Category Archives: Design Inspiration

Creating a Gender-Neutral Nursery

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Did you just receive the wonderful news and now you are an expecting parent? We know this is an exciting time, but we also know this can be a stressful time. You immediately start thinking of a million things to do. Many expecting parents today are choosing the option of creating a gender-neutral nursery while staying away from the traditional blue and pink palettes. This can be a perfect solution for parents waiting to find out the gender of their child at birth. If you are interested in a gender-neutral nursery, we have some suggestions that will steer you in the right direction for creating the perfect nursery. Let’s take a look!

Color Schemes & Themes

Begin by choosing your corresponding color scheme and theme to pull the room together. You do not necessarily have to pick white or beige colored walls, but selecting a neutral wall color allows you to bring in other colors, patterns, and designs wherever you see fit. Think of the walls as a blank canvas, and what you add is the actual art.

Murals & Wall Decals

You do not have to be a talented artist to create a mural that corresponds with your theme. Painter’s tape is a wonderful tool to mark off various shapes, or tape off horizontal, chevron or vertical stripes. Simply paint the taped-off design with coordinating paint colors. If you do not have the time or patience to create and paint a design, research the hundreds of peel and stick decals that are on the market. Choose themed decals like jungle scenes, nature scenes, alphabets, or numbers to liven up the room. Believe us; you will have no problem finding decals to match your theme.

Furniture

If your walls are a neutral color, and your style is traditional, white or off-white is a safe choice for furniture. You can introduce a contrasting color with your mural and decals. If you are more adventurous, choose a darker color for the walls like navy or gray that will contrast with white trim and white furniture.

Accessories

Depending on your theme and color palette, choosing accessories is always the fun part of the project. Accessories including area rugs, lamps/light fixtures, window coverings, bedding, floor pillows, and stuffed animals can be functional yet stylish pieces that add to the overall design. Introducing contrasting colors to the nursery is easily achieved with the accessories you choose.

We hope you all the best and have fun creating the perfect sanctuary for your little one! Please let us know the outcome of this very special project.

How to Design a Coffee Bar in Your Home

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Coffee is our fuel which keeps us going through the day. If you are a coffee lover, you know how important coffee is to your sanity, and since your home is your sanctuary, maybe you should dedicate some space to this necessity in your life. Coffee bars are great to add to your home and do not require a ton of investment to begin creating. You can have your coffee bar in your kitchen, office, or even your bedroom. If you are looking to create your own coffee bar, here is everything you should consider adding to it:

The Essentials

To create your coffee bar, you will need to have a few coffee essentials present. Decide how you plan on brewing your coffee. You can add a Keurig, a coffee maker, an espresso machine, a pour over maker, or a french press. You can even invest in a hot plate and brew your coffee wherever you decide to set up the coffee bar. Just make sure to get some coffee mugs or to-go thermals as well. Add anything to your coffee stand that would typically be added to your coffee. You may want to include creamer, sugar, sugar alternatives, honey, and milk. For items that need chilled, you may need to invest in a mini fridge for the area. Consider having clean-up items readily available under your coffee station like paper towels or rags in case any accidents may occur.

Brewed Your Way

Not an avid coffee drinker? That is okay. A bar is still a great option to add to rooms for aesthetics and entertainment. You may want to create an alcohol bar with some of your favorite drinks readily available. You can have a reach-in fridge with chilled beverages or even install a kegerator for instant brews. You can also create a dessert or and an “hors d’oeuvre” bar. Find the perfect remedy for your home or tailor your bar to your guest or events.

Appearance is Everything

Your coffee station does not need to be solely for functionality. Consider decorating it to make it a fun focal point in a room. You can make a DIY chalkboard, install floating shelves, display your mugs, and even add some plants for added character. You can even create a shabby chic look with a distressed, whitewashed coffee stand or a more modern look with floating shelves and a metal end table. The possibilities are endless.

A coffee bar can be aesthetically pleasing and a great addition to your home. You can put it in your dining or living room or even in some place further away from the kitchen in your home. A coffee bar can make your coffee making experience even more enjoyable. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe.

Understanding How Texture is Used Throughout Design

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When it comes to designing an interior, considering “texture” is often an afterthought. Texture is an element of design that can be defined as “the sensations that are evoked by the external surface that one can feel through touch.” In fact, think about how it feels to sink your feet through a plush carpet, or the feeling of a leather couch beneath you. Texture can be perceived as either tactile or visual. Tactile is the actual feeling of an object such as smooth or rough. Visual texture is what one thinks an object may feel like, and visual texture assumptions are made based on the material of the object. So, you may be wondering what the importance of texture in interior design is? We are here to tell you in two brief points; let’s take a look! 

Texture Adds Visual Weight 

Texture adds visual weight to a space. Rougher surfaces can make a space feel intimidating while softer texture can give off a luxurious feel. When a designer mixes the two textures together in a space, it is often to create balance. Since rougher surfaces can feel heavier, we recommend implementing a distance/space between the two pieces to help harmonize the design. 

Texture Can Create Balance 

Of course, when using texture in your design, be sure to keep in mind balance. While contrast is essential to create emphasis, you do not want to go crazy by using too many textures. Utilize no more than three textures in one space because using too many makes the design scheme feel overwhelming. Be sure to only use textures to highlight the most important areas in the room. You can easily implement texturized decor in your home through architectural elements, furnishings and decor items such as rugs and textiles.

What are your thoughts on texture? Do you find yourself using it a lot in your design or not often enough? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

How to Convert Your Spare Room into a Home Gym

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Your New Year’s Resolution was to start going to the gym this year, but there is one problem: it is February, and you have yet to begin.  You cannot find the time or the energy to put in a workout after a long day of work.  When you get home, you just want to relax and unwind a little before you go out to the gym.  Before you know it, you now have successfully relaxed, and it does not make sense to leave anymore.  But remember, nothing changes if nothing changes.  So, maybe it is best to bring the gym to you.  You can convert that spare bedroom into your new and improved home gym and here is how:

Discover Your Training Style 

The worst thing you can do is invest in equipment you will never use.  Decide what training style is best suited for your goals.  You do not want to invest in a total body home gym if you plan on following a bodyweight fitness instructional video.  Likewise, do not buy a Pilates Reformer Machine if you want to use free weights and dumbbells solely.  Whatever your personal goals are, they should be reflected in your equipment.  Gym equipment can be expensive, so make sure you are investing in the correct places. 

Design Your Space 

A room’s atmosphere and design are essential.  You do not want to dread going into your home gym every time.  Create a fun, energetic environment by making sure there is an adequate amount of lighting, mirrors, and colors that will attract you back into the atmosphere.  Even as a home gym, this space should still incorporate a sense of design.  Make sure the room is never too dreary or uninviting, but be cognitive of creating to comfy of a room because you may not accomplish what you set out to achieve. 

Create Time and Build a Habit 

Once you create your space, you have to develop the habit. Decide a time, either before or after work.  Make sure you spend a minimum of fifteen minutes in the space.  The goal is to create a habit.  Results will follow.  You can up your time as the habit develops.  Do not get distraught if you miss a day.  The important factor is to make sure you return to your workouts the next day.  One day will not ruin your results, but do not let it ruin your habits. 

Creating your gym is the first step in conquering your goals.  Stay focused and do not let the task feel daunting.  Balance the workouts with proper nutrition, and be ready to set forth on a journey to chasing your new body.

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.