Category Archives: Uncategorized

Do-It-Yourself Christmas Décor for the Whole Family

Posted on by

It is Christmas time, and we are getting to spend more time with our loved ones. Use this opportunity to help build memories by participating in fun activities featuring creative DIY Christmas décor. Plus, you can let the children join in to make it an all-around fun family activity. Enjoy the spirit of Christmas throughout your home with these five simple DIY Christmas décor ideas:

Ornaments

There are hundreds of fun ways to decorate your tree. You can color-theme your ornaments, add candy canes, pictures, garland, and so much more. Personalize your tree, even more, this year by adding your own bulbs. Get the family together, and have everyone can paint their own bulbs. You can draw cool patterns or funny pictures. This idea is an excellent activity for the whole family. Plus, you will have the memory for years to come.

Mini Wreaths

Mini wreaths are fun, festive décor pieces that you can be used throughout your whole home. Plus, there are hundreds of creative ways in which you can make these wreaths. From rosemary, pinecones, cranberries, marshmallows, and even garland, you can let everyone put their own original spin on their wreaths.

Decorate the Stockings

Decorating your stockings is another excellent way to prepare for the holidays. You can even make stockings for your pets and get creative. Use glitter glue, paint, and other artsy accessories to personalize each stocking! After you are all done, make sure to display them on your fire mantle for everyone to see (and for Santa to find)!

Paper Snowflakes

Are you looking for an expensive do-it-yourself project? Try making paper snowflakes. Simply fold a paper into fourths and cut out a unique design. When you are done, hang your snowflakes around the home with string to make your own Christmas wonderland.

Gingerbread House

Gingerbread men and houses are fun for all ages. Let everyone decorate and create their very own gingerbread man/woman. You can all work together, putting your own touches onto the gingerbread house as well. Display the house and cookies and enjoy eating them after the holiday!

These fun activities can help you start getting into the holiday mindset. Use this time to bond and spend time with your loved ones. These activities are great and fun for the whole family. What are some of your favorite seasonal projects? Let us know below in the comment section and remember to subscribe!

Tips and Tricks for Decluttering Your House

Posted on by

Certain areas in your home can quickly become cluttered and never seem to look organized. While this can hurt any room’s visual aesthetics and make rooms feel uninviting, by creating a weekly declutter program, you can spend once a week keeping areas in your home in check. Plus, it can be as simple as a task to throw on top of your current chores. To help, we made an easy checklist to make sure vulnerable areas in your home stay mess free this spring.

Entryway

Your entryway is your home’s first impression. Unhung coats, messy shoe areas, and keys can wreak havoc on these areas. Try to find time at least once a week to organize this area. Everything should have an assigned spot. You can also spend this time shaking out your welcome mat and dusting/mopping the area if it gets dirty from constant traffic.

Refrigerator

If you buy your food weekly, it is essential to keep the refrigerator and freezer clean and throw away any old foods. These can not only add to the clutter but can begin to make the fridge smell bad. When you buy new foods, make sure you are eating the oldest foods first. Scheduling your weekly fridge clean out on the same day you go grocery shopping can help you stay organized when you get your food.

Trash

Another important area in the home is your trash and recycling. These areas can begin to smell bad as well if not kept in weekly maintenance. If you throw away foods early in the week, consider wrapping them to prevent the spoiling items from making the whole house smell. Your trash should be scheduled for weekly disposal to keep your home from becoming messy.

Closet

Laundry is another area in the home that can be a daunting task but can quickly clutter an area. Make sure you schedule weekly or biweekly times to do your laundry. You should organize your empty hangers throughout the week to make it more convenient when hanging your clothes.

Coffee Table

Coffee tables can easily become the main focal point of living rooms and dens. Make sure you do not clutter them with mail and magazines. These areas should be cleaned weekly, if not daily. Always take your coffee cups and wash them after use. Consider the time it can take if you allow this area to get out of hand. Staying on top of this area’s maintenance is imperative to a functional design.

Experts believe that it can help to write down the days you plan on keeping these areas decluttered. Put them in your calendar until they become an automatic habit.

