Decorating with Your Colors

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11052685_SWhen you were little, chances are you didn’t limit yourself with color. Drawing with crayons, colored pencils or paints, most children will use almost every color in the box.

What happens when we grow up? Suddenly we seem to limit ourselves to a very few options from the rich selection available. Walk through your home and peek in your closet. How many of these colors can you find? Are you seeing lots of the grey, brown and black, or are you letting your bright side show?

8064776_SHere’s a low-risk introduction to more color. Throw pillows are inexpensive, portable and temporary. This room shows what it looks like when you dip your toe into color. It’s better, but it’s a pretty wimpy leap into the spectrum.

Take a look at the vignette below. Here colors play a starring role. The chest grabs six different hues from the pencils above, and the vases and pot add more. The neutral background and flooring and splashes of black simply showcase the colors more strongly.

8960162_SWhat was your favorite color as a child? Do you see it in your home? Purchase a box of crayons and count the colors you see in your life now. Have you accidently gone kind of taupe? It’s time to make a change.

Pick out your favorite crayons from the box and go shopping. Would you like a bright blue vase? How about a red glass bowl or a yellow side table? Have some candlesticks that you’re tired of – how about spray painting them all orange and setting them on a table together?

Bring your favorite colors back into your life – in your home and your wardrobe. You may be surprised at how well they brighten your days.

Decorating with Your Style

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12221608_SIf you want to determine your style, start with looking in the mirror. How do you wear your hair? What types of clothes do you like, casual or dressy? Do you tend to wear colors or neutrals?

You choose your personal style to represent who you really are. You may find yourself drawn to retro sundresses in bright cottons, or a simple silk shell and pencil skirt. For a man, would you feel more comfortable in polo shirts and khakis or a t-shirt and jeans? Evaluating your style is a good first step when planning your home, since your taste should be just as reflected in your surroundings as it is in your wardrobe. This woman demonstrates a classic retro-40s look, with high-fashion hat and gloves and a classic black and white dress. Luxury and careful planning also show in everything about this woman’s look. So, let’s determine what sort of space would suit her style.

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How about this room? Black and white starts the look, but it’s the style of the room that mirrors this woman. Notice the black chandelier. It’s classic, but the black updates the fixture and adds an unexpected level of sophistication.

The rug picks up the blond hair and the light flooring provides contrast with the white/ivory upholstered furniture. If this woman walked into this room, she would have just the right look for it.

Does your living room reflect your personal style? Remember that a home that matches your style comfort zone is a home that will make you happy.

 

Decorating with Your Imagination

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7413509_SSo… you want to create a room that captures the imagination, with an element/elephant or two to catch the eye. Let’s make it happen.

Does the room have a natural focal point? It might be a fireplace, a view through a window, or sometimes even something like a flat-screen television. (A tip here, don’t let it be a flat-screen television if you want people to do something in the room besides watch television.)

OK – let’s assume the answer to the focal point issue is no, or not really, or I don’t think so. Now it’s your job to create a focal point – something that draws attention immediately upon entering the room. You want something too big, too bold, too there, to ignore. Here’s the first quiz: What is the focal point in this room?

Got it in one! Now, how can you make sure your spark of imagination is just as emphasized in your own home? Think big, think colorful, think dramatic, think unusual. If you decide to be conservative here, you’re going to end up with a “sort-of” focal point. Imagine moving the elephant into the next room and replacing him with the plant on the left. You’re simply asking more of the poor plant than it can manage. The elephant, on the other hand, naturally draws attention.

The final piece – create a room that draws people to the focal point rather than distracting away from it. Too many colors, three or four elephants, or even one additional animal such as a monkey, and your focal point would almost disappear into the wall. And if you’ve taken the time and trouble to introduce an elephant into your décor, you shouldn’t waste him on a room that is too busy to show him off properly.

Any questions?

Welcome to Cooley Station – Amenities

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To do justice to Cooley Station, we’re showcasing the amenities using more photos in this blog. Whether you are young professionals, a family with growing children, or empty nesters, this masterplanned community, located in Gilbert, is designed with you in mind. Let’s take a look at some of the amenities available to our future homeowners.

1 beautiful common areas3 beautiful common areasHere are several examples of the common areas available for Fulton homeowners. With covered spaces, outdoor fireplaces, seating and lovely landscaping, these provide great locations for meeting neighbors and entertaining family and friends.

10 community pool8 community pool4 community poolThree community swimming pools provide a perfect place to bring your children during hot summer afternoons. Taking a dip in a pool in the evening can reduce stress and cool you off for the rest of the night.

