Category Archives: Design Inspiration

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.

Trendy Ideas for Wall Decor

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Do your walls feel bare and ultimately make the room feel uninviting? It is totally okay! We have all been there. In order to master your room’s potential, you need to take advantage of that bare wall space, and we have six trendy ideas for you! Let’s take a look.

Trendy Ideas for Wall Decor:

1. Up in The Air.

If you are looking for a wall decor idea that is as functional as it is stylish, floating shelves can be the perfect choice for you. They provide additional store and the ability to display unique decor pieces on them. Plus, if you are looking for the most recent floating shelf trend, we recommend letting your shelves expand from wall to wall. This brilliant idea creates clean lines and provides an excessive amount of storage. It looks great in dining rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms.

2. Galleria.

Upon the classics, a gallery wall never goes out of style. Each year, we learn new ways to make it up more updated and trendy. This year, we recommend using the same type of frame for all of the photos. This helps to create a clean, consistent look that is absolutely breathtaking. That being said, the size can differ in each frame. 

3. Framed.

Frames are not just for pictures nowadays, but you can include things like fabric, wallpaper, graphic prints, or postcards inside of them.

4. Sketch.

Wall stencils can be a great way to add stylish detail to your walls. Plus, they are easy to do! With a paint of can and a stencil, you can completely reimagine your bare walls.

5. Jetsetter. 

Maps are not just for gathering directions. You can use a map as a piece of decor that displays all of the fun, unique places that you have traveled. We recommend adding colorful pins to mark the destinations that you have been. You can even add photos of you in that location near or on the place. This helps to add a personal touch to the art.

6. Found Treasures.

Antique shops are a great place to find unique treasures that can make your home a little more special. You can incorporate rustic keys in a gallery wall or hang old artwork to spice up your walls.

Do you have a trendy idea for wall decor that you would like to share with other readers? We would love to hear below in the comment section!

Must-Have Home Accessories & Decor Pieces

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A room can appear rather dull without accessories and decor pieces. What was once boring can be brought to life with a few key pieces. If you are searching for design inspiration, we have created a guide of seven must-have home accessories/decor pieces. Let’s take a look!

Must-Have Home Accessories/Decor Pieces:

1. A Natural Element.

Plants can create a beautiful feature piece within a space. From succulents to flowers, plants provide a delightful, refreshing twist to the classic decor pieces. Plus, with plants, you can bring in natural elements. The things that we all love about the outdoors are featured when you incorporate a plant in your decor. The plants will help to create an inviting, refreshing space that cannot be mastered by any other decor piece.

2. Window Treatments.

The stylish treatments that you use for your curtains can help elongate the space while incorporating a vast amount of natural lighting. Curtains can be a great accessory piece for all homes because whether you choose patterns or a pop of color, it can provide a flattering finish to your space.

3. Light The Way.

Lighting is essential for setting the mood and overall tone of the room. Not only can you incorporate stylish fixtures, but you can install light options that help create a sense of completeness. For example, you could install dimmers for the night time or track lighting in dark areas of your room. Lighting is all about your perspective and personal opinion.

4. Added Comfort.

There is something oh so comforting about a cozy area rug. Area rugs are great ways to add that homey look you desire without taking away from the current flooring. Plus, they can help dress up the space. They provide a much-needed backdrop to your furniture pieces while blending into the overall decor.

5. Wall Pieces.

Do not let your walls be bare this season. Walls are the perfect opportunity to add a little bit of flair and fun. From large mirrors to stunning artwork, your walls can express a fun, creative nature and add to the overall decor.

6. Make a Statement.

No matter what, we recommend finding a focal piece to make as the statement of the room. Whether it be dressing up the fireplace or framing the gorgeous bay window, find your focal point and run with it.

7. Play with Texture.

Texture can play an important in the overall design scheme. Most homeowners breeze past the thought, but it can help create a sense of comfort. Try adding pieces that incorporate unique textures into your space. It does not even have to be an area rug or blanket; you can add texture through artwork, light fixtures, etc. Get creative with it.

