Category Archives: Home Tips

Tips and Tricks for Creating a Guest Bedroom Getaway

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It is always rewarding to host guests. Creating an atmosphere which is inviting and welcoming is key to being a good host. If you plan on allowing your guest to stay overnight, you will need to prepare a guest room. Plus, having the perfect guest room does not need to cost you an arm and a leg. You should, however, treat your guest how you would want to be treated. There are several elements which can make your company’s stay a better experience. Here are our top guest room essentials to ensure your visitors have an impeccable stay:

A Place to Rest Their Head

A comfy bed can make or break your company’s stay. Make sure your guests are provided with clean sheets and extra pillows/blankets. You do not want them to be too warm or too cold; therefore, provide them with a complete set of sheets and additional items to make their stay welcoming. They can feel awkward asking for more items, so make sure you provide above and beyond what they are expecting.

A Place to Unpack

Depending on your company’s stay, they may have clothes they need to be unpacked. Providing an adequate amount of storage whether in a dresser or closet space is a must. You may also want to give a hook on the back of the door for them to hang their jackets, purses, or hats. Do not be shy about giving them enough hangers because again, you want to provide extra and beyond their needs.

A Place to Recharge

Do not forget to provide the room with basic amenities. Remember to have a clock and provide enough outlets for your guest to be able to charge their electronics. You may even want to provide some phone chargers in the room as well. You can also make the room more enjoyable by adding a television, radio, and even Bluetooth speaker. Your guests will love the extra thought you put into the space and enjoy their getaway a little more.

Being a good host is satisfying, and creating the perfect guest room is a fun challenge. Do not overcrowd the room with décor, but remember that less is more. We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks. For more expert ideas, visit us at Fulton Homes.

Helpful Tips for Making Fresh Flowers Last Longer

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We just love fresh cut flowers as most people do. They bring a smile to our face and make one think of nature and all it has to offer. Whether you have received flowers from your significant other or you just purchased a bouquet from the market, we have some tips below that will help to keep them around longer to enjoy! 

Always Trim Stems

As soon as you receive, trim the bottom of the stems about ½ inch with sharp scissors and cut at an angle. Make sure that any blooms or leaves are not underwater, cut these off. This will keep the water cleaner and your flowers will last longer. If they do start to droop just trim the bottom of the stems off again.

Choose The Perfect Vase

Next, you will want to head into the kitchen and start looking for a suitable vase like mason ars or anything decorative that can hold water and the flowers. If you have that beautiful crystal vase or that amazing hand-made piece of pottery, these can be beautiful options for your flowers’ home.

Clean Vase

This step is so important for your flowers to last. Before using a vase wash it in detergent, hot water with a little white vinegar to kill any and all bacteria. If you don’t do this your flowers won’t last hardly anytime. You need to empty, rewash and refill with clean water at the first sign of murky water. 

Where to Place?

Experts recommend keeping fresh flowers out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat. Heat will cause your flowers to crumple up and fade quickly. Also, keep in mind that fruit emits a gas called ethylene which will cause your flowers to live a shorter life cycle; therefore, keep fruits away from fresh cut flowers.

Fill in with New Flowers

When some flowers start to fade simply go to the market and buy a new bouquet for under $ 10. Remove the faded flowers and fill in with new ones. Now is the perfect time to add a little extra greenery from the new bouquet. Also, we recommend washing the vase out with detergent and vinegar to kill any bacteria. 

What are your favorite indoor flowers? 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!

How to Keep Houseplants Healthy

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While greenery is a great way to spice up your decor, most homeowners shy away from living plants because it can be a challenge to manage them. According to the experts, keeping houseplants happy may not be as difficult as it seems; you just need to be attentive to their basic needs. If you are thinking of purchasing houseplants, here are some great tips for taking care of them.

Know Your Specific Plant 

While all plants need water, sunlight, and food to survive, not all plants are the same. They all require different amounts of these essentials. In fact, some plants thrive more from indirect sunlight whereas other plants need dry soil and a lot of sunlight to stay healthy. Be sure to select a houseplant that can survive and thrive off the amount of sunlight you can provide it.