Think about creating your own swimming schedule. Swimming and water aerobics are some of the best ways to build and maintain muscle strength without putting too much pressure on your joints.

6 lots of green space5 play structuresGreen areas give your eyes a break from desert landscaping and cool down the area. Best of all, the homeowner’s association maintains these spaces so you don’t have to mow lawns or pull weeds in the summer heat!

Parks offer multiple play areas and tot lots, with swings and other features to keep your active children or grandchildren entertained. These are great places for play dates with other toddlers in the area. And you will find one just a short walk from your Fulton Home.

11 ramadas7 barbequesPlanning a barbeque or picnic? Check out the Cooley Station grills and ramadas. Take an evening to play a game of pick-up basketball on a neighborhood court.

This community has been designed to give you opportunities to live fully, whatever your preferred amenities, with a minimal cost of only $111 a month in homeowner association dues. If you’re planning a trip to visit Cooley Station, take a few minutes to drive around and visit our shared spaces.

 

Welcome to Cooley Station – Santa Fe Models

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El Capitan ADo you enjoy exploring model homes? Then how about taking the opportunity to visit Fulton Homes’ newest community, Cooley Station? With three models and four designs set up for a quick move-in, if you are captured by one of the choices the Fulton team will work with you to get you ready to go in double-quick time.

The Santa Fe series has four home designs, with three of them available to view as models. All of these homes are two stories and feature courtyards that can be transformed into outdoor living spaces. The photo above shows the El Capitan, which offers 3 to 5 bedrooms, 3 baths with an open study, loft, and huge side courtyard. With the option that adds a studio and bathroom, the addition of 261 square feet of living space makes the total home size 2557 feet.Grand Canyon G

The next model, the Grand Canyon, has a first-floor master bedroom and the option of two to four more bedrooms on the second floor.

The home has three full baths and an option to add a fourth. It also features a large loft and side courtyard. This home starts at 2458 square feet, with the possibility of expanding the upper level by 437 square feet, adding either an extra two bedrooms or an additional master suite on the second floor.

Phoenix Express EThe third model, the Phoenix Express, is 2658 square feet with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. This home design offers a large open study, a loft, and a side courtyard. One option offers an expansion of the second floor loft, adding an inviting covered balcony.

All of the Santa Fe homes feature eight-foot interior doors, 18 inch ceramic tile, 36 inch maple cabinets, granite countertops, ceilings fans, window coverings and front yard landscaping and maintenance. We’d love you to come out and take a look!

 

Welcome to Cooley Station

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Cooley StationHow about Gilbert, Arizona for your new home? Gilbert, known for its small town feel with a big city appeal, has great shopping, restaurants, and excellent schools.

Fulton Homes selected Gilbert for its newest master-planned community, Cooley Station, for these reasons and many others. The neighborhood is only five minutes away from San Tan Mall, a wonderful source for some of the finest department stores in Arizona, such as Dillards and Macy’s, along exceptional national chains such as Best Buy and the Apple store.

Gordon Biersch, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Paradise Bakery, Johnny Rockets, and Blue Wasabi sushi are just a few of the enjoyable restaurants also available. Harkins Theaters provides the best in film viewing. This area of Gilbert has everything you need to live comfortably without traveling very far.

Cooley Station is designed to meet the needs of growing families, young professionals and empty nesters. Amenities are many and varied with choices to meet a variety of interests. while the HOA dues are just $111 per month.

All of the homes are designed with a side courtyard for an inviting outdoor area that is perfect for entertaining. This collection of two-story homes have landscaping designed for easy living: making them ideal for those who love to travel, with homes that work well for the “lock-and-leave” livestyle.

Cooley Station is located on Warner Road east of Higley Rd. and one mile north of the 202, making this an easy-to-get-to destination. We invite you to pay us a visit soon.

Preparing for Awesome: A Friend’s 24-hour Run to help fight ALS

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Trevor runningWe think all of our Fulton homeowners are awesome, and we’d like to tell you about one of them. Trevor Davenport understands the meaning of friendship, and it is his friendship with the Hom family (also Fulton homeowners) that led him to volunteer to run for 24 hours or 100 miles to raise money to fight ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig Syndrome.

Tony Hom was recently diagnosised with ALS and is facing many new challenges because of this vicious and incurable disease. Trevor is asking people to pledge a contribution for every mile he  runs( up to 100 miles), all of which will be donated to the ALS Association of Arizona. At present, the run is raising in excess of $30 per mile ($3,000).

