.  You can even get a large picture for the room or add a bunch of pictures in a gallery wall setting.  The fun, creative ideas are truly endless.  Just be sure to invest in frames that complement your space.  Look for frames that match your woodwork or consider going with neutral frames like black or white.

Shelves

Perhaps, the most functional wall décor you can try to add to your home is shelving.  Shelving is excellent for showcasing décor yet also serves a functional purpose for storage.  Consider floating shelving under your television to store electronics or maybe a bookshelf in your den for reading. These are all great ways to help add to your space, cover a wall, and keep the space functional and beautiful

No matter what route you choose to go, enhancing your walls is the perfect way to spruce up your home’s design.  Just remember to consider your theme and the colors you want to highlight within your space, the rest will follow. Thanks for reading!

 

What Should I Hang Above My Sofa?

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Have you still not figured out what to hang in that empty space above your sofa? Well, it is time to stop deliberating because filling this space with something chic can transform the entire look of your living room. You can use this space to create a focal point in the room’s design. Plus, there are several ways you can accent your couch by spicing up the blank slate above it, and we have a few ideas for you:

1. Use Personal Artwork

Do not be afraid to showcase your skills. You can fill this space with your own artwork, or perhaps, you have a little artist in the making? You can let the kids get creative on a large canvas and use a floating frame to give it a finished look. Using personal artwork is a great way to add personality to your home.

2. Basket Collection

Are you looking for a unique way to use the space above your couch? Consider displaying a collection of baskets by hanging them on the wall over the sofa. To pull this look off, stick with one basket color scheme and use a variety of sizes.  You can use clear thread to make a hanging look.

3. Large Canvas

Oversized artwork can really make a space look chic, especially when it depicts a unique or bold image; however, oversized artwork can be expensive, so it is time to exercise those creative options. You can try taking a curtain with an intricate design and stretching it over a large, blank canvas to simulate the look of something professional.

4. Wall Tapestry

You can use large, expansive textiles to dress up the area behind the sofa. Wall tapestry adds a flair of elegance that is hard to achieve with anything else.  Do not be afraid to select textiles with a bold pattern and a lustrous texture. You can suspend a wall tapestry using a rod with interesting hardware.

5. Family Photos

Of course, pictures of the family is a great way to make use of the empty space. Let us take a different spin on the concept. Instead of traditional photos, you can have a silhouette painted of each member of the family and hang it above the sofa. This creates a classy look that is as unique as it is stylish. 

For more great tips and tricks, visit us at Fulton Homes. 

Guide to Buying The Perfect Couch

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There is nothing better than curling up on the sofa for a bit of relaxation at the end of a long day. If your couch is nothing more than a “make-do” piece of furniture, you probably will not get the same level of satisfaction. Believe it or not, buying a couch should not be an impulsive purchase because it will be one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home. If you want a sofa that stands the test of time, here is the ultimate guide for buying the perfect couch.

Comfort
Comfort is an important factor when shopping for a sofa. You will find that with a new couch, what you see and feel is usually what you will get. That is why you should take a look at what is going on underneath the upholstery. The couch you end up purchasing should have an excellent support structure as well as expert quality and craftsmanship. These factors can be a big indicator of what you can expect for its lifespan.

Proportion
It is also vital for your new sofa to be able to fit the dimensions of the designated area; therefore, you will need to take into account the shape and size of the space. When you find a sofa that you think will fit inside the area, be sure to mark its measurements. Make sure you leave enough room to be able to create a walkway as well as an inviting conversational area. Also, the sofa should be proportionate to the size of the room. If you have a small living room, a huge couch will not leave enough room for anything else. Keep in mind these different factors while determining your purchase.

Function
If you have a family, you will want your sofa to be able to seat everyone in the household. Consider opting for two sofas that can fit together like an L-shape or even a sectional couch. Sectional couches should be upholstered in a durable fabric that is easier to maintain.

Frame
A sturdy frame is essential for a long lasting couch. Sofas with a high-quality wooden frame are best. A pine or greenwood frame are less quality pieces of wood which warp over time. The frame should be secured together with nails as opposed to staples.

Filling
Foam cushions are popular because they are inexpensive, but they deflate almost instantly. The most expensive filling will consist of feathers. The seat cushion should be firm and regain its shape immediately when you rise. You can sample a couch’s structure inside of a showroom by seeing how its shape refills.

Let your home be your escape from everything stressful, and you can begin the journey by choosing ideal furniture pieces like a cozy couch.

For more expert tips and tricks, be sure to visit our blog hub at Fulton Homes. Thanks for reading!

How to Work with Zebra Print

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Do you love zebra print but do not know how to use it in your decor? While colors pack a lot of punch, patterns can have a dramatic effect. Using a zebra print pattern can be tricky because it can be considered bold and busy. To help you master it, here are some tips for using zebra prints in an attractive way:

1. Combine with Lots of Neutrals

Perhaps the easiest way to incorporate zebra prints is to use lots of airy whites and sheer materials. Even mixing in this pattern with hues of gray will help it to blend in with the decor seamlessly. Gray and white colors, when combined with a zebra print, create a feisty and sophisticated feel. Zebra print can be a great way to create a look that is inviting yet stylish.

