Category Archives: Design Inspiration

Tips for Filling out Your Shelves

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Display shelving is a great way to add character and charm to your home design. With so many shelving designs available today, shelving can be an effective way to help enhance your room’s design. Not all shelving units are the same; however, there are some simple tricks to make sure that your display shelf looks professional and not chaotic. Try adding these simple elements to your display units to make a weak storage area of a room feel like a strong focal point. 
 
Tips for Filling out Display Shelves: 
 
  • Theme
A display shelf is a perfect spot for applying your design theme. Whether modern, classic, rustic, or even eclectic, this is your chance to add character and elements to the room; try to pick décor that matches your theme and helps amplify the space. Be cognitive that every feature added to the shelf does not feel out of place yet helps enhance the atmosphere and overall design. 
 
  • Color
Most rooms will have a color theme. The rule of thumb is an area’s color theme should be divided into 60-30-10. Sixty percent of your room should follow a primary color. This is your main color throughout the area. The secondary color will influence thirty percent of the space. This adds a nice contrast and can be reflected in the room’s theme. Lastly, you will use the last ten percent as the accent color. Try to keep this rule of thumb in mind when adding décor to your display shelf.
 
  • Variety
Diversity is vital to make a display shelf not feel monotonous and boring. Think of your display shelf as the perfect opportunity to add character to the room. By incorporating visual elements that are not only intricate but also complex, it will help build a relationship of a robust variety. Mix hues, lines, textures, and shapes to help add different levels of visual elements to reflect your design theme.
 
  • Balance
Your display shelf should have a sense of unity and balance. How you arrange your décor can make the display shelf feel cluttered and chaotic or can make it look well-planned and very visually pleasing. The rule of three is a powerful but effective interior decorating trick. The practice implies that objects arranged in odd numbers will always seem more visually appealing. Using this when placing objects near each other on the shelf is a great guideline to keep your shelving looking top notch.
 
Decorating your shelves is a fun way to put your personal touch in your home. Keep in mind these simple four tricks, and your shelves will be looking crisp and clean. For more great interior design tips, visit us at Fulton Homes.

5 Best Wood Species for Furniture

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Wood furniture can be considered a prized possession in any home; it instantly adds texture, comfort, and style to your home’s decor. As a natural product, you can expect wood to have different in texture, color, and grain. Such variations are what make wood furniture pieces beautiful and unique. Have you ever wondered what wood species make for the best furnishing? Check out these five popular wood species that are commonly used in furniture: 

1. Beech

Beech is a type of wood that is heavy and strong. Beech usually has a tight grain with a smooth and even texture and has a natural light color. This type of wood is often used to make furniture that requires a bit of flexibility or bending like chairs. Beechwood furniture provides a natural, organic look and it has a solid density. Like most wood furniture, beech wood ages gracefully if it is maintained properly. 

2. Walnut

Formed by a beautiful, dark brown hue, walnut a very popular choice for furniture. With its distinctive grain, walnut is known for its hardness, durability and shock resistance. Authentic walnut furniture is generally more expensive than most types of wood furniture because walnut trees do not grow as often. Walnut is commonly found in furnishing that features dark stained finishes. As walnut furniture ages, you will see that it gets lighter and can turn into a rich honey hue.

3. Maple

Maple is another type of wood that is dense yet durable. This wood species is often used in cabinetry and furniture. Its straight-grain contributes to its uniform texture. Maple wood has different variations in color including reddish brown, white and lighter brown. Maple’s grain takes paint color well which is why it is used in painted wood furniture projects. 

4. Cherry

Natural cherry is pricey and a trendy choice for furniture and cabinetry. It is ultra-durable, and it has a distinct yet attractive grain. Cherry has medium brown color with pink undertones and can age into a reddish brown. 

5. Mahogany

Mahogany is a tropical wood species with medium hardness. The great thing about this grain is that it is resistant to moisture which means that it is less likely to warp or shrink. Mahogany has unique grain patterns that can take on swirls and other types of shapes. It is used to make more exceptional furniture pieces. This species has a light pinkish hue that quickly transforms into a reddish brown color.

Which wood species do you prefer in your home’s decor? We would love to hear your opinions below in the comment section. Thanks for reading! 

Decorating Tips for any Skill Level

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Decorating can be considered a form of art. It is, after all, expressing one’s creativity through design. If you find yourself struggling for inspiration, we have seven decorating tips that can be used by a person of any skill level. Let’s take a look. 