Prevent Pests 

When you notice that pests have infiltrated your plants, it is important to take care of the problem immediately, or it can potentially spread to other plants. The key to preventing pest problems is to take steps to stop them from entering your home in the first place. Before buying plants, check them for insects and even diseases. Every time you water your plants you should check them for insects, and take a look at their general health.

Consistent Flow of Water 

Providing a consistent flow of water is necessary for the survival of your houseplants. What many people do not know is that periods of drought and flood will put stress on the roots of the plant. A lot of plants need their roots to be consistently moist. On the other hand, there are some plants whose roots prefer to be dried out a bit between watering cycles. Read up on the new plants that you bring into your home so you can formulate an appropriate watering schedule.  

Keep Them Clean 

It is also essential to keep your plants clean. Grime and dirt do not just look bad on plants, but it can harm the health of your plants. Dust will eventually clog the pores of a plant making it difficult for the plant to breathe. You can use insecticidal soap to keep the leaves clean.  

Which houseplant is your favorite? We would love to hear in the comment section.

Everything You Need to Know about Recycling

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Your recycling efforts are beneficial to the environment, the community, and the future of our planet. Creating a recycling plan for your household can help with the sustainability of our earth. The best part about recycling is that it is easier than many homeowners may believe. If you are a beginner, we have compiled a list of tips to help you with your recycling efforts. Let’s take a look!

  1. Know Why You Recycle. A significant part of recycling is understanding the impact waste, and greenhouse gas emissions have on our environment. Recycling can decrease the amount of waste we send to landfills, help to protect our natural resources, cut back on pollution, save energy, and it can lessen greenhouse gas emission. Recycling takes your products/materials and repurposes them.
  2. Know How to Recycle. You will need to check with your community to see what specific items you can recycle. We have compiled a list of the most common items that can be recycled but always check with your city to see if they will accept these items:
      • Paper. The United States Environmental Agency states that “30% of trash generated each year is paper. This is more than any other material.” When you recycle paper, it helps make new paper products, save our trees, and other natural resources. When you are purchasing new paper, look to see if it is made from recycled materials.
      • Batteries. Typically, communities do not recommend homeowners to throw away their batteries because they can contain heavy metals. The best choice is to recycle your batteries.
      • Plastic. The amount of plastic Americans use each year is alarming. In 2014, we used 33 million tons of plastic and only 9.5% of that was recycled according to The EPA.
      • Glass. Glass is an extremely reusable resource. It can usually be recycled at your local community curbside site.

3. Know When and Where to Recycle. Some cities offer recycling bins that can be picked up weekly at your house and other communities offer central drop off locals for homeowners to drop off their materials.

It is important to take into consideration your global footprint. How are you contributing and affecting our earth? If you do not know, that is okay! Recycling can be a great start. Recycle when you think about it then eventually you can challenge yourself to recycle more often.

Lock Down Your Laundry Room’s Organization

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Get your laundry locked down this winter with our guide to mastering your laundry room’s organization and functionality. With four quick and easy tips, you can have a full-functioning laundry room in no time! Let us get started.

Tip No. 1: Add Hooks and an Extra Clothing Rod.

Your laundry room’s organization can contribute to how often you use it. If you find yourself running out of space for clothing, be sure to install hooks and even an extra clothing rod. These simple solutions can make using your space a whole lot easier.

Tip No. 2: Make It Multipurpose.

Laundry rooms are not just laundry rooms nowadays. They can hold a lot of different uses and functions for busy homeowners. Making your laundry room a multipurpose space can help you maximize your time and save room in other areas of your house. You can create a mudroom in your laundry room by adding some lockers, or maybe you need a home office; therefore, you would want to add a desk. Whatever you need, you can look at the available space in your laundry room and go for it!

Tip No. 3: Let The Storage Be Open.

Open storage is a great idea for homeowners that struggle with staying organized. Having all of your items out in the open will force you to maintain a well-kept area. Open-faced cabinets can be a great solution if you find yourself struggling to stay organized. Simply remove the cabinet doors from your cabinetry, and you have created custom open-storage.