How to Repurpose Your Old Candle Jars

Posted on by

Candles are great, but would not they be better if we could reuse the jars? Actually, candle jars are an item that can be easily repurposed. The best part is that you do not have to be a craft wizard to master it. Once the candles are repurposed, they become fantastic containers for extra storage. You can place the jars on your countertops to hold q-tips, cotton swabs, floss, etc. Plus, you are not paying any extra money for a cute, stylish container. If you are eager to learn how to repurpose your candle jars, you came to the right place! 

The Supplies Needed:

  • 1 Candle Jar (Size May Vary)
  • Goo Gone
  • Boiled Water
  • An Old Butter Knife

1. Know When to Repurpose Your Candle.

Wait to repurpose your candle until your candle has fully lived its life. There will be a small amount of wax at the bottom of your candle that is unable to burn. Once your candle has hit this point, you can begin the process.

2. Make Gentle Cuts into The Wax.

Do not apply too much pressure on the glass, because it can break or get damaged. Make small incisions throughout the wax until it begins to break into pieces. Continue this process until all the wax has been broken up then throw away the excess wax.

3. Add Your Boiling Water.

Gently pour your boiling water about 1/4 of the way up the jar. Let the water sit in the container until the metal wicks loosen. You will also notice that excess wax will begin to release from the bottom of the jar. Remove the metal wicks with a pair of kitchen tongs or your butter knife. Be cautious since you poured boiling water into the glass jar. 

4. Remove The Label.

Now it is time to remove candle’s label. Removing the label is pretty simple, you will just need to peel it off. Unfortunately, it leaves behind residue, so this is where your Goo Gone will come in handy. If you have leftover residue, run the jar under hot water.

5. Fill The Jar.

Finally, you have a clear container to store all your items. Now when you are complimented on your cute jars, you can tell all your friends that you repurposed them all by yourself.

Why spend money on buying storage containers when you create your own from items you already have around the house? 

We hope you enjoyed this simple DIY guide. Be sure to check out our other posts here.

Is The Bedroom The New Living Room?

Posted on by

Do you find yourself spending more time in your bedroom than the living room? There is no wonder why; after all, the bedroom is our resting place and the ultimate space for comfort, safety, and solitude. Gone are the days where the bedroom was just a space to rest your head at the end of a long day. Which leads us to this question: Is the bedroom becoming the new living room?

Here are three good reasons why we are beginning to believe that the answer to that question is a “yes:”

1. Limited Space

Many people, especially city dwellers do not have an allocated living room due to the limited square footage. In fact, rental property prices have increased so much that many individuals have homes where the bedroom and living room function as both, such as in studio apartments. With clever furniture arrangements, this can easily be pulled together. Multipurpose furniture can also offer the same value as a living room, giving homeowners flexibility when it comes to space. 

2. Comfort and Casualness

These days home decor trends embrace comfort and casualness more than sophistication. People are investing in furniture that is breathable and casual like laid-back loungers as opposed to high-backed Victorian style furniture. Creating livable spaces is crucial and this same concept is often applied to the bedroom where we tend to eat, sleep, lounge and even work.  

Yes, most bedrooms have been designed to be an open sanctuary where even a guest can enter and relax. Just think, our bedrooms have almost everything we need to be comfortable. 

3. Soft Inviting Materials

From the plush pillows lining the headboard to the soft rugs on the floor, when designed correctly, our bedroom should embody coziness. Such inviting materials incite feelings of contentment, comfort and is guaranteed to make your guests feel welcomed into the bedroom.  

4. Multifunctional Furniture

It is common to see some living room-style furnishing in a bedroom. For instance, it is common to see a small sofa in the bedroom or a designated sitting area. Furnishing your room with pieces like a comfy couch and television set is bound to further create the ultimate living space. 

What are your thoughts? Are bedrooms becoming the new living room? We would love to hear what you have to think below in the comment section. Thanks for reading! 