At Fulton, we’re proud that Trevor chose one of our communities – Freeman Farms – to base his run. He and the many friends of the Hom family will be running/walking/cycling a 2-mile loop around the neighborhood on May 25th and 26th.

To learn more about the Hom family and Trevor’s efforts, or to donate to help Trevor support the ALS Association of Arizona, visit the following website: www.hom100.com.

Thank you, Trevor, for showing how powerful and caring Fulton neighbors can be. And if you live in Freeman Farms, you might want to take a minute from 9 a.m. on the 25th – 9 a.m. on the 26th to wave at Trevor as he runs by.

Fulton Homes Super Browse Night and Poco Verde Landscape: Arizona’s Premiere Landscape Company

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15149083_SFulton Homes is pleased to host another Super Browse Night at our Design Center this Thursday night from 5 – 8 p.m. We’re fortunate to have two great sponsors for the event: Poco Verde Landscape, Inc. and Bertazzoni appliances.

Join us this Thursday night to discover the rich selection of options available for your Fulton Home and sign up for a chance to win an iPad Mini.

Take the time during your visit to learn about Poco Verde Landscape, with over 30 years of experience serving the Valley of the Sun and over 45,000 residential and commercial projects completed.

With a Landscape Architect, Arizona Certified Nurseryman, Horticultural Specialists and Master Gardeners on staff, Poco Verde is prepared to help you develop the yard of your dreams.

Start by reviewing the inviting landscape packages available to you specifically developed for Fulton Homebuyers in your community. Then take the opportunity to talk with one of the knowledgeable Poco Verde specialists to determine how to create a landscape that meets your entertaining and aesthetic goals.

Outdoor features available through Poco Verde include fireplaces and fire pits, water features such as spas and fountains, decks of travertine and concrete pavers, barbecues and armadas, and whatever your imagination can dream of to make your outdoor space fulfill your goals. Enjoy looking through a portfolio of successful installations to start giving you some ideas for your own place.

Join us Thursday night from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Fulton Homes Design Center, 1241 West Warner Road, #106, Tempe, AZ. To find us turn south on Beck between Priest and Hardy. Turn right in the second driveway. We look forward to seeing you!

Fulton Home’s Super Browse Night & Bertazzoni: Italian Passion and Precision

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Bertazzoni factory This Thursday night May 16, join us for the Fulton Homes’ Super Browse night, with two great sponsors: Bertazzoni appliances and Poco Verde Landscape.

Spend the evening at the Fulton Homes’ Design Center, explore all of the incredible home options available, and enter for a chance at an iPad Mini.

Thursday offers a great opportunity to learn more about Bertazzoni, combining a passion for cooking at its best with a strong focus on engineering excellence. The family-owned and run business started in the late 19th century and has grown steadily due to their well-designed and crafted equipment made for the serious home cook.

Paolo-Elizabetta BertazzoniPaolo Bertazzoni and his sister Elizabetta are the newest generation to take responsibility for carrying on the family tradition. Under their lead, top Milan designers were brought in to polish the look of their appliances to the height of Italian elegance and finesse.

KBIS-Best-in-ShowWith a worldwide market, Bertazzoni brought its line of kitchen appliances to the United States in 2005, and Fulton Homes is proud to include them as valued options for your kitchen.

Take the time during our Super Browse Night on Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. to learn more about Bertazzoni’s exceptional line of kitchen appliances such as the award-winning segmented cooktop shown on the right. We’d like to thank Bertazzoni for sponsoring Super Browse Night this Thursday and providing the images in this post.

Design around your Needs

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2555983_SDo you want to help your children with their homework while you fix dinner? Then plan for homework space in or near your kitchen. Have pets? Consider durability and maintenance when planning your flooring. Are seniors with canes or walkers regular visitors to your home? You may want to choose a plan that provides a bathroom and guest bedroom on the first floor.

Before you make decisions about your home’s plan or design, take a minute to consider your current and future needs.

Many people today find themselves caring for children and parents or grandparents at the same time. When you plan your home, think about providing the options you may need if a family member needs to stay with you to recover from surgery or an accident.

Be sure to choose a home that gives you and your family plenty of opportunities to interact. Whether this means a dining area that encourages eating dinner together every night or a family room with a game table for board games in the evening depends upon your family patterns. As you plan your new home’s layout and design, talk to everyone in your family about what they love (and don’t love) about your current home and what they would like to have as part of the new one.

Think about your own needs too. Do you dream of having a deep comfy bathtub for taking a luxurious break from everything? Maybe outdoor space for your morning coffee is your top priority. How about closets and other kinds of storage?

Design around your needs and your new home will be comfortable and enjoyable for everyone in your family.