Decorating Tips for any Skill Level: 

1. A Splash of Color. 

Determining the color palette for a room can be a bit of a challenge. While there are literally thousands of colors out there, homeowners have the challenge of selecting just a few and making them all successful work in the design. To help beginners and even experts, we recommend building from a base color. The base color typically is a neutral, although if you feel quite confident in your designing abilities, it could be any color. Once you have chosen your primary color, you will want to elaborate off of that shade with other colors that pair well. If you find it difficult to find your base color, you can gain inspiration from the color wheel. What colors pop for you? 

2. The Magnificence of Mirrors. 

Mirrors are quite honestly, the best piece of decor. No matter what your skill level, you can probably agree that a mirror brings a lot to a space. Mirrors reflect natural light which in essence, brightens the area and opens up the room. When in doubt, add a mirror to the room. You may be pleasantly surprised by its effect. 

3. Accessorize. 

Accessories are an excellent asset to room decor. They tend to be the finishing piece of decor, but they serve a great purpose. Accessories help to build off of the current design while adding interest and sometimes, purpose. The accessories can help create a cohesive environment that projects “homey” vibes. 

4. Bring The Outdoors, In. 

Any design expert will tell you that plants have a lot to offer. Their green features help to add life and freshness to the space. While plants can add a special touch, be sure not to go overboard with incorporating them. It can be easy to get carried away with adding greenery, but you still want it all to flow. Try adding a plant or two in each space then build from there. 

5. Flaunt It. 

If you are blessed enough to have an ample amount of natural light, you should flaunt it. Incorporate sheer curtains and leave the windows open during the day to create a beautiful look. 

6. Senses.  

The five senses can play a huge role in your home’s decor. When people enter your space,  you want to captivate their senses. Whether it is music humming in the background, a warm vanilla candle filling the air, or a cozy rug to rest your feet, senses can take your space to the next level.

7.   Clear Clutter. 

Clutter can completely kill a design. Be sure to have your counters clear and clutter free. This way guests will be able to see the design in its entirety.  

We hope you enjoyed these seven decorating tips. Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments with us in the provided section. 

How to Bring Your Walls to Life

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Wall décor can make a big difference to the overall aesthetic of your space. Every designer knows how valuable wall décor is to complete a room. Not only can wall décor give you the opportunity to express yourself but it also enhances the design of your space. From shelves to pictures, here are six wall decors you need to consider adding to your space to balance out those bare walls:
 
1. Pictures.
Pictures are usually the first wall décor piece considered. Photos can be anything from a poster, canvas, or framed artwork. Framed art can express highly desirable character and add balance to your room by merely matching the frame with other woodwork and accents pieces found within the room. Get a big picture to make a statement or stack multiple smaller pictures to add charisma to the room. Be creative, images can be stack vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or even sporadically. Two long pictures can be placed in a room next to each other to amplify the height value of a room. Likewise, a long horizontal painting will visually add to the length of the room. You can even frame wallpaper to put a splash of color into the room without wallpapering every wall.
 
2. Shelves
Perhaps, the most functional wall décor to contemplate installing is shelving. Add floating shelves to store books and showcase houseplants. Do not be timid to stagger sizes of shelves on a wall. Corbel shelf can be a great solution to hold candles or other display pieces. You can even install wall-to-wall shelving to serve as a headboard with functional storage or underneath a television to amplify your entertainment system’s appearance. Consider standalone shelving to be placed against the wall to add balance and symmetry.
 
3. Tapestry
Wall tapestry is another sophisticated option to add an elegant look to your walls. Textile art is a great way to decorate your walls while adding warmth to the atmosphere of the room. Hanging tapestry can be done in a variety of ways other than just hung flat against the wall. You can hang tapestry around curve walls which is an excellent option for rounded rooms where pictures cannot hang. Try hanging the textile art pieces to create a canopy look above a bed or couch or even using a rod. With so many designs and styles to choose, wall tapestry is perfect for giving a room your personal touch.
 
4. Wall Art
Contemporary, rustic, abstract, you name it; there are thousands of different varieties of wall arts to incorporate into your place. Adding sculptures to your walls will give that desirable three-dimensional flare your home needs. Copper coverings, brass panels, abstract murals, even mosaic backsplashes are great to turn a boring wall into a grand marvel. Try putting decorative keyholders with chalkboards, taxidermy mountings, and clocks in rooms to add to your room’s theme and ambiance. Incorporating wall art that best expresses you and the room’s theme will revolutionize your dramatically.
 