Tips to Make Your New Home Feel Like Home

Posted on by

When you move into your new house, several elements make a house feel like home. A house is generally a building in which one lives in, but a home provides comfort, security, and pleasure. Knowing that you are home has the context that your dwelling establishment and you have an emotional connection. There are many ways we build a relationship with our homes. When you first move in, you may have a connection by helping with the design and the construct. Here are several easy ways to quickly turn your new house into your cozy home:

Implement Emotionally Attached Furniture
When you move into your new home, bringing in all your other home’s old goods can quickly make it feel more intimate. Adding your already-loved furniture can have a significant impact on the feel of the space. There is nothing wrong with adding new furniture to your home, but even including your personal design and taste can help make your house feel more tailormade for you. Hang pictures of loved ones and add splashes of your favorite colors to your décor for more personalization. Designing your rooms can quickly establish a bond between you and the house.

Create New Memories
Your old home had memories which will be there forever, but your new home will have many to come. Start by inviting over family and friends. Hosting events is a great way to break in the comfort of your new home. You can obtain a more personal connection with your house when you begin to create a more welcoming environment for others. You can open a world of possibilities and memories when you start to host events and catering to friends and family.

Enjoy Your Surroundings
Home is where the heart is. Your home is not limited to your dwelling but the surrounding environments. Fulton Homes has located all their homes in conveniently-placed spots from easy freeway access to nearby shopping. Take advantage of the neighborhood and explore your new area. Change can be difficult at first but the sooner you adapt to your new accommodations, the quicker you will build a stronger love for your new home.

Developing this bond will not take long at all. The longer you stay, the stronger your bond will become. Enjoy your new living experience and home. Take advantage of the new amenities your space provides and get cozy. Adding different attributes of hygge will help add comfort and strength to the warm feeling your home will provide.

Tips for Getting Scale Right in Your Decor

Posted on by

When decorating a room in your home, having a good understanding of scale can be important because it can make or break the room’s design. If you do not already know, scale is the visual representation of space and how it relates to the size of the room, and it’s objects. Just think. The size of a couch in the living room is relative to the size of the end table that sits beside it. If the sofa is complementary to the other furniture used in the room, it can throw the entire design off balance. If setting visual harmony is vital to you, here is how you can use scale appropriately:
 
When Bigger is Better
In the design world, experts push the fact that bigger is better. However, bigger is only better when the walls are long or large. Often, when working with such generous space, you may be tempted to fill it with furniture or create a gallery with pictures and artwork on the walls. This is not always the best idea. When working with expansive walls, a single statement piece of artwork can be ideal for the amount of visual space that you seek to occupy.
 
Does It Overpower The Space
Whether you are picking out artwork or furniture, you should analyze whether the element really works with the colors used in the room and how it relates to the other accessories and furniture. For example, a large beautiful piece of artwork may look great on your walls, but its boisterous scale could compete with the furnishing used in the room or overwhelm the smaller objects in front of it.
 
Selecting The Right Size Seating
Just because the room is small does not mean the furniture has to be the little as well. Even a sectional sofa can look great in a smaller room, depending on how you use the space. When determining the right scale of seating, you will need to think about the complementary pieces in the room such as the coffee table, side table, and lamps.
 
For larger seating options like a big sofa or a sectional, you can scale it by opting for smaller, less busy accent chairs. On the other hand, if you have a loveseat-sized sofa, then you should consider scaling it up by choosing broader accent pieces.
 
We hope you learned a little something about scale and its role in room design. For more expert tips and tricks, be sure to check back weekly. Thanks for reading!
 

Inexpensive Ways to Dress Up Your Landscape

Posted on by

As homeowners, it’s essential for your outdoor space to look just as good as the interior. So if you’ve been investing some work into your garden we know that know landscape is complete without accessories. After you’ve watered the flowers, treated the soil and repainted the fence it’s time to add the finishing touches.

 

Your garden may be beautiful and full of life. It’s clear that it needs something else. From outdoor furniture to water fixtures there are numerous trendy accessories you can use to add some style to your landscape.

 

Landscape Lighting

Perhaps one of the best ways you can create a stunning landscape is to implement a lighting scheme. You can strategically string Christmas lights or you can invest in more inventive lighting solutions. When shopping for landscape lighting you’ll have to first determine what type of illumination you are seeking. Do you desire soft, romantic lighting or do you need lighting for security reasons?

 

Garden Border

No garden is complete without a well-designed border to protect your hard work. Yes, by installing a simple border you can instantly add appeal to the area. A well-crafted garden border with a nice design will attract the eye.