2. Upholstery

Do not be afraid of using zebra prints on your upholstery. We often think that our furniture has to match, and often times, this is far from the truth. Using a zebra print slipcover over your living room chair or sofa will make the piece stand out against all your other pieces.It can create a bold statement piece that is absolutely beautiful.

3. Accessories Take a Backseat

From your antique case to your favorite unique pieces, we love our accessories. When working with a bold print like zebra, the accessories should be kept to a minimum. You do not want your accessories to compete with the print, but rather, it should complement it.

4. Use Colors

If you are more on the daring side, implementing bold colors with a zebra print may be for you. Luckily, zebra prints go with literally every color out there because it is made up of white and black. Play around with some ideas and get creative with your color choices.

5. Area Rug

If you are not interested in going all out with the zebra print, you can use hints of the print throughout your room. A zebra pattern area rug against your furnishings is guaranteed to add a pop.

6. Accessories

You do not have to overwhelm a space with a zebra print to make a statement. You can use accessories with a zebra print design sparingly throughout the room. For instance, a zebra blanket on your bed or zebra stripe decorative tape on the wall will add lots of visual interest.

How do you incorporate fun patterns throughout your space? We would love to hear below in the comment section.

How to Pick The Perfect Accent Chair

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From deep, soft leather chairs to traditional upholstered chairs, when it comes to shopping for an accent chair, there is a variety of options. If you are having trouble finding the perfect accent chair, know that there is one out there that fits your personality as well as the decor of the room. To help, we created a list of different accent chairs that may be suitable for your space. Let’s take a look!

1. Classic
If you have more of a traditional style, you will most likely appreciate a timeless design. Materials like leather, wood, and heavy, rich fabrics are common for classic style accent chairs; however, if you are interested in incorporating a classic style with a bit of a twist, you may choose to go with a bold upholstery color or pattern. Believe it or not, a classic style accent chair can work with all types of home styles including, contemporary, country farmhouse, and even industrial. It is all about making such classic pieces relevant. Consider reupholstering a traditional chair with a punchier color like mustard yellow, forest green, or maroon to create a powerful statement.

2. Sophisticated-Chic
Do you enjoy the finer things in life? If your style leans more towards sophisticated pieces, you are probably drawn to accent chairs that are elegant but have something unique that sets them apart from what you usually see. Remember, sophisticated chairs do not need to be boring or stuffy. You can find a stylish, sophisticated chair that adds interest without taking away from the room’s overall mood. If you do opt for a sophisticated, chic accent chair, you will want to keep the other elements in the room neutral so that the accent chair can take front and center stage.

3. Ultra Modern
If you consider your style to be ultra-modern, you would be interested in what is trending right now. Modern style accent chairs have clean lines and unique silhouettes which makes them stand out and look good from afar. Look out for contemporary styles, and try mixing different contemporary styles together within the same space.

4. Boho
If bold hues and unusual patterns do not scare you, boho is for you. With Boho design, you mix together different patterns to create a flawless design. If you cannot find an accent chair that speaks to your soul, you can even make one. Consider reupholstering a traditional wingback armchair, or try layering it with prints and colors. Be sure to keep a consistent color to create a harmonized look.

What accent chair speaks to you the most? We would love to hear below in the comment section!

How to Style Throw Pillows Like a Pro

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From vibrant, bold hues to jazzy patterns, throw pillows are a fabulous way to accent or spice up the bed or sofa. Whether you are decorating the couch in the living room or the bed in the master room, putting together the right combination of throw pillows can be much harder than it looks. In fact, mixing patterns and colors is an art. Here are some secrets for styling throw pillows like a professional:

Don’t Make This Mistake

Perhaps the biggest mistake that homeowners make when selecting throw pillows is playing it too safe. The great thing about such an accent piece is that they are typically used sparingly which means that you have room to play around with pattern and color without overwhelming the space. As the most significant piece of furniture in the room, the sofa or bed is usually a neutral color. Using neutral colored throw pillows can create a whitewashed effect. If you have a neutral bed or couch, we recommend throwing in some pops of color to brighten up the space and add style. 

Meshing Throw Pillows With Your Decor

Are you worried that a specific throw pillow will not work well with your room’s decor?  Vibrant colors and patterns work well in any space as long as it harmonizes with something else in the room such as a piece of artwork, the rug or even a chair.  A throw pillow can look out of place in a space if it does not match well with anything in the room. Create a cohesive look by seeking inspiration from another element in the room.

The Secret to Mixing Patterns

The key to tastefully mixing patterns is finding a common link between the patterns. Different patterns can look great together when they use a similar color or tone. Solid colored throw pillows mesh well with both large and small scaled patterns. Mixing solid hued throw pillows with patterns creates a balanced yet playful look. Avoid mixing more than three different patterns together in one setting. 

Where Should You Place Throw Pillows?

So where is the best spot for throw pillows? This largely depends on the set up of the sofa or the bed. Most designers will recommend placing throw pillows at the end or the corners of the seating area or bed. For a large couch or bed, you will need at least two throw pillows at both opposite ends. Leaving the midsection provides ample room for sitting or laying down.

Remember to keep functionality in mind as well as have fun with it. Designing is a unique expression of style. Do whatever makes you happy and you will not be disappointed.