Tip No. 4: Add Your Heart’s Desires.

There is no reason to hold back on your wildest laundry room dreams with inexpensive DIY projects. If you have always wanted something in your laundry room, find a do-it-yourself project and start it! There are a ton of hacks and user-friendly guides that are available online. You do not have to limit yourself anymore. Go ahead and create a folding station by adding a wood block overtop of your washer and dryer. Maybe you have always wanted a clothing line! It can be easily installed from one wall to the other. Whatever your heart desires, do not hold back in your design. Find an easy project and go for it.

We hope that these four tips and tricks help you to stay organized. For more organizational tips and expert advice, be sure to check out our blog hub at Fulton Homes.

How to Organize Your Garage

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You may store your cars, boxes, tools, or miscellaneous items in your garage and that is absolutely okay. But we want to help you take your unorganized garage and transform it into a fully functional space. Here are six ideas to organize your garage:

Metal Chain Organizer: Attach a hook to your garage wall then hang one end of a metal chain onto it. Tightly wrap up your garden hose and secure it on the metal chain. Attach the other side of the metal chain to your hook and voila, no more tangled garden hoses. It is just that easy.

Window Planter Storage: If you find yourself with a lot of little, miscellaneous items, try using a window planter for storage. You can store things like car wash supplies, spray cans, and gardening tools.

Old Lockers Transformed: Lockers are not just meant for books and backpacks, but they are perfect for storing all garage-worthy items. Touch them up with a nice coat of spray paint, and they will look brand new.

Rethink Old Golf Bags: Before you toss out your old golf bag, use it for storing larger items like racks and shovels. You can even utilize the smaller pockets for things like gardening tools and gloves.

Tipped-Over Filing Cabinet: Transform your old filing cabinet into a storage bin by turning it over on its side. Have the drawers facing up then remove the physical drawers from the cabinet. You will be left with four open basins to fill with all your garage supplies like racks, shovels, and mops. If you are looking for a more aesthetically appealing organizer, try to spray paint it a fun summer color to bring beauty into your garage.

Mason Jars: Store all your tiny screws and nails in one place with mason jars. You can even purchase them in a variety of sizes for different projects. You will never lose track of your nails again with this quick fix.

We hope you enjoyed these garage organizing tips and tricks. How do you keep your garage organized? We would love to hear from you in the comment section.

Office Organization Tips for Your Home or Workplace

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Your home or work office may not be living up to its full potential. Maybe you have not had time to buy a filing system, or your junk drawer is getting more significant as the days go on, but we are here to help. No matter which office you are trying to organize, you can take these four tips to maximize its functionality and usability. Let’s get started:

How to Organize Your Office (Home or Work):

Tip No. One: Separate Your Supplies.

Designate a specific area in your office for everything. Spend time organizing your office supplies and separating them into specific groups. Have your papers (sticky-notes, notepads, reams of paper), writing utensils (pens, pencils, markers, highlighters), and other materials in groups of a kind.  Once you have separated the items, place them into drawers that maximize your movement. Put the office supplies that you frequently use within an arm’s reach. This will help you to be more productive at work.

Tip No. Two: Remove Excess Paper from Your Desktop.

Only allow yourself to keep the bare minimum on your desktop. Remove all expired sticky-notes and space wasters. Try to limit yourself to the essentials (pens, paper, calendar, telephone, computer, etc.) The less you have on your desktop; the less stress you will have when you are trying to find something.

Tip No. Three: Install a Shelving System.

Think about all the wasted space on your walls that you could have used for storage. Make sure it is okay with your company before you drill into the walls, but try and incorporate a storage system. You can place binders, books, and reams of paper on the shelves and free up space on your desktop.

Tip No. Four: Use Your Technology.

Instead of owning a thousand papers and filing them in your actual office, make a digital copy on your computer. We only recommend doing this for paperwork that is not extremely important. You can create folders on your computer to store all of your paperwork. Just simply scan them onto your desktop.

We hope you enjoyed these quick and easy tips for organizing your office! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.