 

Planters

Elegant planters are a must-have accessory for your garden. They will add some life to your dull garden.  Be sure to choose planters that complement both the overall design of your home.  The great thing about planters is that you don’t have to just place them in your garden. You can set them up around the pool, by the windows and along the fence.  You can even plant more exotic foliage in your planters so that when they grow out it creates a unique look in your landscape.

 

Ornaments

Ornaments, sculptures and other types of accents are a form of garden art that adds interest all year round to the landscape. Whether you’re interested in using faeries, gnomes or animal ornaments, do so sparingly.  Overdecorating with ornaments will make your landscape look cluttered and tacky. Therefore, select a few quality pieces to adorn your landscape with. 

Clean Your Garden Tools

Posted on by

If you are like us, the beginning of spring marks the enjoyable start of planting and gardening. Gardening can help relieve any stress brought on by intense spring cleaning, but we must not neglect cleaning our gardening tools. Begin your season off right with fresh, sparkling tools by following these easy tips: 

 

  • Muddy Tools: Remove all dirt and mud from your gardening tools by hosing them off with a high-powered garden hose. If excess dirt remains, you can use a putty knife to scrape off extra dirt. 
  • Rusty Tools: Tools seem to get rust over the years, but we can fight back against rust by scrubbing them with steel wool. 
  • Sticky Tools: Place a small amount of mayonnaise on a white cloth to remove sap and goo from your tools.
  • Exposed Tools: Sometimes, plants get sick with fungal or bacterial diseases. It is important that you do not transfer this disease to any other plant. Clean your tools with a bleach-free disinfectant wipe to ensure sanitation.  

 

Soaking Bucket: After you have removed any dirt, rust or goo from your tools, place them in a bucket with hot water and dish soap. Let the tools sit for about ten minutes before removing them from the soaking bucket. Take out the tools then rinse them off with warm water. You will need to dry your tools with an old rag to prevent future rust. 

 

Cleaning Bin: Instead of waiting to clean your tools, you can create a quick cleaning bin by combining a medium size bag of sand with one cup of vegetable oil. After you use your tools, place them in the sand bucket and let them sit overnight. The sand bucket will help any mud or dirt come loose from your tools and make any future cleaning easier on you.

 

Now you never have to neglect any of your gardening tools again with these easy tips. Do you have any tool cleaning tricks up your sleeve? We would love to hear about how you keep your garden tools and supplies clean in the comment section below.

Painted Cabinets Make Kitchen Light and Bright

Posted on by

kitchen-2w

When you’re designing your new Fulton Kitchen, it’s worth considering painted cabinets. They add a light and inviting look to your food preparation space, and keep everything feeling light and bright. With lighter countertops and under-cabinet lighting like this kitchen in the Caravan model in Central Vermont at Cooley Station, the entire room is designed to create a supportive mood that makes it easy to spend time in this kitchen.

There are still a few darker elements for contrast, like the oven and microwave and the comfortable stools at the pull-up eating area on the island. Accessories also add nice pops of color. But the overall mood is light and easy on the eyes.kitchen-1w

Notice how the accent wall, shown at the back of this photo going into the dining area, provides another contrasting element. At the same time the white dining chairs connects this space with the kitchen.

This is a smart connection between the two spaces, linking them both while still providing a source of much-appreciated contrast. The darker wall also supports a cozy ambiance which is appreciated in a dining space. Notice also the colorful tablescape where the accessories link it to the island. These choices make a home look more like a designed space rather than creating a more scattered feeling. kitchen-6w

Don’t be afraid to mix dark and painted wood. You can see how well it works with this dining table and chair set. The shabby-chic effect on the painted chairs keeps them from seeming too matchy-matchy with the cabinets while still creating a link. While the painted chairs bring the painted kitchen cabinet feel into the space, the dark stained wood echoes other pieces used in the rest of the home. This type of mixing allows you to add just a few new pieces without having to discard the bulk of your furniture if you choose to go in a different style or color direction with your new home.

kitchen-5w

Take a look at another way this kitchen provides contrast without going dark. The addition of one glass-fronted cabinet in the corner adds a welcome and interesting break in the line of top cabinets. Both the height difference and the contrast of the glass add a welcome change in the design. And limiting the glass front to only one cabinet is also a smart budget strategy, because window doors are more expensive. They also require you to maintain tidier cabinets, which can be a nuisance.

kitchen-4w

In another opportunity to add an interesting contrast, the island is a soft grey/taupe rather than white. This color works well with the chosen countertops and the flooring, yet it helps the island feel like something special. Choosing a different cabinet color for your island is daring, yet as you can see it can work well.