What accessory could you not live without having? We would love to hear your feedback in the comment section.

Inspiring Seasonal Colors that Work Year-Round

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Fall is the perfect season to gain design inspiration for your home. During these breezy months, you can find beautiful, warm colors and hues that can work in your home’s design. For fall inspiration, stayed tuned because we have six fall colors that work year-round: 

  1. Espresso Brown. Inspired by the deep tones found in nature, espresso brown can make a subtle appearance in your space as an accent color or even a wall color. For a dramatic look, you can purchase furniture in this deep shade. This color looks almost black; therefore, it goes with nearly every color out there, and you do not have to worry about it clashing with anything.
  2. Burnt Orange. The autumn trees inspired us to love this particular color because of its warm and breezy hues. Burnt orange looks great as an accent color in patterns or as a statement piece. You can transform an entire room with this beautiful “orangey” hue.
  3. Sienna. We like to think of Sienna as a more natural color that does not stand out as much as burnt orange but helps tie together your browns, oranges, and reds. It works well as an accent piece to tie together other hues. 
  4. Mustard Yellow. If you are looking for a statement, mustard yellow is here to take charge. Using yellow in your decor is anything but subtle, and that is why we love it. You can try using this color in areas of your room that you want to draw attention. If you are feeling extra trendy, you can try to use it as your base color.
  5. Garnet Red. This is a beautiful, deep red that embodies elegance and power. We absolutely love this color for sofa chairs, decorations, or a wall color. Garnet Red needs a powerful place for its compelling look. 
  6. Plum. If you are looking for a deeper shade than garnet red, plum purple is the shade for you. This rich color is soothing to look at and provides a full body of drama in one shade. The deep plum may be too dark for a wall color but works well for decorations and accent pieces.

For more design and color inspiration, be sure to visit our blog hub. 

How to Organize a Kid’s Room Like a Pro

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Let’s be honest; a child’s bedroom and playroom are not the most organized room in the house. They tend to get messy, fast. But fear not, there are ways to avoid the messiness and focus on maximizing the room’s organizational potential. For tips on how to organize your kid’s bedroom like a professional, keep on reading! 

How to Organize a Kid’s Room Like a Professional:

Tip #1: Hide-and-Seek.

Hide-and-Seek is not only a kid’s game, but it can come in handy when organizing your child’s bedroom. You want to “hide” the toys and only “seek” them when it is playtime. A great way to hide the toys is by putting them in plain sight. Fun animal-themed baskets and decked out treasure chests will do just the trick. If you are blessed with a closet in the bedroom, you can replace the closet door with a curtain. The curtain will provide a little more leeway for extra room. You can also place a dresser inside of the closet and use it for extra storage. For your kid’s more attractive toys, like toy firetrucks or dolls, you can place them on a shelf to be displayed. By utilizing toys for decor, you keep them off the floor while adding to the overall design. 

Tip #2: Get Hooked.

Wall hooks are a fantastic storage technique. They provide a place for winter jackets or dress-up costumes. Whatever your use may be, consider using hooks in your child’s bedroom for storage. Plus, you can buy wall hooks to fit the style of your kid’s bedroom and help add to the overall design. 

Tip #3: Labeled.

Label your child’s items to help them during the cleaning process. Bins and drawers can have small, clear labels placed on them for reference. By doing this, you can help your child take responsibility of their room.

Tip #4: Where Monsters Go.

The space underneath your child’s bed is the perfect place to store items you do not use frequently. Out-of-season clothing or underused toys can be placed underneath the bed. Be sure to buy roll-out bins for easy access.

Tip #5: Double-Duty.

Wherever you can add extra storage, do it. You can purchase cubed chairs that are hollow on the inside of them, and use this empty space to store your kid’s reading books and coloring items. Plus, they can use the cube chairs for tea parties or storytime. It is dual-purpose and twice the fun. 

We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks. If you are looking for more expert advice, please check out our blog hug. Thanks for reading! 