5. Mirrors
Mirrors are imperative to consider because they can transform a visually confined space into a much larger spectacle. Large mirrors are perfect for big walls, especially in areas where you may want to see yourself before exiting the room: bathrooms, entryways, foyers. Smaller mirrors can be framed or bought in sets to add above couches or as a backsplash behind a dining room table. Mirrors will also help spread light throughout a dark room and help boost the energy.
 
6. Lighting
Correspondingly, a great way to amplify your room’s appearance is installing more lighting. Light rails hung on walls will not only add to the energy in the room but can also be used to spotlight focal points in your space. Hang rail lights above a picture or a couch to create a livelier environment. Wall lights can come in a large variety of shapes on styles. Adding Edison bulbs to an antique copper sconce can give a room a rustic look whereas, contemporary wall lights can be fun to arrange throughout your room giving a more modern edge. Finding the perfect light will rejuvenate a lifeless room into a lively sanctuary. Contemplate, whether you want dimmable lights as well. Dimming lights are great additions that can change the ambiance with ease.
 
With so many options to contemplate, you can understand why interior designers see so much value in wall décor. It can recreate the environment with lightings or add value to the atmosphere with pictures. Having a better idea of these options to consider will aid you in your quest for creating your perfect home.

Tips for Adding Vibrancy to a Kid’s Bedroom

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When designing a kid’s room, you may be tempted to drench the walls in a bold and vibrant hue to give the room some personality. After all, a kid’s room is supposed to be fun and energetic. But before you begin adding color here and there, experts say you can still create a vibrant look while keeping the walls as a neutral-based color. Here’s how:
 
Determine Your Accent Color.
Accent colors are one of the many ways you can add a sense of playfulness to your child’s room. When picking out accent colors to implement in the design scheme, you can use your kid’s favorite color as inspiration. Here are a few ways you can add bold and vibrant colors without changing the wall colors:
 
  • Removable Wallpaper.
Stick and peel wallpaper is available in a variety of colors, textures, and designs. It is even manufactured in designs such as camouflage, animal prints and other types of patterns that help dress up a wall. Removable wallpaper effortlessly adds a fun nature to the room, but it also looks mature enough to stay on the walls as your child gets older. 
 
  • Furniture and Accessories.
Make a big statement with the furnishing and accessories that you pick out for your child’s room. For instance, a floral bed set or a bright red headboard will add a lot of style to the room. You can even use colorful picture frames on the walls for extra style. Try doing some creative like painting the dresser their favorite color or let the child put their own personal touch on it by putting their handprint on it. Bold colored accessories will stand out against the neutral-toned walls.
 
  • Wall Decals.
Create a custom design on the wall with wall stickers or decals that can be easily removed. Wall decals can feature your kid’s favorite cartoon character, shapes, or confetti-inspired designs are also trendy. You can let your child decorate the walls as they desire with the wall stickers and you will not have to worry about fixing it later since they remove easily. 
 
  • Accent Rug.
Add a hint of color with an accent area rug. Whether it is pink or a bold pattern, an accent rug can add some vibrancy and texture to the room while pulling together the whole design scheme. 
 
For more expert design tips, be sure to check back weekly. Thanks for reading! 

A Garage Makeover

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If you have a garage, you probably just use it for parking your car; however, there is so much more potential for your garage than viewing it as just “a space.” Consider your garage as part of your home, if you are okay with parking outside or have extra space in your garage, here are some awesome garage improvement ideas!
 
  • Storage Shed
Usually, the secondary use for a garage is storage. Do not just make it a cluttered mess though. Building shelves is a great way to maximize your space and optimize your organization. Hang bikes from the ceiling with hooks, and put sporting equipment in bins and baskets. Try to separate items, perhaps splitting up the outdoor garden and lawn care equipment from fun outdoor activity storage.
 