One reason this color choice works is because the same taupe is echoed in the kitchen’s backsplash. If you notice, the mid-range tone is a close match for the island cabinet color. When you can find ways to make those kinds of connections, you will end up with a kitchen that feels integrated and well thought out.kitchen-3wIt’s interesting to realize that there are actually three fairly strong patterns present in this kitchen: the flooring, the countertops and the backsplash. You can see all three in the photo above. This could easily feel like too much if the contrast within or among the patterns was stronger. Imagine these same patterns in vivid reds and oranges! But because they are all gentle and light in color, the number of patterns isn’t overwhelming. In fact, you almost need these patterns to keep the kitchen interesting. In a way, the patterns take the place of a stronger light/dark contrast you would see in some other kitchens.

Here’s the final interesting design decision with this light bright kitchen. The rest of the open floorplan was designed to focus your eyes in that direction. The diagonal flooring draws the eye toward the kitchen, and the brightness of the space contrasts with the mid-range colors of the dining and family room to draw you toward the light just like a sunflower turning to face the sun. kitchen-7w

The rest of the home is warm and welcoming, with other white elements that mimic the light kitchen such as the sofas in the family room as you can see above. But linking it all, the heart of this home, is the light and bright kitchen, made for a family to live in, eat in, and spend time together in, and above all, enjoy. And that’s the best use you can make of a kitchen, isn’t it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Organizational Mistakes

Posted on by

Organizing your home can be a hefty task, but it becomes even more difficult if you are unconsciously adding more work for yourself. Homeowners tend to create more work for themselves by doing these ten common organization mistakes:

  • Putting away items you use every day 

Counter space is there for you to display items you use regularly. Do not be afraid to leave kitchen appliances or personal toothbrushes out on your countertops. Utilize the space provided to leave out items that you use frequently. Placing the items in cabinets will create more hassle and take up valuable cabinet space. 

  • Letting food go to waste

Sometimes, homeowners can buy way more groceries than they need and end up letting food go to waste. Create a steady grocery list that you consistently stick with to discourage over shopping.

  • Misplacing mail & bills

Bills are a time sensitive item that emphasizes the importance of organization. Have a specific place to go through your mail.

  • Stuffing drawers with miscellaneous items

Do not allow your household to create a “junk drawer.” Create a place for everything and if there is not a place for something, consider its function and if it is necessary. 

  • Not providing a space for coats and shoes

Designate an area near the entrance/exit of your home for coats and shoes. If there is no space provided, people tend to leave their items lying around the home. 

  • Organizing for looks rather than function

A color coordinated closet is really impressive, but not extremely functional. Move the current season’s clothing to the front of the closet and the past season’s clothing to the back of the closet.

  • Having too many decorations

Decorating a home is one the best parts as a homeowner, but over decorating can look clutter. You have a limited amount of wall and counter space so make sure not to overpack your items. 

  • Not tackling laundry right away

Wear it then wash it: an important rule to live by. Try not to let laundry build up in your laundry room. It will cause you more work in the end. Plus, is not it nice to be able to wear whatever you want whenever you want because it is always clean. 

  • Making impulsive buys

We all do this. It is natural, but it can hurt your wallet. If you want to buy something, wait two days. If you are still thinking about the item, then you can buy it. Odds are that you will forget about the item because it does not serve a necessary purpose. 

  • Skipping “cleaning day” 

Starting cleaning day is the worst, but remember that ending it is the best! Do not be discouraged from cleaning your home weekly, because skipping one day can lead to skipping another.

 

Avoiding these ten common mistakes will lead to a more organized and efficient home. Let us know if you have any additional tips and tricks you would like to share in the comment section below.