Inspiring Design Hacks to Transform Your Patio for Autumn

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When it comes to home investments, you may not think of exterior modifications right away, and maybe, it is time to change your way of thinking. Autumn is the season to enjoy the outdoor weather and experience the beauty of change. Hosting outdoor festivities and gatherings is a great way to encapsulate this change through your home. Tailoring your patio for the seasons and adapting to different criteria can be a daunting task at first but the reward is well worth the time invested. As some of the Arizona trees begin to alter their leaves with a crimsons and golds spectacles and the nights grow longer, change is inevitable. We put together three simple fall patio changes worth your investments. Let’s take a look!

Fabulous Firepit

A great social modification to your patio is adding a firepit. Yes, even in Arizona. Plus, there are so many budget-friendly options as well as some very classy, elaborate setups for homeowners to select their favorite. Decide which investment best suits your house, design, and budget. Also, consider the number of people you plan on hosting. If you plan on entertaining large groups, you will want to add more seating to accommodate everyone. Lastly, make sure the firepit is well kept, and no trees are overhead that could catch fire.

Feature Fall Decor

Exterior decor can make a powerful statement outside your home. Adding hay barrels and pumpkins is an easy way to adapt your home for the fall season. Fall is harvest season and adding creative reflections of that around your outdoors can boost your home’s exterior value and fall pride. Try incorporating scarecrows and even decorating for Halloween to add flair. Plus, with Thanksgiving around the corner, it is also an excellent opportunity to add other festive pieces to your design.

Functional Furniture

Make sure you get the proper patio furniture. This is your chance to add your taste and design style outside. The exterior design option can be branched from bar seating to chairs or even stools. Designing your patio with the right seating and furniture is crucial for adapting your patio to become an outdoor hangout. Try buy autumn theme cushions or even a fun fall colored umbrella to help amplify your seasonal pride. Make sure you have different gathering spots and tailor your patio to accommodate the events you may host. You may also want to get a grill or set up an outdoor kitchen to make cooking and serving easier outdoors.

Investing in your patio this season is a great way to improve your home. It shows you care about your home and take pride in even the exterior.

Decorating with Antiques: Mixing Old and New

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Perhaps one of the biggest interior design myths is that you should not mix old pieces with new ones; however, there is no reason that your grandma’s “old” plates have to be confined to the attic. The easiest way to create a monotonous room is by sticking to pieces that reflect a single style period. In fact, the most stylish rooms are designed with different design elements that are both old and new. While you are shopping for edgy, modern items, you will want to consider how you can pair the new pieces with antique accessories.

If you live in a standard space that lacks unique architectural elements, adding vintage items in the midst of contemporary pieces will add character to your home. Antiques are great decorative pieces because they usually tell a story and the fact that they have stood the test of time is just amazing. It is essential to utilize a neutral color scheme to pull off this effortless look. Neutral colors will not distract from the design, instead contribute a beautiful canvas space for the pieces. Now, decorating with antiques does require some skill. While you do not want your home to be a recreation of a museum, it is also dull for your room to look like an exact replica of the furniture store’s showroom. To master the balance, here are some tips for mixing old items with the new pieces in your design:

Repurpose

Many antique collectors like to purchase vintage items and convert them into something more useful or display them in a way they were not created to use. For instance, a vintage dress can be cleaned and used as a hallway table, old Victorian chairs can be reupholstered entirely with a funky patterned design to look completely different, and a treasure trunk can be used as a coffee table.

Grouping Similar Items

If you have a few vintage items you want to showcase in a room, you can try grouping the “like” items in one area. You can give your antique dishware a home in the dining room armoire or build a shelf to hold your antique collections. This way, they are displayed in the same area and create a feature piece rather than a sporadic design.

Mixing Elements

The best way to make antique items stand out in a room is by combining them with contemporary pieces. Modern furniture enhanced with vintage accessories is a great way to start. A modern coffee table with an antique lamp makes for an eclectic design and beautiful balance. If you feel a little unsure, mix in old decor pieces slowly. You can build up the room over time to help your space remain balanced.

While mixing old with new sounds like a challenge, we hope our top three tips make you confident to tackle this project. For more expert advice, please visit us at Fulton Homes. Thanks for reading!