  • Workshop
Build your garage into your workshop. Have a workbench and a place for your toolbox. You can even use a pegboard to hang your tools as well and even create it into a shadow board, so you know when something is missing. Tailor your workshop to the work that you will be doing in there. If you enjoy carpentry, add room for your saws and install an easy-to-clean sawdust floor. Whereas, if you plan on working on your car in there, you may want flooring that is slip resistant or can easily remove oil.
  • Mancave
Make your garage your getaway retreat from home. Install whatever you desire in your new mancave! Put seating and your favorite form of entertainment. Whether you put a billiards table, television, video games, or bar, make sure your entertainment can handle the room temperature. If you live in an area with extreme heat conditions, you may need to invest in insulation and a temperature control unit.
  • Home Gym
Put some rubber floor down or keep it concrete. Your garage will make the perfect spot for your home gym. Not only will this save you on dragging heavy gym equipment into your home, but your garage can handle the weight. Put a folding squat rack on the wall to tuck away when not in use. There is so much new weight equipment being design today for your garage space in mind. You can even some mirrors up and a treadmill and be ready to go. Design your gym to tailor your training style.
 
As you can see, there are many more uses for a garage than just parking your car inside of it. Try creating a space that will accommodate to your desires. You can do your whole garage or split it in half. Be creative when designing your garage and remember it is part of your home, so use it!

Simple Ideas for Decorating

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Have you ever entered a room and been instantly drawn to its decor? There is just something about that space, and you cannot quite put your finger on it. How does one master the art of decorating? Is it a trait you are born with having? While these questions may be going through your mind, we are here to assure you that you can master the art of decorating with our eight simple ideas. Then you too can have the space that everyone is desiring. Let’s take a look!  

Simple Ideas for Decorating:

1. Your Reflection. 

Mirrors are a designer’s best friend. They reflect natural light to create a more open, brighter space. Plus, you can incorporate some stylish mirrors to feature a beautiful twist on the classic look. 

2. Always Accessorize. 

Another easy way to add style to your space is through accessories. Chic clocks, modern art, and rustic lights are examples of accessories that can add personality and style. 

3. Go Green.

Greenery can add life and beauty to your room without taking away from the other decor. You can even incorporate plants in different ways. From hanging plants to windowsill succulents, you can create a homey feel with added greenery. 

4. Au Naturale. 

If you are lucky enough to have it, natural light can be a considerable asset inside of your space. Not only does natural light brighten up the space, but it can help make your room feel more open and big. And in turn, a more open space feels more inviting for guests. Just be sure to use the proper type of curtains to ensure you are letting in light. For example, sheer curtains can be stylish and functional for allowing natural light to flow throughout the space. 

5. Splash of Color. 

While neutrals are soothing and a traditional choice, there is something special about a splash of color inside of a room. With a tasteful addition, you can add personality and style to your space just by incorporating some color. From a bold bedspread to an electrifying sitting chair, the options for adding color are endless. Just be sure to limit yourself. You want to be sure that the room is not overwhelmed by the amount of color. 

6. Be Bold. 

Decorating is your chance to be unique. Be bold and different with your design and let your creativity go wild. You can even gain inspiration from others through online boards, magazines, and television shows. 

7. Texturized. 

Texture can help add dimension to your space. You can incorporate visually stimulating pieces that have a soft or unique texture. For example, blankets, pillows, and rugs can be used for style, but they can also be used to add texture and detail. 

8. Clear out Chaos. 

The best way to make your design plans go the furthest is to clear out any clutter. Make sure countertops are clear off non-decorative pieces and try to keep your space clean and clutter-free.  

We hope you enjoyed these tips! Be sure to check back weekly for more. 

How to Style a Coffee Table

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The coffee table just may be the most neglected piece of furniture in the living room. It is much more than just a place to set the remote and magazines. In fact, all the swoon-worthy living rooms that you see in home decor magazines and on social media have one thing in common, a chic coffee table. That is right, with the right accessories, you can make your living room coffee table become the focal point of the room. Let’s see how!
 
How to Style a Coffee Table: 
  • Make a Statement. 
It is always great to have a coffee table that makes a statement all on its own. From intricately shaped legs to bold hues with patterns, there are so many different coffee tables on the market. If you want to add some interest to your living room, choose a table that helps to make a statement and add to the overall design. 
 
  • Chic Basket.
Baskets and coffee tables mesh together well. Not only are baskets super functional because they help collect your tabletop items and create a sense of organization, but you can use them to create chic vignettes. Start off, by picking out an eye-catching basket, organize a few objects within the catch-all, and top things off by adding a scented candle and small vase with flowers.
 
  • Style with Books.
Believe it or not, books are more than just a reading material. Did you know that they are interior designers’ go-to accessory? Books, specifically, can add dimensions to the coffee table’s flat surface. Whether it is just one book or a stack of them, they add style to the tabletop, especially when you incorporate in a few accessories like tray or basket. For an easy and clean look, stack books within the same color scheme. You can also go bold and mix together books with different palettes or patterns.
 
  • Accent with A Game. 
One unique way to dress up your coffee table is to accent it with a game board like a collector’s chess set, oversized dominoes, or tic tac toe set.
 
  • The Space Underneath.
Do not forget about the space underneath your coffee table. You can stylishly stash throw pillows or accent it with chic stools.
 
There are numerous ways you can dress up your coffee table. Get creative and make the design special to you. 

Expert Tips for Mixing and Matching Patterns

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Using multiple patterns within a space can seem like a daunting task. With so many choices out there, you do not want to make the wrong selection and end up having an overwhelming design. To help you, we have created a guide consisting of four tips that experts use to mix and match patterns. Let’s take a look!  

Expert Tips for Mixing & Matching Patterns: 

1. Odd Groupings = Success. 

Interestingly enough, odd groupings work well in the design world. We are not sure why, but this concept creates an interesting and well-balanced look that is loved by all. While searching for the perfect mixture of patterns, you will want to start off with groupings of three, five, seven, etc. To help you understand the concept a little better, you will want to choose three pattern pillow designs from the options below: 

1. Pattern One: Large Scale; Organic Design. 

2. Pattern Two: Medium Scale; In-Organic/Geometric Design. 

3. Pattern Three: Small Scale; Organic or In-Organic Design. 

  • A geometric (inorganic) pattern would be things like chevron, stripes, plaid, etc. 
  • An organic pattern would be things like vines, flowers, swirls, leaves, etc. 

2. Same, Same. 

When incorporating different patterns, you will want to have one similar color that is found in both designs. For example, if you have a floral pillow matched with a vertically striped pillow, you would want one of the colors from the floral design to be found in the vertical stripes. This will help create congruity and consistency throughout your mixing and matching. 

3. Balanced Out. 

The placement of your patterns can play an essential role in the design. You want to watch where you put your patterned objects because misplacement can weigh down a side of the room. Ideally, you will want the patterns to create a balanced-out look in order to create a visually appealing design. 

4. Be Wary of Whites. 

Mixing and matching whites can cause a bit of an issue. With so many differences and undertones, you may find yourself trying to mix an off-white with a bright white, and this look is not flattering. To help avoid a mismatch, we recommend veering away from whites as often as possible. 

We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks. Let us know what you think in the comment section. 

The Ultimate Guest Bedroom

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Guest bedrooms are one of the most exciting rooms to decorate in a home. You can explore your creativity and make it into an incredible space. No matter where your guests are visiting from, a guest room offers them an escape from their everyday life and routine. For tips on decorating your guest bedroom, we have created four steps towards making the ultimate guest bedroom. Let’s take a look! 

How to Create The Ultimate Guest Bedroom: 

Step One: Get The Mindset. 

When you are traveling, you are bound to forget something at home. Whether it is a cell phone charger or a toothbrush, you left it and you are struggling to figure out a plan. Be your guest’s saving grace by preparing a basket or drawer for their travel needs. You can add things like: 

    • Toothpaste
    • Toothbrush
    • Towels
    • Deodorant
    • Cell Phone Charger
    • Hairbrush and Hairties

Step Two: Consider Your Routine. 

When you get ready in the morning, what are some of the things you cannot live without in your bedroom? Add these items into the guest bedroom that you typically use every day to help them will they are staying with you. You can add: 

    • Alarm Clock
    • Full-length mirror
    • Desk 
    • Nightstand with a Lamp

Step Three: Create Comfort. 

A guest bedroom is meant for sleeping and getting ready; therefore, the bedroom should be comfortable and functional. Make sure to provide extra pillows and blankets for your guests in case it gets cold at night. Also, you will want to leave space in between furniture so that they do not bump into things with their suitcases. Lastly, buy a nice bed and comforter for comfort. It may take some time to save for a quality bed but your guests will appreciate a good night’s rest. 

Step Four: Always Entertain.

You may not be there to entertain your guests at all hours; therefore, the bedroom should provide some entertainment. You can add

    • Various books 
    • Magazines
    • A Television (Plus, a Gaming System) 

How do you make your guest bedroom special? We would love for you to share your tips and tricks with other readers. Thanks for reading!